Adios Lounge

There's a song by Tom Waits called Adios Lounge.  Like most of his music, its more than just words and a melody.  There's a raw honesty in the songs he chooses to sing.  And in his edgy whiskey soaked voice, a trademark growl, he belts out the following chorus:

• Don't let nobody go there for you
• Don't be satisfied with a second-hand life
• Don't let nobody stifle or bore you
• Handle your troubles or take on your strife
• Don't let nobody live your life for you
• Not your friends, not your kids, no not even your wife
• If you want to know where the rainbow ends
• It's you who´ve got to go there and find it my friend

We each need to live our own lives, to find our own joys.  This song popped up on my mp3 player yesterday, and I've been addicted to it for the past two days now.  Because sometimes we all get into ruts, situations, habits and we forget that we're important too. 

You can listen to the tune here.

Just a reminder, my friend, that time passes much more quickly than we realize. 
What are you waiting for?
Its time to live for yourself.

If I Have to Go

"If I have to Go" is a song I've recently discovered, sung by Tom Waits, composed by Kathleen Brennan. (Thanks Prof, for sharing!!) Every now and then a song really speaks out. Not sure what the message I hear in this song is, and I'm sure everyone else hears or feels something different. But what I'm impressed by is this: Some music is wild and crazy, loud and rocking. But some of the best music is simple songs, with long, pure, clear notes. Like Chris Botti's Love Gets Old (listen here ). His jazz trumpet doesn't play a complex set of notes, just long, simple notes of pure pleasure. Tom Waits' song does this for me as well. It's tinked out with simple chords and an easy tune. (listen here )

and if I have to go
will you remember me?
or will you find someone else
while I'm away?

there's nothing for me
in this world full of strangers
its all someone else's idea
I dont belong here
and you can't go with me
you'll only slow me down

until I send for you
dont wear your hair that way
if you cannot be true
I'll understand

tell all the others
you hold in your arms
I said I'd come back for you

I'll leave my jacket
to keep you warm
that's all that I can do

and if I have to go
will you remember me?
will you find someone else
while I'm away?