About The Song
Rod Stewart's rendition of "Tom Traubert's Blues (Waltzing Matilda)" is a compelling interpretation of Tom Waits' original masterpiece. Featured on Stewart's 1971 album "Every Picture Tells a Story," this song showcases the singer's emotive and raspy vocals, bringing a unique touch to an already powerful composition. Tom Waits wrote the song, and Stewart's cover captures the essence of Waits' storytelling prowess while adding his own distinctive style to the narrative.
The lyrics of "Tom Traubert's Blues" narrate a poignant tale of loss, despair, and the struggles of life. Tom Waits' narrative prowess shines through as he weaves a vivid story that unfolds against the backdrop of "Waltzing Matilda," an Australian folk song. The character of Tom Traubert becomes a symbol of the downtrodden and disheartened, seeking solace in the midst of life's hardships. Stewart's interpretation preserves the raw emotion of Waits' storytelling, and his gravelly voice adds a layer of authenticity to the character's struggles, making it a standout track in both artists' repertoires.
Musically, Stewart's version of "Tom Traubert's Blues" is a testament to the power of interpretation and arrangement. The song begins with a mournful bagpipe solo, setting a somber tone that permeates the entire track. The use of unconventional instruments, such as the accordion and mandolin, creates a rich and textured sonic landscape. Stewart's vocal delivery, characterized by its gravelly and soulful quality, complements the song's narrative, adding a layer of sincerity that connects with the listener on an emotional level. The song's unconventional instrumentation and Stewart's heartfelt interpretation contribute to its enduring appeal.
The emotional resonance of "Tom Traubert's Blues" is heightened by Stewart's ability to convey vulnerability and authenticity through his performance. As the song progresses, the intensity builds, culminating in a powerful and soul-stirring climax. Stewart's vocal delivery, combined with the evocative instrumentation, creates a sense of catharsis that resonates with the listener. The song becomes a journey of emotions, mirroring the highs and lows of life's struggles, and Stewart's ability to infuse his rendition with such depth elevates it to a timeless masterpiece.
In conclusion, Rod Stewart's cover of "Tom Traubert's Blues" is a masterful interpretation that pays homage to the storytelling brilliance of Tom Waits while showcasing Stewart's vocal prowess and emotive depth. The song's narrative, set against a backdrop of unconventional instrumentation, captures the essence of the human experience with its struggles, heartbreaks, and moments of transcendence. Stewart's ability to infuse the song with authenticity and soul elevates it to a level of artistry that transcends genres and time, making "Tom Traubert's Blues" a timeless classic in the rich tapestry of both artists' musical legacies.
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Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Wasted and wounded
And it ain't what the moon did
I got what I paid for now
See you tomorrow
Hey Frank, can I borrow
A couple of bucks from you to go
Waltzing Matilda, waltzing Matilda
You'll go waltzing Matilda with me
I'm an innocent victim
Of a blinded alley
And I'm tired of all these soldiers here
No one speaks English
And everything is broken
And my strength is soaking away to go
Waltzing Matilda, waltzing Matilda
You'll go waltzing Matilda with me
Now the dogs they are barking
And the taxi cab's parking
A lot they can do for me
I begged you to stab me
You tore my shirt open
And I'm down on my knees tonight
Old bushills I staggered
You buried the dagger
Your silhouette window light, to go
Waltzing Matilda, waltzing Matilda
You'll go waltzing Matilda with me
Now I've lost my St. Christopher
Now that I kissed her
And the one-armed bandit knows
And the maverick Chinaman
With the cold-blooded smile
And the girls down by the striptease shows go
Waltzing Matilda, waltzing Matilda
You'll go waltzing Matilda with me
No, I don't want your sympathy
Fugitives say
That the streets ain't for dreaming now
Manslaughter dragnet
And the ghost that sells memories
Want a piece of the action anyhow, go
Waltzing Matilda, waltzing Matilda
You'll go waltzing Matilda with me
And you can ask any sailor
And the keys from the jailor
And the old men in wheelchairs know
That Matilda's the defendant
She killed about a hundred
And she follows wherever you go
Waltzing Matilda, waltzing Matilda
You'll go waltzing Matilda with me
And it's a battered old suitcase
In a hotel someplace
And a wound that would never heal
No prima donnas, the perfume is on
An old shirt that is stained with blood and whiskey
And goodnight to the street-sweepers
The night watchmen, flame-keepers
And goodnight, Matilda, too
Goodnight Matilda, too