Better Off Without A Wife - Tom Waits cover

by Granfalloon

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about

A cover of the Tom Waits song 'Better Off Without A Wife' recorded especially for our mailing list in the run up to our set at the Waits appreciation gig at the Art Of Tea on 25th January 2018.

The song is from the semi-'live' album 'Nighthawks At The Diner' which has been a big influence on me as has all of Waits' music.

This is a very interesting song. The impetus and concept behind the song could be seen as sexist - however I've always interpreted the 'Wife' in this song to someone of any gender who cannot or will not allow the person they're in a relationship with to pursue the thing that brings them joy.

To me, a truly special love between two people allows them both to be who they really are and explore their passions with each other's support. I've been lucky to experience that and I feel this song celebrates that.

...Or it could be some clichéd tripe about bachelors and "Her Indoors" - but I choose not to read it that way.

lyrics

All my friends are married
Every Tom and Dick and Harry
You must be strong
To go it alone
Here's to the bachelors
And the Bowery bums
And the ones who feel that they're the ones
Who are better off without a wife

I like to sleep until the crack of noon
Midnight howling at the moon
Going out when I want to, coming home when I please
I don't have to ask permission
If I want to go out fishing
And I never have to ask for the keys

Never been no Valentino
Had a girl who lived in Wilmslow
Left me for a trumpet player
Didn't get me down
He was wanted for assault
Though he said it weren't his fault
Well the coppers rode him right
Out of town

I like to sleep until the crack of noon
Midnight howling at the moon
Going out when I want to, coming home when I please
I don't have to ask permission
If I want to go out fishing
And I never have to ask for the keys

You see I'm kind of selfish about my privacy
As long as I can be with me
We get along so well I can't believe
I love to chew the fat with folks
And listen to all your dirty jokes
I'm so thankful for these friends
I do receive

I like to sleep until the crack of noon
Midnight howling at the moon
Going out when I want to, coming home when I please
I don't have to ask permission
If I want to go out fishing
And I never have to ask for the keys

credits

released January 21, 2018
Richard Lomax - vox/guitar
Peer Van See - MicroJürg

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about

Granfalloon Manchester, UK

Manchester based composer and recordist. Lo-fi. Folk. Psych. Songs. Unusually long neck for a man my height.

Contact: info@granfalloonmusic.com

shows

Jul 16

Octagon Theatre

Bolton, UK
Aug 29

EBGBS

Liverpool, UK

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