Ice Cream Man
Tom Waits · Original Album Series [2011]
Sidewalk sundae strawberry surprise,
I got a cherry popsicle right on time
A big stick, mamma, that'll blow your mind
Cause I'm the ice cream man, I'm a one-man band (yeah)
I'm the ice cream man, honey, I'll be good to you.
Baby, missed me in the alley, baby, don't you fret
Come back around and don't forget,
When you're tired and you're hungry and you want something cool,
Got something better than a swimming pool
Cause I'm the ice cream man, I'm a one-man band
I'm the ice cream man, honey, I'll be good to you.
Cause I'm the ice cream man, I'm a one-man band
I'm the ice cream man, honey, I'll be good to you.
See me coming, you ain't got no change
Don't worry baby, it can be arranged:
Show me you can smile, baby just for me
Fix you with a drumstick, I'll do it for free
Cause I'm the ice cream man, I'm a one-man band
I'm the ice cream man, honey, I'll be good to you.
Be good to you, be good to you,
Good to you yeah, good to you yeah, good to you yeah, good to you yeah,
Good to you yeah, good to you, I'll be good to you, I'll be good to you...
About Ice Cream Man
Tom Waits' "Ice Cream Man" stands as a quintessential example of his gritty, noir-infused storytelling, capturing the weary soul of a street vendor navigating the harsh realities of urban life. Released on the *Original Album Series [2011]*, this track exemplifies Waits' signature blend of jazz-inflected rhythms, distorted vocals, and evocative imagery that defines his catalog. The song's atmosphere reflects the broader tradition of American blues and folk, yet Waits' unique delivery transforms it into a haunting portrait of loneliness and resilience. Musically, the recording showcases his mastery of creating immersive soundscapes where the voice acts as both narrator and instrument. While the specific lyrical narrative remains iconic within his discography, the emotional weight of the piece lies in its depiction of a character lost in the night. This work continues to resonate as a powerful testament to Waits' ability to capture the essence of forgotten figures in the American landscape, cementing his status as a visionary figure in alternative and roots music.