Shiver Me Timbers
Tom Waits · Original Album Series [2011]
Leavin' all my friends
My body's at home
But my heart's in the wind
Where the clouds are like headlines
On a new front page sky
My tears are salt water
And the moon's full and high
And I know Martin Eden's
Gonna be proud of me
And many before me
Who've been called by the sea
To be up in the crow's nest
Singin' my say
Shiver me Timbers
Cause I'm a-sailin' away
And the fog's liftin'
And the sand's shiftin'
I'm driftin' on out
Ol' Captain Ahab
He ain't got nothin' on me, now.
So swallow me, don't follow me
I'm trav'lin' alone
Blue water's my daughter
'n I'm gonna skip like a stone
So please call my missus
Gotta tell her not to cry
Cause my goodbye is written
By the moon in the sky
Hey and nobody knows me
I can't fathom my stayin'
Shiver me timbers
Cause I'm a-sailin' away
And the fog's liftin'
And the sand's shiftin'
I'm driftin' on out
Ol' Captain Ahab
He ain't got nothin' on me
So come and swallow me, follow me
I'm trav'lin' alone
Blue water's my daughter
'n I'm gonna skip like a stone
And I'm leavin' my family
Leavin' all my friends
My body's at home
But my heart's in the wind
Where the clouds are like headlines
Upon a new front page sky
And shiver me timbers
Cause I'm a-sailin' away
About Shiver Me Timbers
Tom Waits' "Shiver Me Timbers" stands as a quintessential example of his gritty, blues-infused storytelling, capturing the raw energy of his New Orleans roots. Released on the *Original Album Series [2011]*, this track exemplifies Waits' signature style, blending jazz rhythms with a brooding, atmospheric delivery that defines his catalog. The song reflects his deep connection to the blues tradition, often featuring his distinctive vocal timbre and percussive instrumentation. As part of his broader body of work, it showcases his ability to weave narrative-driven lyrics with complex musical arrangements, creating an immersive soundscape that resonates with fans of roots rock and jazz. The recording remains a staple in discussions of Waits' influence on alternative and roots music, highlighting his unique approach to capturing the spirit of the American South.