Hang Me In The Bottle

Tom Waits · Other Songs - Tom Waits

well you can hang me in a bottle like a cat

let the crows pick me clean but for my hat

where the wailing of a baby

meets the footsteps of the dead

we're all mad here

and the devil sticks his flag into the mud

Mrs Carol has run off with Reverend Judd

hell is such a lonely place

and your big expensive face will never last

have I told you all about the eyeball kid?

he was born alone inside a petri dish

he was born without a body or a brow

and you'll die with the rose still on your lips

and in time the heart-shaped bone that was your hips

and all the worms

they will climb the rugged ladder of your spine

we're all mad here

and my eyeballs roll this terrible terrain

and we're all inside a decomposing train

and your eyes will die like fish

and the shore of your face will turn to bone

hang me in a bottle like a cat

let the crows pick me clean but for my hat

where the wailing of a baby

meets the footsteps of the dead

we're all mad here

Hang Me In The Bottle

Tom Waits' 'Hang Me In The Bottle' exemplifies the gritty, narrative-driven songwriting that defines his extensive discography. Emerging from a period where Waits was refining his signature blend of blues, jazz, and experimental rock, the track captures the melancholic atmosphere often found in his work. The song reflects his ability to craft vivid character studies and atmospheric soundscapes without relying on conventional pop structures. As part of his broader body of work, it stands alongside other notable recordings that showcase his unique vocal delivery and percussive piano style. This piece remains a testament to Waits' enduring influence on alternative and singer-songwriter genres, offering listeners a glimpse into his distinctive artistic vision and storytelling prowess.