Picking Up After You
Tom Waits · Other Songs - Tom Waits
Looks like a hurricane went through this room
Smells like a pool hall, where's my other shoe?
And I'm sick and tired of pickin' up after you
Looks like you spent the night in a trench
And tell me, how long have you been combing
Your hair with a wrench?
Blue roses are dead and the violets are too
And I'm sick and tired of pickin' up after you
Well, I've told you before, I won't tell you again
You don't defrost the icebox with a ball point pen
This railroad apartment is held together with glue
And I'm sick and tired of pickin' up after you
Because I know, I'm being swindled, I never bargained for this
Once more, you never cared about me
Why don't you get your own place, so you can live like you do?
And I'm sick and tired of pickin' up after you
Take all your relatives and all of your shoes
Believe me, I'll really swing when you're gone
I'll be living on chicken and wine after we're through
With someone, I pick up after you
With someone, I'll pick up after you
With someone, I pick up after you
With someone, I'll pick up after you
Picking Up After You
Tom Waits has long been celebrated for his ability to transform the mundane into the mythic, crafting a unique sonic landscape that blends blues, jazz, and experimental rock. 'Picking Up After You' stands as a testament to his signature style, characterized by a gravelly vocal delivery and a rhythmic sensibility that often leans toward the theatrical. While the track may not appear on his most commercially prominent studio albums, it reflects the consistent artistic vision found throughout his extensive discography. Waits' work frequently explores themes of urban decay, romantic longing, and the gritty realities of everyday life, all delivered with a distinct sense of humor and pathos. This recording captures the essence of his mature songwriting, offering listeners a glimpse into the rich tapestry of sounds that have defined his influential career in American music.