Starving in the Belly of a Whale
Tom Waits · Other Songs - Tom Waits
Life's a riddle
Man's a fiddle that life plays on
When the day breaks
And the earth quakes
Life's a mistake all day long
You, tell me, who gives a good gooddamn
You'll never get out alive
Don't go dreaming
Don't go scheming
A man must test his mettle
In a crooked old world
Starving in the belly
Starving in the belly
Starving in the belly of a whale
'Fore you're Starving in the belly
Starving in the belly
Starving in the belly of a whale
Don't take my word
Just look skyward
They that dance must pay the fiddler
Sky is darkening
Dogs are barking
But the caravan moves on
You, tell me, who gives a good gooddamn
You'll never get get out alive
Don't go dreaming
Don't go scheming
A man must test his mettle
In crooked old world
Starving in the belly
Starving in the belly
Starving in the belly of a whale
Oh, you're starving in the belly
Starving in the belly
Starving in the belly of a whale
As the crow flies
It's there the truth lies
At the bottom of the well
E-o-leven goes to heaven
Bless the dead here as the rain falls
Don't trust a bull's horn
A doberman's tooth
A runaway horse or me
Don't be greedy, don't be needy
If you live in hope
You're dancing to a terrible tune
Starving in the belly
Starving in the belly
Starving in the belly of a whale
Oh, starving in the belly
Starving in the belly
Starving in the belly of a whale
Starving in the Belly of a Whale
Tom Waits has long been celebrated for his ability to transform the mundane into the surreal, often drawing upon biblical imagery and maritime metaphors to explore themes of isolation and desperation. "Starving in the Belly of a Whale" serves as a potent example of his capacity to craft dark, narrative-driven compositions that resonate with a sense of existential dread. The track reflects the gritty, experimental textures that have defined his extensive discography, moving seamlessly between his earlier jazz-inflected work and his later, more abrasive industrial sound. While the specific album placement for this recording may vary across different compilations, the song stands as a testament to Waits' enduring influence on alternative and avant-garde music. It captures the essence of his unique vocal delivery and his knack for creating atmospheric soundscapes that invite listeners into a world of shadowy storytelling and emotional depth.