Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis
Tom Waits
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Hey Charley I'm pregnant Living on 9th Street Right above a dirty bookstore Off Euclid Avenue I stopped taking dope And I quit drinking whiskey And my old man plays the trombone And works out at the track He says that he loves me Even though its not his baby He says that he'll raise him up Like he would his own son He gave me a ring That was worn by his mother And he takes me out dancin' Every Saturday night Hey Charley I think about you Every time I pass a fillin' station On account of all the grease You used to wear in your hair I still have that record Of Little Anthony and The Imperials But someone stole my record player How do ya like that? Hey Charley I almost went crazy After Mario got busted I went back to Omaha To live with my folks Everyone I used to know Was either dead or in prison So I came back to Minneapolis This time I think I'm gonna stay Hey Charley I think I'm happy For the first time since my accident I wish I had all the money That we used to spend on dope I'd buy me a used car lot And I wouldn't sell any of 'em I'd just drive a different car every day Dependin' on how I feel Hey Charley, for chrissakes Do you want to know the truth of it? I don't have a husband He don't play the trombone I need to borrow money To pay this lawyer And Charley, hey I'll be eligible for parole Come Valentine's Day
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11 facts about this song
OriginThe song "Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis" is a track from the album "Blue Valentine," released in 1978 by the iconic musician Tom Waits.
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Narrative StyleThe song is a monologue-style letter written from the perspective of a prostitute to an old friend.
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LyricsThe lyrics are poignant and filled with accounts of the woman’s life, including her struggles with drinking, her unborn child, and her relationship with her boyfriend who is in prison.
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Song SamplesThe last section of the song samples the tune from another Tom Waits track, "Silent Night."
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Considered a ClassicIt is considered one of Waits' classic songs, characterized by his unique blend of jazz, blues, and vaudeville, along with his distinctive granular voice.
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Not an Actual Christmas SongDespite its title, the song is not typically classified as a Christmas song due to its lack of the usual joyful and festive themes; instead, it offers a more realistic and stark depiction of life during the holidays for some people.
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Live PerformancesThe song's live performances often involve Waits sitting at a piano and acting out the lyrics as if he is having an actual conversation, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the song.
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Song's Theme"Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis" showcases common themes of Tom Waits' work, including loneliness, longing, and the harsher realities of life.
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CoversThe song has been covered by various artists over the years, with each artist putting a unique spin on the piece; these covers further underline the timeless nature and popularity of the track.
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Fan FavoriteDespite its somber tone, the song remains a fan favorite, often asked for at concerts, and is appreciated for its raw, emotional storytelling.
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Film AppearanceThe song was featured in the 1986 film "Crime Story," highlighting Waits' cinematic style of songwriting, and also his parallel career as an actor.
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Citation
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"Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/850947/Tom+Waits/Christmas+Card+from+a+Hooker+in+Minneapolis>.
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