Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis

Tom Waits

About Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis

"Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis" is a song written and performed by Tom Waits, released on his 1978 album Blue Valentine.


Year:
1978
4:30
265 
#1

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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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Tom Waits

Thomas Alan "Tom" Waits (born December 7, 1949) is an American singer-songwriter, composer, and actor. Waits has a distinctive voice, described by critic Daniel Durchholz as sounding "like it was soaked in a vat of bourbon, left hanging in the smokehouse for a few months, and then taken outside and run over with a car." With this trademark growl, his incorporation of pre-rock music styles such as blues, jazz, and vaudeville, and experimental tendencies verging on industrial music, Waits has built up a distinctive musical persona. He has worked as a composer for movies and musical plays and has acted in supporting roles in films including Paradise Alley and Bram Stoker's Dracula; he also starred in the 1986 film Down by Law. He was nominated for an Academy Awa… more »

10 fans

Written by: TOM WAITS

Lyrics © JALMA MUSIC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Origin
The 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.
Narrative Style
The song is a monologue-style letter written from the perspective of a prostitute to an old friend.
Lyrics
The 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.
Song Samples
The last section of the song samples the tune from another Tom Waits track, "Silent Night."
Considered a Classic
It is considered one of Waits' classic songs, characterized by his unique blend of jazz, blues, and vaudeville, along with his distinctive granular voice.
Not an Actual Christmas Song
Despite 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.
Live Performances
The 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.
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.
Covers
The 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.
Fan Favorite
Despite its somber tone, the song remains a fan favorite, often asked for at concerts, and is appreciated for its raw, emotional storytelling.
Film Appearance
The 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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