The narrator is used to falling in love from afar. It makes him blue because it's always only in his mind - never realized. He fell in love with her after she left because she was gone and there was no way to talk to her, no reality, no risk.
Closing Time was my introduction to Waits back in the 70s. The album was a breath of fresh air to the bubbley and chintzy music of the time. He has since proved to be a rare lyricist and personality.
From his " Closing Time", album 1973, this is a great song. Wonderfully relatable lyrics delivered by Tom's distinctive voice with his trademark growl softened in this delivery. The guitars are magical and deliver a passionate accompaniment. Beautiful song. Great reaction Harri. Thanks Harri and Jack. 👏👏 Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
Yes, one of Tom’s best -but he recorded dozens of absolutely great songs. Very much worth checking into this guy more. Waits was and is at the opposite end of the spectrum from popular one- hit wonders. Recommended: “Foreign Affair”, “Martha”, “Burma Shave” , “The Piano Has Been Drinking” “Ol’ 55” “ Grapefruit Moon” and “A Sight for Sore Eyes” This guy is amazing!
Saw him live quite a few times back in the late 70’s. Awesome preformer. Thank you for reacting to this great artist. Check out one of his fun pieces…”Paisties an a G-String”. Absolutely addictive.😉
Hootie and the Blowfish released a version of this on their album "Scattered, Smothered, and Covered". Darius Rucker nailed the vocals that we came to expect from a Tom Waits composition.😅
Eternal Circle Written By: Bob Dylan I sang the song slowly As she stood in the shadows She stepped to the light As my silver strings spun She called with her eyes To the tune I’s a-playin’ But the song it was long And I’d only begun Through a bullet of light Her face was reflectin’ The fast fading words That rolled from my tongue With a long-distance look Her eyes was on fire But the song it was long And there was more to be sung My eyes danced a circle Across her clear outline With her head tilted sideways She called me again As the tune drifted out She breathed hard through the echo But the song it was long And it was far to the end I glanced at my guitar And played it pretendin’ That of all the eyes out there I could see none As her thoughts pounded hard Like the pierce of an arrow But the song it was long And it had to get done As the tune finally folded I laid down the guitar Then looked for the girl Who’d stayed for so long But her shadow was missin’ For all of my searchin’ So I picked up my guitar And began the next song
