Tom Waits : Xmas Card From A Hooker In Minneapolis (Australian TV 1979)

[@rolandhicks1874]

The way he plays the piano, absolutely slays me. Then the magic way he lays the lyrics between the notes stones mean. It’s pure magic to me. When I’m dead and gone. More than my family I’ll miss this soulful genius.

[@LilTeriLookin-ww5vp]

Every Christmas I post this! and cry, and ask God "How did you pick me to live to tell the stories?" Humbly Reflecting

[@auntsibby6810]

Everything will be ok in the end. If it’s not ok, it’s not the end.

[@paristexas919]

That's a quote from a song of Willy Mason.

[@auntsibby6810]

@ Really! John Lennon said it too.

[@Dellamore_]

I have come back to this performance every single Christmas for the past few years. It makes me weep just how magnificently human this song is. Simple love, not overwhelming romance. Yet, sorrow remains ever present. Stellar performance.

[@dourmoose]

You hit the nail on the head. “Human” was the exact word that came to my mind while watching this tonight.

[@Yevkasem1417]

I think how you feel about this song determines if you get Tom waits. If you like this song you get him... if not, move on. Thanks for posting. 👍

[@rodeo76]

Every year. Goosebumps

[@misfitdoll23]

Something about this version specifically around Christmastime hits deep every year. My favorite performance of his ever.

[@bjrnasmundvaa8974]

Oh yeah 💙

[@HalfwayJac]

I listen to it every year around this time too. But what the hell is a filling station?

[@rodeo76]

@@HalfwayJac gas station

[@mikidomeny1677]

well, still probably the best live performance I have seen my entire life.. you want magic? this is magic..

[@keenanketsdever590]

this and Invitation to the blues I have described to others as magic !

[@mr_nobody_000]

one of the most human songs ever, i love it.

[@ElmaEvPa]

Very awesome playlist..Xmas songs.. performed by fabulous artists.Thanks🎉a lot! no one forgotten

[@BWMcT]

"Christmas Card From A Hooker In Minneapolis" bookmarked by “Silent Night" is perhaps the best Christmas song ever. But then again, at Christmas we all fit, because one way or another we are somehow rejected by someone, poor in one aspect or another, lonely, exiled -sometimes from ourselves- while seeking that peace, which the world rejects, because it's easier to hate or to kill than to love and forgive.

[@alinazeidler3730]

Eloquently and succinctly put! You nailed it!! That sad tug I feel around this time of year...thanks

[@jackmanning809]

Man,you are a poet , you should write a song or two yourself. Christmas isn't all sleigh bells, beautifully decorated homes, and people you love . What a wonderful world it would be , if that were the case.

[@mikidomeny1677]

very wise words

[@swrennie]

"Fairy Tale of New York" by The Pogues would be my #1: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGrNk5edj86Xq5o

[@sclogse1]

Just Don't forgive a narcissist. They'll start all over again.

[@StonefieldJim4]

This might well be his greatest ever performance. Sublimely beautiful.

[@billybigrocks330]

Live this song is heartbreakingly beautiful. Such poignant lyrics, and what delivery. This is why music exists

[@sbeedak7646]

Saw this when it was first broadcast as a 12 year old living in Sydney. Changed my life.

[@sqgl]

I too saw this live in Sydney as a 15 year old when I first was getting into alternative music. Paul Hogan introduced him along the lines of someone who "always sounds like this" or "always sounds drunk" but not in a disparaging way. He just wanted to make sure the audience knew this was not a skit. Respect.

[@sclogse1]

YES.

[@marvindebot3264]

Same here, I was 14. You don't expect a life-changing moment on Paul Hogan do you?

[@marvindebot3264]

@@sqgl His exact words were "I'd like to introduce a friend of mine, Tom Waits. Some people think he's either pissed or stoned but he's always this way, pissed AND stoned."

[@nickanddeb]

It isn't Christmas until Tom Waits sings "Silent Night" accompanied with one of his best "Bawlers".

[@graemeorr8121]

Brilliant. Up there with Shane MacGowan on 'A Fairytale in New York'

[@edwarddaniell4946]

This is one of the best performances I've ever seen.

[@friedshrimpman223]

Edward Daniell this one from 1978 is even better

[@friedshrimpman223]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6vReHqPhpKHrJo

[@skyhighproductions24]

No one (IMO) tells such vivid, poignant, gritty, sometimes even beautiful stories from the bars, streets and highways of America, better than Tom Waits does in his songs. The album "Blue Valentines" is a classic example..

[@michaeldudson3927]

Wow.........breathtakingly beautiful ..

[@user-eraty]

Most favorite artist❣️

[@agungwayne3090]

I really love this song..

[@nickanddeb]

It isn't Christmas until you've shared this at least once a year.

[@BigAlf16]

such a beautifully sad and real song

[@deangould]

I remember this original broadcast as a kid. First time I ever heard Tom Waits.

[@MilesBellas]

" Waits From as early as the Middle Ages, almost every town and city in the UK had a band of musicians and singers called waits. Their duties included waking the townspeople on dark winter days by playing in the streets, and welcoming Royal visitors by performing at the town gates. Waits were abolished in 1835, but the term became associated with any group of singers or musicians who sang and played carols around their town or village at night, over the Christmas period, whilst collecting money. In other words, carol singers."

[@clintclower7604]

Man that's cool

[@grahamturner97]

Steeleye Span released an LP called 'Hark, the Village Wait'.

[@Thecaptain1898]

@@grahamturner97 yup! Another great band.

[@georgefraser7143]

Just brilliant Mr Waits. Very moving,

[@enarccrane8129]

A poet and performer for the ages...

[@joejoesguitarinventions]

Perhaps one of the most crushing songs ever!

[@GuildF40]

After all these year we are still going out of our heads over you Tom . Lovely tune

[@ntutino1980]

This might be the best thing I’ve seen or heard from Mr. Waits. He gets emotional at the end.

[@blzbob7936]

Real song, from a realist. I fucking love it.

[@tovenrvik6336]

I once heard the song on the Radio, and wish I could hear it again later, now I luckily can‼️🎯👍JazzyT.

[@EmmaPeelman]

This is bloody wonderful. What a song...

[@bjrnasmundvaa8974]

And the text 😁😉😁

[@rodhoad1858]

I saw this on the Don Lane Show. Beautiful

[@marvindebot3264]

This was Paul Hogan

[@StephenPlunkett-m7m]

Yes l remember it too.

[@agungwayne3090]

Can’t get enough of this.

[@g.c.wheeler.805]

From a man named Charlie who keeps Christmas well... Thank you for this genuine piece. The holiday season are lived by all sorts of folk, not just plastic people. They aren't always easy. Sometimes they are full of emotions & grief... remembrance of better times... the sadness that comes with broken dreams. I myself find this truth to be very very beautiful. Life is beautiful, exactly as it is. Sometimes more so when it's painful and lonely. It's those times that can be used as a reference point to be grateful when times are full of love. For example when it's a holiday that brings up resentment and regret. An opportunity to accept that life is a process. A cycle. An opportunity to be thankful for the times that seem to be lost in the past. An opportunity to realize that life is always changing and always will. That it is not going to be ok, but rather, IS ok. Its true, life is a bitch. But she is a sexy, sexy bitch. Happy Birthday Mr Waits and Merry Christmastime to all.

[@patrickbooten7028]

What you are saying is "'something in the way , is the way . ( some philosopher said ) but its so trueth what you say . Hope you are still allive and well . From belgium and Nevermind my bad spelling

[@banco2227]

Love it... how inspiring after all these years.

[@ianbrocklebank2510]

Christmas for people who don't do christmas

[@EddFairman]

Or maybe for people who really understand it?

[@calsavestheworld]

That's Bob Dylan's racket.

[@MrSirDrew]

Lyrics Hey Charlie I'm pregnant and living on 9th Street Right above a dirty bookstore off Euclid Avenue And I stopped takin dope and I quit drinkin whiskey And my old man plays the trombone and works out at the track He says that he loves me even though it's not his baby He says that he'll raise him up like he would his own son And he gave me a ring that was worn by his mother And he takes me out dancin every Saturday night And hey Charlie I think about you everytime I pass a fillin station On account of all the grease you used to wear in your hair And I still have that record of Little Anthony and the Imperials But someone stole my record player now how do you like that? Hey Charlie I almost went crazy after Mario got busted I went back to Omaha to live with my folks But 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 Charlie I think I'm happy for the first time since my accident And I wish I had all the money 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 Charlie for chrissakes if 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 Charlie hey I'll be eligible for parole come Valentine's day

[@michaeldudson3927]

Super,superb.....

[@larrygrimes2056]

The one and only...Tom Waits...

[@iamrudude]

Just plain beautiful.

[@GeneBurnett]

So vivid. Master if imagery right there.

[@jamsguitars24]

The segway into Going Out of my Head is so clever

[@haalthonen6695]

Buon Natale 2024 a tutti ❣

[@vv247]

A masterpiece Tom

[@budzis66]

Maestro!

[@02bigkev]

I remember this when it first broadcast, awesome.

[@AngryRantsAndStuff]

Legend

[@helenrussell3025]

Love you always, Tom!!!

[@shaunwerth5976]

Still listening

[@jackhanna-barbera5839]

I think I'll send Edward Hopper paintings instead of Christmas cards this year.

[@nihilisticseahorse5529]

❤

[@clintclower7604]

This guy is a genius plain and simple hard for some to get and very easy for me

[@henrychickenhawk]

💯

[@mikidomeny1677]

yea, we are probably the same.. not living in our safe space but looking around

[@richardnotman787]

Tom Waits is an American treasure.

[@ntutino1980]

My favorite all time record (right now)

[@HalfwayJac]

Mine too.

[@sclogse1]

A stunning copy of this. In the 80's you could trade this quality to the Russian collectors for their whole stash. If anyone ever makes a Tom Waits figure, use this film for the likeness.

[@9jerrymane11]

Goin' Outta My Head is sung between a song between a song (Goin' Outta My Head < XMas Card < Silent Night)

[@agungwayne3090]

Legendary performance..

[@jeffrenfro7701]

Most and the wonders of Tom Waits.. . a son of God, and all that tells the truth!!! "Many blessings to "Tom Waits" a true believer and blessed by the holy creator!!! "He is a solder of truth and the kind Father God Loves and has created!!! Bless the good and kind and bless all Father God has given too us all "Good People sons and daughters and as in heaven and Earth .. .Good will prevail!!!

[@marvindebot3264]

This was the very first time I heard Tom. Paul's introduction was "I'd like to introduce a friend of mine, Tom Waits. Some people think he's pissed or stoned but he's always this way, pissed AND stoned."

[@amitgimbashu2619]

Bestsongever

[@GUFIO99]

Hes so great…

[@Musistics]

😂😂😂 ~ I wish I had the money we spent on dope. LMAO!

[@agungwayne3090]

That feel..

[@codzeedeedee5990]

Xlent....pure genius 😊😚😎🇦🇺❤👍

[@Maxxroad]

Just kicks back smoking a stogie that has been sitting lit the entire song. Definition of cool.

[@sambamachineryrecords6498]

WOW

[@Stl10699]

So much better without the audience laughing in the backround like in the other live performance he did on tv.

[@marvindebot3264]

Australia had been in awe for a couple of weeks by this stage, the total silence is complete reverence. Besides, as a rule, you won't ever hear Ausies talking over musicians.

[@carthag]

my heart

[@budway1942]

Merry xmas Tom

[@damonesss]

Strongly suggest, the version in Austin!

[@ntutino1980]

Matt Buenaventura I gotta say. This is the best it gets. No laughing during such an emotional moving piece totally worth watching every day in December til February. This is a great must have album even if your just a casual fan. It’s got so many themes that repeat and show up in the whole album track by track. Just like his career. How many different moons and sky’s has he sung about? The difference between the house on the hill the other house where no one lives and the barn? What’s he building in there? That’s gotta be the barn. Don’t go into that barn!!! The other side of the road the middle of the road whistling down the road or past a graveyard whatever. And drinking. Soo many great songs about drinking. And Romeo is Bleeding hey man. Nighthawks is the quintessential spoken word piece that tricks you many times til you realize his rues

[@clintclower7604]

I wish people understood Tom....it's not easy ..it's hard for him I would imagine maybe not but I totally get it I think

[@nathanweiss3795]

Nicholas To totoototooototo I agree. This version didn’t have the laughing from the crowd. That bothered me.

[@frankieRandle8779]

@@nathanweiss3795 The laughing was all wrong. That crowd didn't get Waits but he soldiered on regardless, a true pro.

[@cabjswe]

📂 Documents └📁Music └📁Tom Waits └📁 Bad Songs └⚠️ This folder is empty

[@paulblauer8742]

Our Poet Laureate.

[@misst.6602]

Tom W. 🤩😍🥰🖖🏽✌️🤗

[@fossie32]

1979 must have been when I remember seeing Tom on tv in Australia on Don Lane's show?. Don asked him about his hat and he said he was in a bar one time and saw a guy wearing it and said 'I'll give ya ten [?] bucks for that sucker' and the guy said ok and sold it to him. Edit Dohh I see there is a youtube video of it, I actually thought it was on the Steve Vizard show .

[@sooshitoofu7730]

Un petit bijou à écouter sans modération

[@raffaellapalladinohansen6965]

🌹

[@jdhed1]

Its not going to be OK. But it is going to be. You've made your choices or they've made you.

[@gregarmstrong6077]

Fuck I loved this.

[@mikidomeny1677]

oh honey, i miss you too

[@TheVideoElf]

.....Xmax 2019....

[@dredned]

if 4:24 don't tear a hole through your heart you likely don't have a soul.

[@zazenbo]

I miss my wife

[@calsavestheworld]

They sure loved xcus in the 70s.

[@rolandhicks1874]

Music meets Bukowski

[@francescobrasi1804]

Such a poignant poem.

[@akira777556]

心の穢れが、そのまま声に出てる。

[@АлексейЗверев-ы8ф]

Если хочешь что - нибудь сказать о простом, одновременно - большем, - попытайся...

[@budway1942]

He smokes Rothmans my brand..

[@sclogse1]

Quit. All my smoking friends, all eight of them, died of cancer and or emphysema in their 50's. Emphysema is like being waterboarded for years.

[@philliphill4763]

"Kinky" Friedman ran this by audiences back in the late 1970's. Friedman did a much better job!

[@sclogse1]

No.

[@marvindebot3264]

Um, no he didn't.

[@excaliburhead]

Uh. False.

[@harrylime5249]

There is no better version, you fool 😔

[@HalfwayJac]

No