Beatrice had pointed out this excellent song by Tom Waits to me some time ago, and it stuck in my mind. I always liked him, an interesting fellow I first came across back in the 60′s. We saw him at a club in Georgetown, long gone now, what was it called–? Ah yes! The Cellar Door! Many many fine shows there over the years, including the one with Tom Waits. Who was the opening act to someone– John Denver, perhaps? who held not the slightest interest for us, so once Tom W had finished, we started chatting and were instantly asked to shut up or leave, as we were disturbing the devotees of the main act. We left. Grand place, the Cellar Door! I find that its end was somewhat ignominious–closed down by the DC fire marshall for repeatedly hosting audiences much larger than the license allowed, PLUS misreporting the liquor sales.
The building is now a Philadelphia Cheesesteak Factory. Sic transit gloria mundi.
Anyway, Tom Waits has gone from strength to strength, and continues to produce interesting music. This song, God’s Away on Business, has been singing in my brain all month. Here is my illustrated version:
