Songs really are like a form of time travel because they really have moved forward in a bubble. Everyone who's connected with it, the studio's gone, the musicians are gone, and the only thing that's left is this recording which was only about a three-minute period maybe 70 years ago.
Tom WaitsI think some bands thrive on the idea of changing instruments. When they're off their real instrument, the ability to go very far from the original idea is reduced.
Tom WaitsIf you're a writer you know that the stories don't come to you, you have to go looking for them. The old men in the lobby: that's where the stories were.
Tom Waitsbringing up children was]like living with a bunch of drunks...you really have to be on your toes all the time.
Tom Waits