Clap Hands
Clap Hands

Tom Waits - Clap Hands Lyrics

In a world drenched with sardonic realism, a kaleidoscope of grimy cityscapes and whimsical characters emerges. Tom Waits spins tales where sanity is flipped on its head, and a parade of brooding vagabonds claps through a ballet of chaos. Firemen and… Read more

Rock
Jun 15, 1998
387
Clap Hands Music Video

Clap Hands Lyrics

Sane, sane, they're all insane
Fireman's blind, the conductor's lame
A Cincinnati jacket and a sad luck dame
Hanging out the window with a bottle full of rain
Clap hands, clap hands
Clap hands, clap hands

Said roar, roar, the thunder and the roar
Son bitch is never coming back here no more
The moon in the window and a bird on the pole
We can always find a millionaire to shovel all the coal
Clap hands, clap hands
Clap hands, clap hands

Said steam, steam, a hundred bad dreams
Going up to Harlem with a pistol in his jeans
A fifty dollar bill inside a paladin's hat
And nobody's sure where Mr. Knickerbocker's at

Roar, roar, the thunder and the roar
Son bitch is never coming back here no more
Moon in the window and a bird on the pole
Always find a millionaire to shovel all the coal
Clap hands, clap hands
Clap hands, clap hands

I said steam, steam, we're a hundred bad dreams
Going up to Harlem with a pistol in his jeans
A fifty dollar bill inside a paladin's hat
And nobody's sure where Mr. Knickerbocker's at

Shine, shine, a Roosevelt dime
All the way to Baltimore and running out of time
The Salvation Army seemed to wind up in the hole
They all went to heaven in a little row boat
Clap hands, clap hands
Clap hands, clap hands
Clap hands, clap hands
Clap hands, clap hands
Well, clap hands, yeah, well, clap hands, yeah
Oh, clap hands, clap hands

Writer(s): Thomas Alan Waits
Copyright(s): Lyrics © JALMA MUSIC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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What is the Meaning of Clap Hands?

In a world drenched with sardonic realism, a kaleidoscope of grimy cityscapes and whimsical characters emerges. Tom Waits spins tales where sanity is flipped on its head, and a parade of brooding vagabonds claps through a ballet of chaos. Firemen and conductors, lost souls in a rollicking realm of rain-soaked alleys, weave a tapestry of vivid disarray and muted dreams. The distant thunder echoes of promises unkept, while birds perch atop forgotten futures. Stepping into Harlem's shadows with a paladin’s flair, shadows dance with a grit of rebels and saints. The Roosevelt dime glimmers in a race against time, carrying whispers of Baltimore’s shadows. Salvation comes adrift on a rowboat, rowing through a sea of ironies and forgotten hopes. With every clap of hands, Waits crafts a magical journey across a city where madness pirouettes under a gleaming moon.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who wrote the lyrics for 'Clap Hands' by Tom Waits?

    'Clap Hands' was written by Thomas Alan Waits, better known as Tom Waits. He is a well-known American singer-songwriter renowned for his distinctive voice and eclectic musical style.

  2. What album is 'Clap Hands' featured on?

    'Clap Hands' is featured on Tom Waits' ninth studio album, 'Rain Dogs,' which was released in September 1985 on Island Records. The album is known for its exploration of diverse musical styles and urban themes.

  3. Who are some key musicians featured on the 'Rain Dogs' album?

    The 'Rain Dogs' album features notable musicians such as guitarists Keith Richards and Marc Ribot. Tom Waits collaborated with these artists to create the distinctive sound present throughout the album.

  4. What are some of the unique sounds and styles present in 'Clap Hands'?

    'Clap Hands,' like many tracks on the 'Rain Dogs' album, incorporates a mix of musical styles, including elements of traditional blues, jazz, and experimental sounds. Tom Waits is known for his use of unconventional instruments and recording techniques, contributing to the song's unique atmosphere.

  5. Was 'Rain Dogs' part of a larger body of work by Tom Waits?

    'Rain Dogs' is considered the middle album of a trilogy that includes 'Swordfishtrombones' and 'Franks Wild Years.' This trilogy marks a significant evolution in Tom Waits' musical style, characterized by innovative musical arrangements and storytelling.

  6. How did critics receive the 'Rain Dogs' album when it was released?

    'Rain Dogs' received acclaim for its originality and depth. Critics like Arion Berger praised its “quirky near-pop” qualities and distinctive storytelling through music. Initially, reviews were mixed, but over time the album has been ranked as one of Waits' best works.

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