Wating Around To Die

The Be Good Tanyas' rendition of 'Waiting Around To Die' is a haunting exploration of life's hardships and the search for meaning amidst despair. The song, originally written by Townes Van Zandt, delves into the life of a man who feels trapped in a cycle of pain and hopelessness. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a life marred by abuse, addiction, and crime, where the protagonist finds solace only in the inevitability of death.

The song begins with the protagonist reflecting on his aimless journey, filled with gambling, drinking, and wandering. This lifestyle, though destructive, seems preferable to the passive act of waiting for death. The narrative then shifts to his childhood, revealing a traumatic past marked by domestic violence. His mother's departure to Tennessee, leaving him behind, underscores a sense of abandonment and loss that follows him into adulthood.

As the protagonist grows older, his attempts to find love and stability are thwarted by betrayal and further descent into substance abuse. The encounter with a girl in a bar, who ultimately robs him, leads him to seek escape through alcohol and transient living. His involvement in a robbery, spurred by a friend's promise of easy money, results in imprisonment, adding another layer of suffering to his already troubled existence.

Upon his release from prison, the protagonist finds a semblance of companionship in Codine, a metaphor for the drug codeine. This relationship, though toxic, provides him with a sense of comfort and acceptance. The song's conclusion, where he resigns to waiting around to die with Codine, encapsulates the pervasive sense of futility and resignation that defines his life. The Be Good Tanyas' melancholic delivery and the stark, raw lyrics make 'Waiting Around To Die' a poignant commentary on the struggles of those who feel trapped by their circumstances.