Drunk On The Moon

Tom Waits' 'Drunk On The Moon' is a vivid, nocturnal journey through the urban landscape, painted with his signature gravelly voice and poetic lyricism. The song captures the essence of a city at night, filled with colorful characters and vibrant scenes. The opening lines introduce us to 'tight-slacked clad girls on the graveyard shift' and 'cigar chewing charlie,' setting the stage for a world that comes alive under the cover of darkness. These characters, along with the imagery of 'grifting hot-horse tips' and 'neon' lights, create a sense of a bustling, almost surreal nightlife.

The chorus, 'I'm drunk on the moon,' serves as a metaphor for the intoxicating allure of the night. The moon, described as a 'silver slipper' pouring 'champagne stars,' adds a touch of magic and romance to the scene. Broadway, likened to a 'serpent pulling shiny top-down cars,' emphasizes the constant motion and allure of the city. The saxophone, a recurring motif in the song, symbolizes the soulful, melancholic undertone that runs through the night, adding depth to the otherwise lively atmosphere.

As the song progresses, Waits delves deeper into the emotional landscape of the night. 'Hearts flutter and race' and 'tarts mutter their dream hopes,' suggesting a mix of excitement and longing that permeates the nocturnal world. The mention of a 'Cleveland-bound greyhound' cutting through the night adds a sense of transience and fleeting moments. The line 'I've hawked all my yesterdays' hints at a past left behind, reinforcing the theme of living in the moment, driven by the intoxicating allure of the night. 'Drunk On The Moon' is a masterful blend of vivid imagery, emotional depth, and musicality, capturing the essence of a city that never sleeps.