Ol' 55

Tom Waits' song 'Ol' 55' is a poignant reflection on fleeting moments and the bittersweet nature of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a late-night drive in an old car, symbolizing a journey through memories and emotions. The 'old '55' refers to a classic car, likely a 1955 model, which serves as a metaphor for the past and the passage of time. The narrator's sense of time moving quickly and the feeling of being alive highlight the transient nature of life's precious moments.

The imagery of the sun coming up and the stars fading signifies the end of a night and the beginning of a new day, mirroring the transition from past to present. The narrator's ride with 'Lady Luck' suggests a sense of fortune and serendipity, as if the journey is guided by fate. The freeway cars and trucks represent the constant motion of life, with the narrator leading a 'parade' of memories and experiences. The repeated wish to have stayed a little longer underscores a deep sense of nostalgia and longing for the past.

Tom Waits' gravelly voice and evocative storytelling style add depth to the song's themes of time, memory, and longing. The song captures the universal experience of looking back on moments that felt significant and wishing they could have lasted longer. 'Ol' 55' is a testament to the power of music to evoke emotions and transport listeners to a different time and place, making it a timeless piece in Waits' discography.