Soldier's Things

Tom Waits' song 'Soldier's Things' is a poignant exploration of the remnants of a soldier's life, encapsulated through a collection of personal items. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a variety of objects, from 'davenports and kettle drums' to 'cuff links and hub caps,' each representing fragments of a life once lived. These items, now seemingly mundane, carry the weight of memories and experiences, symbolizing the soldier's journey and the passage of time.

The refrain 'A tinker, a tailor, a soldier's things' alludes to the traditional nursery rhyme 'Tinker, Tailor,' but with a somber twist. The soldier's possessions, including 'his rifle, his boots full of rocks,' evoke a sense of loss and sacrifice. The line 'And this one is for bravery, and this one is for me' suggests medals or tokens of valor, highlighting the personal and collective costs of war. The recurring mention of 'everything's a dollar in this box' underscores the commercialization and devaluation of these deeply personal items, now reduced to mere commodities.

Tom Waits' gravelly voice and melancholic tone add depth to the narrative, emphasizing the themes of nostalgia and the passage of time. The song serves as a reflection on the transient nature of life and the enduring impact of war on individuals and their belongings. Through 'Soldier's Things,' Waits invites listeners to contemplate the stories behind the objects we often take for granted, urging us to recognize the human experiences they represent.