Underground

Tom Waits' song 'Underground' delves into the mysterious and often overlooked aspects of life that exist beneath the surface. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a hidden world teeming with activity and life, contrasting sharply with the mundane reality above. The 'big black bones' and 'rumblin' groan' evoke a sense of danger and foreboding, suggesting that this underground world is both fascinating and perilous. This imagery sets the stage for a journey into the unknown, where the ordinary rules of society do not apply.

Waits describes this subterranean realm as a 'big dark town' that he has discovered, emphasizing its vastness and complexity. The idea that 'they're alive, they're awake while the rest of the world is asleep' suggests a parallel existence that operates independently of the surface world. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for subcultures or marginalized communities that thrive out of sight, away from mainstream society's gaze. The 'mine shaft roads' and 'gopher holes' further illustrate the intricate network of pathways and connections that make up this hidden world.

The song also touches on themes of resilience and survival. The roots 'hanging down' and 'swinging from town to town' symbolize the interconnectedness and adaptability of those who inhabit this underground space. The imagery of trucks unloading and marching around suggests a bustling, industrious environment where life continues despite the challenges. In essence, 'Underground' is a celebration of the unseen and unacknowledged aspects of life, urging listeners to look beyond the surface and appreciate the richness that lies beneath.