Tom Waits — Heartattack And Vine
Album: Heartattack And VineAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2651
Length: 4:36
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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Liar liar with your pants on fire
White spades hangin' on the telephone wire
Gamblers reevaluate along the dotted line
You'll never recognize yourself on heartattack and vine
Doctor, lawyer, beggar man thief
Philly Joe remarkable looks on in disbelief
If you want a taste of madness, you'll have to wait in line
You'll probably see someone you know on heartattack and vine
Boney's high on china white, Shorty found a punk
Don't you know there ain't no devil, there's just God when he's drunk
Well this stuff will probably kill you, let's do another line
What you say you meet me down on heartattack and vine
See that little Jersey girl in the see-through top
With the peddle pushers sucking on a soda pop
Well I bet she's still a virgin but it's only twenty-five 'til nine
You can see a million of 'em on heartattack and vine
Better off in Iowa against your scrambled eggs
Than crawling down Cahuenga on a broken pair of legs
You'll find your ignorance is blissful every goddamn time
Your're waitin' for the RTD on heartattack and vine
Boney's high on china white, Shorty found a punk
Don't you know there ain't no devil, there's just God when he's drunk
Well this stuff will probably kill you, let's do another line
What you say you meet me down on heartattack and vine
Liar liar with your pants on fire
White spades hangin' on the telephone wire
Gamblers reevaluate along the dotted line
You'll never recognize yourself on heartattack and vine
Doctor, lawyer, beggar man thief
Philly Joe remarkable looks on in disbelief
If you want a taste of madness, you'll have to wait in line
You'll probably see someone you know on heartattack and vine
See that little Jersey girl in the see-through top
With the peddle pushers sucking on a soda pop
Well I bet she's still a virgin but it's only twenty-five 'til nine
You can see a million of 'em on heartattack and vine
Boney's high on china white, Shorty found a punk
Don't you know there ain't no devil, there's just God when he's drunk
Well this stuff will probably kill you, let's do another line
What you say you meet me down on heartattack and vine
White spades hangin' on the telephone wire
Gamblers reevaluate along the dotted line
You'll never recognize yourself on heartattack and vine
Doctor, lawyer, beggar man thief
Philly Joe remarkable looks on in disbelief
If you want a taste of madness, you'll have to wait in line
You'll probably see someone you know on heartattack and vine
Boney's high on china white, Shorty found a punk
Don't you know there ain't no devil, there's just God when he's drunk
Well this stuff will probably kill you, let's do another line
What you say you meet me down on heartattack and vine
See that little Jersey girl in the see-through top
With the peddle pushers sucking on a soda pop
Well I bet she's still a virgin but it's only twenty-five 'til nine
You can see a million of 'em on heartattack and vine
Better off in Iowa against your scrambled eggs
Than crawling down Cahuenga on a broken pair of legs
You'll find your ignorance is blissful every goddamn time
Your're waitin' for the RTD on heartattack and vine
Boney's high on china white, Shorty found a punk
Don't you know there ain't no devil, there's just God when he's drunk
Well this stuff will probably kill you, let's do another line
What you say you meet me down on heartattack and vine
Liar liar with your pants on fire
White spades hangin' on the telephone wire
Gamblers reevaluate along the dotted line
You'll never recognize yourself on heartattack and vine
Doctor, lawyer, beggar man thief
Philly Joe remarkable looks on in disbelief
If you want a taste of madness, you'll have to wait in line
You'll probably see someone you know on heartattack and vine
See that little Jersey girl in the see-through top
With the peddle pushers sucking on a soda pop
Well I bet she's still a virgin but it's only twenty-five 'til nine
You can see a million of 'em on heartattack and vine
Boney's high on china white, Shorty found a punk
Don't you know there ain't no devil, there's just God when he's drunk
Well this stuff will probably kill you, let's do another line
What you say you meet me down on heartattack and vine
Comments (328)add comment
Ah, Radio Paradise. Such a treat to hear three Tom Waits songs in a row. Two covers and then the one and only Tom here with Heart Attack and Vine. Does my heart good. ❤️
3 in a row, with the best saved for last. Now we're talking.
Thanks BillG
Thanks BillG
jjbix37 wrote:
may i ask why?
overrated, irritating
may i ask why?
overrated, irritating
eyke wrote:
Again 2 yrs later, such a set.
Followed by Traffic's Glad, for those who are glad Tom Waits is done.
a set of Tom...Norah Jones to John Hammond to the man himself...BillG you're one of a kind!
Makes me want to get out my Rhino mastered Nighthawks at the Diner.
Followed by Traffic's Glad, for those who are glad Tom Waits is done.
There aren’t no devil, it’s just God when he’s drunk.
Love me some TW!
acolt wrote:
I'm scandalized just thinking about the amount of spit flying whenever Tom Waits opens his mouth to sing, but to each his own!
Ha, I was just thinking that's one show I may not want a front row seat for!
I'm scandalized just thinking about the amount of spit flying whenever Tom Waits opens his mouth to sing, but to each his own!
Ha, I was just thinking that's one show I may not want a front row seat for!
As Kneller in "Wristcutters: A Love Story"
KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:
Tom Waits the miner.
"I'm coming for you Mr. Pocket"
Tom Waits the miner.
"I'm coming for you Mr. Pocket"
And he did play Tom Waits after two back to back covers of his songs. Thanks!! Love Tom Waits.
Don't like this cause of Tom's phony hardbitten vocal style.
There is nothing like Waits lyrics that can produce vivid images in your mind. Beautiful melodies, distorted by quirky instrumentation and a unique voice. I love it
How this even got published in 1980. It’s like a gift to future taste.
Tom waits should be 8 or above IMOH
laozilover wrote:
I'm scandalized just thinking about the amount of spit flying whenever Tom Waits opens his mouth to sing, but to each his own!
Seriously scandalized by the 11% '1' votes! Un effing believable! 
I'm scandalized just thinking about the amount of spit flying whenever Tom Waits opens his mouth to sing, but to each his own!
eyke wrote:
Loaned that to my best friend one time - she did not understand what I found incredible about it. What's not to?
Great sax in this one.
a set of Tom...Norah Jones to John Hammond to the man himself...BillG you're one of a kind!
Makes me want to get out my Rhino mastered Nighthawks at the Diner.
Great sax in this one.
Bill: We need an 11 button.
Tom Waits the miner.
acolt wrote:
I really love the lyrics, but honestly can't take the vocals either. It sounds like he's slobbering through half of the song.
I'm solidly in the minority here, but good lord this voice is just grating and horrible. The growl of Leonard Cohen without any of the soul.
Tom Waits and Eddie Vedder should get together and form the most unintelligible group in rock history.
I really love the lyrics, but honestly can't take the vocals either. It sounds like he's slobbering through half of the song.
Great piece! And to me one of those unfathomable cases where a cover (Screamin' Jay) is even better than the original! God knows how.
My favorite Waits line," There ain't no devil, that's just God when he's drunk."
Izzyman wrote:
WHERE did you ever find this film to view? I've been looking for years and it's nowhere to be found. I recall it was a tremendous flop and created legal nightmares for all the relevant parties.
Looks like you can stream it on Amazon Prime Video.
WHERE did you ever find this film to view? I've been looking for years and it's nowhere to be found. I recall it was a tremendous flop and created legal nightmares for all the relevant parties.
Looks like you can stream it on Amazon Prime Video.
redeyespy wrote:
WHERE did you ever find this film to view? I've been looking for years and it's nowhere to be found. I recall it was a tremendous flop and created legal nightmares for all the relevant parties.
I watched Francis Ford Coppola's One From The Heart this past weekend, and was really struck by (among other things) Tom's haunting, wounded, and even jadedly hopeful songs and scoring. Crystal Gayle croons quite nicely along with him on several tunes, too. This is a soundtrack worth owning.
WHERE did you ever find this film to view? I've been looking for years and it's nowhere to be found. I recall it was a tremendous flop and created legal nightmares for all the relevant parties.
Seriously scandalized by the 11% '1' votes! Un effing believable!
zurcronium wrote:
Hard to imagine but he opened for Janice Ian back in the day. How do I know? I was there. He was booed of course by the Ian fans. I became one of his fans that evening.
April 30, 1976 Municipal Auditorium, Austin, TX (supporting Janis Ian)
Jimi Hendrix opened for The Monkees once upon a time...?-)
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
April 30, 1976 Municipal Auditorium, Austin, TX (supporting Janis Ian)
Jimi Hendrix opened for The Monkees once upon a time...?-)
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
a set of Tom...Norah Jones to John Hammond to the man himself...BillG you're one of a kind!
Makes me want to get out my Rhino mastered Nighthawks at the Diner.
Makes me want to get out my Rhino mastered Nighthawks at the Diner.
I'm solidly in the minority here, but good lord this voice is just grating and horrible. The growl of Leonard Cohen without any of the soul.
Tom Waits and Eddie Vedder should get together and form the most unintelligible group in rock history.
Tom Waits and Eddie Vedder should get together and form the most unintelligible group in rock history.
Nice set, Bill!
"You know there ain't no Devil; there's just God when he's drunk."
Amen to that.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Amen to that.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Put your masks on! 
zurcronium wrote:
Makes you wonder what kind of drugs the person who booked that concert was on!
I am both a Janis Ian fan (say her in concert way too long ago) and Tom Waits but....not the same evening!
Hard to imagine but he opened for Janice Ian back in the day. How do I know? I was there. He was booed of course by the Ian fans. I became one of his fans that evening.
April 30, 1976 Municipal Auditorium, Austin, TX (supporting Janis Ian)
April 30, 1976 Municipal Auditorium, Austin, TX (supporting Janis Ian)
Makes you wonder what kind of drugs the person who booked that concert was on!
I am both a Janis Ian fan (say her in concert way too long ago) and Tom Waits but....not the same evening!
This always makes me want to dance in an unbecoming way, ie as if my hips are looking for the sort of hotel that lets rooms by the hour...
Hard to imagine but he opened for Janice Ian back in the day. How do I know? I was there. He was booed of course by the Ian fans. I became one of his fans that evening.
April 30, 1976 Municipal Auditorium, Austin, TX (supporting Janis Ian)
April 30, 1976 Municipal Auditorium, Austin, TX (supporting Janis Ian)
Is that really him ? 
The first two rows are the splash zone.
blasphalicious lyrics 
Listen to Waits' early stuff and you can hear a much "sweeter" voice. He worked hard to get his voice to sound like that. His voice fits his music - to the ambiance that he creates. On Letterman, he once said that his doctor told him if he kept singing like that he would end up like Sinatra. To that he responded, "What? Rich and famous?"
He is one of my all time favs. There is no one like him. Started seriously listening to him in the early 80s. Just amazing.
He is one of my all time favs. There is no one like him. Started seriously listening to him in the early 80s. Just amazing.
I love this guy, can do no wrong in my opinion. I love his stories in songs.
kingart wrote:
Yeah! Awesome...
He sounds like he's trying to HAVE a heart attack.
Yeah! Awesome...
For me one of the most beautiful things about this track is the harmony between Tom's voice and the guitar. There's barbed wire in both, and the track is the better for it. Tom has a story to tell us. It isn't pretty but it's damned interesting. I don't think he could tell it any other way. For that he has my gratitude and great appreciation.
curtkare wrote:
That phlegm made it's way through my Bose speaker.
All I can think about is the poor guy whose job it is to disinfect the microphone.
That phlegm made it's way through my Bose speaker.
Three Tom Waits songs in a row? I love it but any more and I'm gonna start looking for his obituary.
slowchair@sbcglobal.net wrote:
I watched the Woodstock video last weekend. Yeah, the whole thing. Really blown away (again, after many years) by the delivery of almost all the performers. Jefferson Airplane, meh. But Joe Cocker, wow. I hear that same commitment in Tom Waits, and it's too freaking rare.
>> it's the way he performs the song that I like.
I watched the Woodstock video last weekend. Yeah, the whole thing. Really blown away (again, after many years) by the delivery of almost all the performers. Jefferson Airplane, meh. But Joe Cocker, wow. I hear that same commitment in Tom Waits, and it's too freaking rare.
Not my thing...
ugh......archive this one already. I freakin hate it!
I love Tom Waits. I know he doesn't have a pretty voice but it's the way he performs the song that I like. Kind of like another favorite that does not have a pretty voice, Bob Dylan. It's just the way they do it that I like and I guess truth be told the fact that it is different pleases me.
Hit PSD and got Beethoven's 'Fur Elise'. 
Tom Waits.... I just don't get it....
Well played sir!
Thuffering thockatash! Yer man's doing a grand impression of Sylvester the cat in this one. It's a wonder the mike didn't short out with the moisture ;-)
He's a great street poet, but it's fair to say that his voice is very much an acquired taste, a bit like Stinking Bishop. I much prefer covers done by artists with more tuneful voices, as was the case in the two songs preceding this one on RP.
He's a great street poet, but it's fair to say that his voice is very much an acquired taste, a bit like Stinking Bishop. I much prefer covers done by artists with more tuneful voices, as was the case in the two songs preceding this one on RP.
I just feel......dirty.
https://www.nytimes.com/section/t-magazine March 5, 2017
Three Iconic Musicians on Artistic Creation — and Its Importance Now
Three Iconic Musicians on Artistic Creation — and Its Importance Now
And for today's discussion folks... Tom Waits the singer versus Tom Waits the actor. Lets discuss!
marcedeleon wrote:
I came here to say that finally, we had the real thing, but I find myself agreeing with you.
What a great mix of Tom Waits covers, followed by the man himself. Please play this more often Bill!! ♥
I came here to say that finally, we had the real thing, but I find myself agreeing with you.
What a great mix of Tom Waits covers, followed by the man himself. Please play this more often Bill!! ♥
GetBakedTonight wrote:
Try listening to his earlier stuff, the first 4 or 5 albums; he sang in a more "traditional" style back then.
Bill occasionally plays "I hope that I don't fall in love with you", which is a good example.
As for this tune, yep, it sounds like it hurts.
That's very true...I hadn't (consciously) thought about before but I get images of Waits with blood running out of his mouth down his throat from the gigantic, flesh-tearing effort that (it sounds like) it is for him to produce his artistic gems...interesting!
Like a difficult child birth...every time...how very affecting if not affected.
One must remember this; he wants to, nay, insists on being viewed as an 'artiste' - it wouldn't do for him to simply sing a song, unaffected.
Perhaps he's suffering for his art? So sad.
Like a difficult child birth...every time...how very affecting if not affected.
One must remember this; he wants to, nay, insists on being viewed as an 'artiste' - it wouldn't do for him to simply sing a song, unaffected.
Perhaps he's suffering for his art? So sad.
Try listening to his earlier stuff, the first 4 or 5 albums; he sang in a more "traditional" style back then.
Bill occasionally plays "I hope that I don't fall in love with you", which is a good example.
As for this tune, yep, it sounds like it hurts.
FlatCat wrote:
That's very true...I hadn't (consciously) thought about before but I get images of Waits with blood running out of his mouth down his throat from the gigantic, flesh-tearing effort that (it sounds like) it is for him to produce his artistic gems...interesting!
Like a difficult child birth...every time...how very affecting if not affected.
One must remember this; he wants to, nay, insists on being viewed as an 'artiste' - it wouldn't do for him to simply sing a song, unaffected.
Perhaps he's suffering for his art? So sad.
Fantastic song writing, but I can hardly listen to him ripping his vocal cords out.
That's very true...I hadn't (consciously) thought about before but I get images of Waits with blood running out of his mouth down his throat from the gigantic, flesh-tearing effort that (it sounds like) it is for him to produce his artistic gems...interesting!
Like a difficult child birth...every time...how very affecting if not affected.
One must remember this; he wants to, nay, insists on being viewed as an 'artiste' - it wouldn't do for him to simply sing a song, unaffected.
Perhaps he's suffering for his art? So sad.
Fantastic song writing, but I can hardly listen to him ripping his vocal cords out.
Snippet from the Tom Waits wiki page,
Waits has a distinctive voice, described by critic Daniel Durchholz as sounding like "it was soaked in a vat of bourbon, left hanging in the smokehouse for a few months, and then taken outside and run over with a car."
so true:
Waits has a distinctive voice, described by critic Daniel Durchholz as sounding like "it was soaked in a vat of bourbon, left hanging in the smokehouse for a few months, and then taken outside and run over with a car."
so true:
great song as well as the whole album. 9!
See gadzillion of them with one vote.
Maybe, possibly, definitely the coolest song ever.
A tasty trifecta o' Waits.
passsion8 wrote:
Oh you sly dog!
The answer is: need another set yet.
3 Tom Waits songs in a row!?!!?
If I were to vote them all higher, would that be considered "lifting Waits"?
If I were to vote them all higher, would that be considered "lifting Waits"?
Oh you sly dog!
The answer is: need another set yet.
tom waits for no one
3 Tom Waits songs in a row!?!!?
If I were to vote them all higher, would that be considered "lifting Waits"?
If I were to vote them all higher, would that be considered "lifting Waits"?
Tom Waits is genius!
Great song and lyrics. Quibbling here, but he could have simply left the song short rather than repeat the whole set of lyrics.
interesting vocal chords
mellifluous growling spittle perfect - 
LIKE!
LIKE! apd wrote:
Exactly!
gets a 10 for "Don't you know there ain't no devil, that's just God when he's drunk" alone.
Exactly!
Great song from a unique songwriter and singer, I think. 2 using my rating system.
Brilliant. Just brilliant.
Incredible delivery from one of Americas greatest artists - dead or alive.
I seem to recall that this one has Tom on guitar, or am I senile? Either way, I love the playing.
Incredible delivery from one of Americas greatest artists - dead or alive.
I seem to recall that this one has Tom on guitar, or am I senile? Either way, I love the playing.
Caught you Bill, playing a rerun!:
Norah Jones — The Long Way Home
Shawn Colvin — (Looking For) The Heart of Saturday Night
Tom Waits — Heartattack And Vine
Thank you!
Norah Jones — The Long Way Home
Shawn Colvin — (Looking For) The Heart of Saturday Night
Tom Waits — Heartattack And Vine
Thank you!
this here is a proper christmas-carol, cheers!!!
gets a 10 for "Don't you know there ain't no devil, that's just God when he's drunk" alone.
Norah Jones — The Long Way Home
Shawn Colvin — (Looking For) The Heart of Saturday Night
Tom Waits — Heartattack And Vine
j1sey wrote:
YES! Thanks, RP. 
YES! Thanks, RP.
A1 unadulterated raspy, juicy spittle fleckin' St. Tom in his Glory! I need a bourbon...
Such a smooth and mellifluous voice.
Love Tom. Probably one of his most accessible songs/albums. Wish he would tour more the lazy git.
Poor microphone!
Don't smoke near it if you don't want to make it blow in fire.
Don't smoke near it if you don't want to make it blow in fire.
10 next
There 'aint no god, it's just the devil when he's high.
Norah Jones — The Long Way Home
Shawn Colvin — (Looking For) The Heart of Saturday Night
Tom Waits — Heartattack And Vine
Bill & Rebecca: You made an old man happy! Thanks.
Shawn Colvin — (Looking For) The Heart of Saturday Night
Tom Waits — Heartattack And Vine
Bill & Rebecca: You made an old man happy! Thanks.
"Don't you know there ain't no devil, that's just God when he's drunk." One of my favorite Waits lyrics.
All I can think about is the poor guy whose job it is to disinfect the microphone.
don't you know there ain't no devil, it's just god when he's drunk
Agree totally-great album; too bad the throat is currently shot, it's like trying to like the 'Dead' - I just can't do it. Give me old Waits, only
TheLib wrote:
TheLib wrote:
For those who don't like Tom's voice on this song (after the cigarettes and booze had turned it to gravel), check out his "Heart of Saturday Night" album. He recorded that back when he could still sing, and it's got a bunch of great songs. Still one of my favorites 30+ years after I first heard it.
I encourage Bill to add all of the songs from "Heart of Saturday Night" to the playlist, and play them often.
I encourage Bill to add all of the songs from "Heart of Saturday Night" to the playlist, and play them often.
loving this set....
Vocals you can taste! Excellent.
Dear Tom,
You're killing us down here. Give us a rest, eh?
Sincerely,
Your Vocal Chords
You're killing us down here. Give us a rest, eh?
Sincerely,
Your Vocal Chords
kuril wrote:
What s/he said!
Pure awesome after two pints and two awful covers.
What s/he said!
Love Tom Waits, 9 minimum
Hate him worse? Is that the right direction or maybe the left? Or maybe you're just beginning to see the light in the dark?
Athyrius wrote:
Athyrius wrote:
Every time I hear this guy I hate him worse.
ick wrote:
God's out getting drunk.
"You know there ain't know Devil; there's just God when he's drunk."
Always liked that line.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
God's out getting drunk.
"You know there ain't know Devil; there's just God when he's drunk."
Always liked that line.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Every time I hear this guy I hate him worse.
Decoy wrote:
I would hate to be the next guy having to use that microphone.... Love the performance though.
would truly hate to be the microphone on this one.
I would hate to be the next guy having to use that microphone.... Love the performance though.
PLC wrote:
after your wife left you for the milk man and cleared out your checking account.
Listen to "Nighthawks At The Diner" from front to back, late at night with a few drinks under your belt and you'll become a convert.
after your wife left you for the milk man and cleared out your checking account.
Listen to "Nighthawks At The Diner" from front to back, late at night with a few drinks under your belt and you'll become a convert.
dwlangham wrote:
God's out getting drunk.
god fucking save me.
God's out getting drunk.
kuril wrote:
He is singing like he finished the case for you. Hick, spit and slur. His fans idolize that.
Pure awesome after two pints and two awful covers.
He is singing like he finished the case for you. Hick, spit and slur. His fans idolize that.
would truly hate to be the microphone on this one.
Mediocracy? You're sure that's the word you wanted to use?
Not his best but still good. A bit too much of the "gravel" in this one. I really like this lyric: "there ain't no devil, there's just God when he's drunk." He's had some great lines in his songs. He even used one from Dorothy Parker in an early one: "I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy."
god fucking save me.
i'll give him 8 for the hair
ziakut wrote:
I can understand why some don't like him, but mediocre? Really?
That's just crazy talk!
Oh I hate Tom Waits! Over rated mediocracy at it's finest! Ok...bring it on folks!
I can understand why some don't like him, but mediocre? Really?
That's just crazy talk!ok so who stepped on the frog?
Oh I hate Tom Waits! Over rated mediocracy at it's finest! Ok...bring it on folks!
He sounds like he's trying to HAVE a heart attack.
TheLib wrote:
Yes, it's reminiscent of Neil Diamond. I prefer the gravel.
For those who don't like Tom's voice on this song (after the cigarettes and booze had turned it to gravel), check out his "Heart of Saturday Night" album. He recorded that back when he could still sing, and it's got a bunch of great songs. Still one of my favorites 30+ years after I first heard it.
I encourage Bill to add all of the songs from "Heart of Saturday Night" to the playlist, and play them often.
I encourage Bill to add all of the songs from "Heart of Saturday Night" to the playlist, and play them often.
Yes, it's reminiscent of Neil Diamond. I prefer the gravel.
Tom Waits in his Prime!
Great Stuff, thank you for playing.
Love It!
Great Stuff, thank you for playing.
Love It!
Pure awesome after two pints and two awful covers.
charlesperkins wrote:
Father forgive them, they know not what they do.
Fine song, but he shouldn't sing it. In fact, he can't.
Father forgive them, they know not what they do.
Does anyone feel like clearing their throat?
Fine song, but he shouldn't sing it. In fact, he can't.
once or twice a year