The Meaning Behind The Song: God’s Away on Business by Tom Waits

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The Meaning Behind The Song: God’s Away on Business by Tom Waits

When it comes to creating music that is gritty, raw, and thought-provoking, few artists can match the talent of Tom Waits. One of his most striking and cryptic songs is “God’s Away on Business,” which is a part of his 2002 album “Blood Money.” In this article, we will explore the meaning behind the song and delve into the profound message it carries.

The Song

Here are the lyrics to “God’s Away on Business” by Tom Waits:

[Verse 1]
I’d sell your heart to the junkman, baby
For a buck, for a buck
If you’re looking for someone to pull you out of that ditch
You’re out of luck, you’re out of luck

[Chorus]
Ship is sinking
The ship is sinking
The ship is sinking

[Verse 2]
There’s a leak, there’s a leak in the boiler room
The poor, the lame, the blind
Who are the ones that we kept in charge?
Killers, thieves and lawyers

[Chorus]
God’s away, God’s away
God’s away on business, business
God’s away, God’s away
God’s away on business, business

[Verse 3]
Digging up the dead with a shovel and a pick
It’s a job, it’s a job
Bloody moon rising with a plague and a flood
Join the mob, join the mob

[Chorus]
It’s all over
It’s all over
It’s all over

[Verse 4]
And there’s a leak, there’s a leak in the boiler room
The poor, the lame, the blind
Who are the ones that we kept in charge?
Killers, thieves, and lawyers

[Chorus]
God’s away, God’s away
God’s away on business, business
God’s away, God’s away
On business, business, ha

[Instrumental Bridge]

[Verse 5]
Goddamn there’s always such a big temptation
To be good, to be good
There’s always free cheddar in the mousetrap, baby
It’s a deal, it’s a deal

[Chorus]
God’s away, God’s away
God’s away on business, business
God’s away, God’s away
God’s away on business, business

Album title: Blood Money (2002)

Additional Information

Now that we have the necessary information, let’s dive deeper into the profound meaning behind “God’s Away on Business.”

The Meaning

Throughout the album “Blood Money,” Tom Waits explores themes of human suffering and the absence of divine intervention. “God’s Away on Business” fits perfectly into this narrative. The song portrays God as being “away on business,” implying that he is absent or disinterested in the affairs of humanity.

Traditionally, God is thought of as omnipotent and omniscient, always present and looking out for his creation. However, Waits challenges this belief, suggesting that if God exists, he is neglecting his role as caretaker. The repeated phrase “God’s away, God’s away, God’s away on business” emphasizes this sense of abandonment.

With vivid and gritty imagery, Waits paints a bleak picture of the world. He talks about selling hearts to the junkman and being out of luck, suggesting that there is no hope or redemption to be found. The reference to a sinking ship and a leak in the boiler room symbolizes the deteriorating state of society. Meanwhile, the line “who are the ones that we kept in charge? Killers, thieves, and lawyers” highlights the corrupt and unjust systems that govern our world.

Listening to “God’s Away on Business” can be a haunting and thought-provoking experience. The lyrics compel us to question the notion of a benevolent and watchful God. It forces us to confront the harsh realities of life and acknowledge the suffering that exists in the world.

Personal Connection

As a longtime fan of Tom Waits, “God’s Away on Business” has always held a special place in my heart. The gritty instrumentation, combined with Waits’ gravelly and soulful voice, create a raw and haunting atmosphere. This song has accompanied me through moments of darkness and reflections on the complexities of the human experience.

It serves as a reminder that life is not always fair and that suffering is a part of the human condition. By confronting the absence of God and the harsh realities of our world, “God’s Away on Business” urges us to take responsibility for ourselves and work towards creating a better society.

In conclusion, “God’s Away on Business” by Tom Waits is a powerful and thought-provoking song that challenges traditional beliefs about God and explores the suffering that exists in the world. Its haunting lyrics and captivating music make it a standout track on the album “Blood Money.” Listening to this song can be an introspective experience, forcing us to confront the darker aspects of life and question our beliefs.