Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards cover

Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards

Tom Waits

Album 2006

About this album

Sound: "A sprawling collection of raw storytelling, blending blues, jazz, and experimental sounds into a vivid sonic tapestry."

Where they were

When 'Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards' was released in 2006, Tom Waits was already an established artist with a rich catalog. This album marked his first major release since the Grammy Award-winning 'Real Gone' in 2004 and showcased his continued evolution as a storyteller, exploring new musical territories while revisiting some previously unreleased tracks from earlier in his career.

Why it matters

The album received critical acclaim upon release, praised for its eclectic mix and narrative depth. It debuted on the Billboard charts and solidified Waits' status as a unique voice in American music, influencing countless artists within the alternative and independent scenes.

Essential tracks

  • "Fish in the Jailhouse" — This track exemplifies Waits' gift for vivid storytelling, capturing a whimsical yet haunting narrative set against a lively musical backdrop.
  • "You Can Never Hold Back Spring" — A poignant reflection on resilience, this song stands out for its heartfelt lyrics and elegant piano melody, showcasing Waits' emotional range.
  • "Road to Peace" — With its somber tone and introspective lyrics, this track serves as a meditation on conflict and reconciliation, emphasizing Waits' lyrical depth.
  • "Little Drop of Poison" — This track captures the essence of Waits’ unique style with its blend of dark humor and melancholy, wrapped in a captivating melody.

Release Date

November 20, 2006

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

Disc 1

  1. 1 Lie to Me 2:10
  2. 2 LowDown 4:15
  3. 3 2:19 5:02
  4. 4 Fish in the Jailhouse 4:22
  5. 5 Bottom of the World 5:42
  6. 6 Lucinda 4:52
  7. 7 Ain’t Goin’ Down to the Well 2:28
  8. 8 Lord I’ve Been Changed 2:28
  9. 9 Puttin’ On the Dog 3:39
  10. 10 Road to Peace 7:17
  11. 11 All the Time 4:33
  12. 12 The Return of Jackie and Judy 3:28
  13. 13 Walk Away 2:43
  14. 14 Sea of Love 3:43
  15. 15 Buzz Fledderjohn 4:12
  16. 16 Rains on Me 3:20

Disc 2

  1. 1 Bend Down the Branches 1:06
  2. 2 You Can Never Hold Back Spring 2:26
  3. 3 Long Way Home 3:10
  4. 4 Widow’s Grove 4:58
  5. 5 Little Drop of Poison 3:09
  6. 6 Shiny Things 2:20
  7. 7 World Keeps Turning 4:16
  8. 8 Tell It to Me 3:08
  9. 9 Never Let Go 3:13
  10. 10 Fannin Street 5:01
  11. 11 Little Man 4:33
  12. 12 It’s Over 4:40
  13. 13 If I Have to Go 2:15
  14. 14 Goodnight Irene 4:47
  15. 15 The Fall of Troy 3:00
  16. 16 Take Care of All My Children 2:31
  17. 17 Down There by the Train 5:38
  18. 18 Danny Says 3:05
  19. 19 Jayne’s Blue Wish 2:29
  20. 20 Young at Heart 3:41

Disc 3

  1. 1 What Keeps Mankind Alive 2:09
  2. 2 Children’s Story 1:42
  3. 3 Heigh Ho 3:32
  4. 4 Army Ants 3:25
  5. 5 Books of Moses 2:49
  6. 6 Bone Chain 1:03
  7. 7 Two Sisters 4:55
  8. 8 First Kiss 2:40
  9. 9 Dog Door 2:43
  10. 10 Redrum 1:12
  11. 11 Nirvana 2:12
  12. 12 Home I’ll Never Be 2:28
  13. 13 Poor Little Lamb 1:43
  14. 14 Altar Boy 2:48
  15. 15 The Pontiac 1:54
  16. 16 Spidey’s Wild Ride 2:03
  17. 17 King Kong 5:29
  18. 18 On the Road 4:14
  19. 19 Dog Treat 2:56
  20. 20 Missing My Son 3:38