Downtown Train by Tom Waits/Rod Stewart

Tom Waits is one of music’s greatest song writers, and you've probably never heard of him. A true artists’ artist, Waits has been producing music since the 1970s and has released over 20 albums. Many artists have covered his songs and the most famous is Rod Stewart's version of “Downtown Train.”



One of Rod Stewart's biggest hits, “Downtown Train” perfectly fits Stewart’s soulful delivery. Now if you thought that Stewart has a gravely voice, check out Waits singing his own composition.



Waits sounds like Louis Armstrong, horribly aged 20 years, smoking cigarettes non-stop, soaked in bourbon. Gravely doesn’t even begin to describe the grit in this man’s voice and the crazy thing is that his recording of “Downtown Train” sounds angelic compared to other performances. Check out this recording of “Anywhere I Lay My Head,” of my personal favorites.



Once you get past the initial surprise, listen, really listen. It’s the male equivalent of Janis Joplin. This is expression pure and true. There is nothing holding back this voice. Waits could not be singing any harder or with any more soul. In the musical and lyrical world of Tom Waits, his voice truly is the main character walking down dark rain-soaked streets.

Rod Stewart's enters Wait’s world and adds a shimmer. Stewart sings with energy as he almost swings through the lyrics. The groove is reminiscent of the time when it was recorded, synthesized and bright. There is hope and light in this recording so much that you believe that Stewart will actually see the girl that he longs for at the end of it all.

As Waits methodically moves the lyrics, the dirty and gritty background instruments plod along mysteriously. There is something spiteful in Waits’ voice, a little sarcastic and angry. While Stewart pours on the emotion during the chorus Waits almost seems to hold back throwing away the ends of the lines like a man tired of asking the same questions.

The imagery in this song is simple but powerful: “Outside another yellow has punched a hole in the night time mist.” Wait paints a picture of emotions using few words and subtle symbolism. Even though you may not understand exactly what he is saying the emotion his is expressing is crystal clear.

My brother introduced me to the Rod Stewart version first and I’ve always loved that version. When I found Waits original at first it sounded awkward and lacking in any real passion. But more and more I find myself coming back to Waits version because there is something so primal and exposed about his voice that it draws me in.

Whichever one you prefer, it’s undeniable the greatness of this song. The lyrics are incredible, the simple verse melody is intimate and the chorus is beautiful rising and falling like a wolf howling at a full moon.

If you’re not a Tom Waits fan, give his version a try. You may be surprised how much you like it even after initially being turned away from the ugliness of his voice. If you’re not a Rod Stewart fan, give him a chance. It's blue-eyed soul at its best.

Either way, take a minute to jump into the world of Tom Waits whether it be through his voice or Stewart's. It's dark and a little scary, but there's magic there in the moonlight, the empty streets and the memories that keeps hope alive.