Way Down in the Hole

Steve Earle

About Way Down in the Hole

"Way Down in the Hole" is a song written by the singer-songwriter Tom Waits. It was included on his 1987 album Franks Wild Years, which was later made into a stage production. The song was used as the theme for HBO's The Wire. A different recording was used each season. Versions, in series order, were recorded by The Blind Boys of Alabama, Tom Waits, The Neville Brothers, DoMaJe, and Steve Earle. Season four's version, performed by the Baltimore teenagers Ivan Ashford, Markel Steele, Cameron Brown, Tariq Al-Sabir and Avery Bargasse, was arranged and recorded specifically for the show. An extended version of the Blind Boys of Alabama recording was played over a montage in the series finale. In 2004 a music historian, Kim Beissel, said that the 1994 song "Red Right Hand" by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds was loosely based on this song by Waits. 


Year:
2007
2:55
203 

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When you walk through the garden
You gotta watch your back
Well I beg your pardon
Walk the straight and narrow track
If you walk with Jesus
He's gonna save your soul
You gotta keep the devil
Way down in the hole

He's got the fire and the fury
At his command
Well you don't have to worry
If you hold on to Jesus' hand
We'll all be safe from Satan
When the thunder rolls
Just gotta help me keep the devil
Way down in the hole

All the angels sing
'Bout Jesus' mighty sword
And they'll shield you with their wings
And keep you close to the Lord
Don't pay heed to temptation
For his hands are so cold
You gotta help me keep the devil
Way down in the hole

Way down in the hole
Way down in the hole
Way down in the hole
Way down in the hole

(In the bottom of a hole)

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Steve Earle

Steve Earle ( /ˈɜrl/; born Stephen Fain Earle on January 17, 1955) is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, author and actor. Earle grew up near San Antonio, Texas, and began learning the guitar at age 11. more »

4 fans

Written by: THOMAS ALAN WAITS

Lyrics © Jalma Music

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


4 facts about this song

Tom Waits
"Way Down in the Hole" was written and performed by Tom Waits. It was first released in 1987 on his album, "Frank's Wild Years". - The song is noted for its haunting tone and the dark lyrics which are heavily tinged with Christian allegory. - Despite its niche style, the song gained significant prominence after being used as the theme song for the TV Show, The Wire. - The original Tom Waits version of the song is used as the closing theme of Season 2 of The Wire. - The song is often seen as one of the definitive tracks of Waits' gravelly, experimental style and is arguably one of his most recognizable songs.
DoMaJe
The acapella group DoMaJe covered “Way Down in the Hole" in the fourth season of "The Wire". - DoMaJe's cover of the song stands out for being one of the only versions to feature children vocalists. The group was composed of Baltimore teenagers Ivan Ashford, Markel Steele, Cameron Brown, Tariq Al-Sabir, and Avery Bargasse. - The use of the song in this season was seen as particularly poignant as the story focused on the struggles of inner-city school children.
Steve Earle
Musician Steve Earle's cover of "Way Down in the Hole" is used in the fifth and final season of "The Wire". - Earle is a cast member of the series, playing a recovery group counselor named Walon. - Steve Earle’s version refashions the song into a slow, country-inflected rendition, lining up with his signature musical style.
The Blind Boys of Alabama
The group "The Blind Boys of Alabama" also provided a cover of the song for the first season of "The Wire". - Their gospel-infused version of "Way Down in the Hole" is filled with rich harmonies, soulful expression and has a distinctive southern vibe. - For many, their version has come to be associated with The Wire, as it was the first rendition heard on the critically acclaimed series.

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