Jersey Girl
Tom Waits
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Got no time for the corner boys, Down in the street makin' all that noise, Don't want no whores on eighth avenue, Cause tonight I'm gonna be with you. 'Cause tonight I'm gonna take that ride, Across the river to the jersey side, Take my baby to the carnival, And I'll take you on all the rides, Sing sha la la la la la sha la la la. Down the shore everything's alright, You're with your baby on a Saturday night, Don't you know that all my dreams come true, When I'm walkin' down the street with you, Sing sha la la la la la sha la la la. You know she thrills me with all her charms, When I'm wrapped up in my baby's arms, My little angel gives me everything, I know someday that she'll wear my ring. So don't bother me cause I got no time, I'm on my way to see that girl of mine, Nothin' else matters in this whole wide world, When you're in love with a jersey girl, Sing sha la la la la la la. And I call your name, I can't sleep at night, Sha la la la la la la.
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24 facts about this song
Creation"Jersey Girl" is a song by American singer-songwriter Tom Waits, who is known for his distinctive gravelly voice.
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ReleaseIt was first released on his 1980 album "Heartattack and Vine."
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InspirationThe song is believed to have been inspired by Waits' wife and muse, Kathleen Brennan, who was originally from New Jersey.
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LyricsThe lyrics offer a sentimental, romanticized vision of urban life, painting a portrait of a "Jersey Girl" living in the city.
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Cover versionsAlthough Tom Waits wrote and originally performed "Jersey Girl", the song became more popular through a live cover version by Bruce Springsteen.
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InfluenceBruce Springsteen started performing the song live in 1981, and his version has been more widely recognized, often being mistaken as his own song.
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Live performancesSpringsteen's version was often performed as a celebration of his home state, New Jersey, during his concerts.
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Film ReferenceThe song also gave the title to a 2004 romantic comedy film "Jersey Girl", directed by Kevin Smith.
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LegacyIn 2016, Rolling Stone magazine listed "Jersey Girl" as one of their "10 Essential Tom Waits Songs."
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Music StyleThe song is often noted for its departure from Waits' earlier, grittier compositions, instead showcasing a broader, more mainstream sound.
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HonorsAn audio recording of Tom Waits' "Jersey Girl" performance at the 1977 Folk Arts Rare Records in San Diego, California, is preserved in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum's Library and Archives.
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Critics ViewMany music critics consider "Jersey Girl" as one of the best love songs that Waits has ever written, praising its heartfelt lyrics and emotional depth.
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Artist Background"Jersey Girl" is a song by American singer-songwriter Tom Waits from his 1980 album "Heartattack and Vine."
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Song CompositionThe song is a romantic ballad, inspired by Waits' wife Kathleen Brennan, who was from New Jersey.
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Famous Cover VersionFamed musician Bruce Springsteen often covers "Jersey Girl" during his live performances, solidifying its significance to the Garden State.
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Springsteen's InclusionSpringsteen's performance of "Jersey Girl" is so popular that his live recording of the song was included on his 1986 box set "Live/1975-85."
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Lyric ChangesWhen Bruce Springsteen covers "Jersey Girl", he changes the lyrics slightly to remove the original references made by Waits to prostitution.
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Pop Culture Presence"Jersey Girl" has been used in a number of popular films and TV shows, demonstrating its enduring popularity. For example, it was used in the movie "Jersey Girl" directed by Kevin Smith and the TV show "The Sopranos."
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Stripping Down ElementWaits' original version has a more stripped-down sound, characteristic of his usual style, featuring his distinctive gravelly voice accompanied by a gentle piano.
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Critical ReceptionCritics have praised "Jersey Girl" for its heartfelt lyrics and evocative portrayal of longing and love.
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Waits' DedicationTom Waits dedicated "Jersey Girl" to his wife during live performances, further emphasising its personal significance.
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Radio BanDespite its popularity, the song wasn't released as a single due to a line referencing prostitution, which led to a radio ban.
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Full Band SoundWhile the original version by Waits is a gentle piano ballad, Springsteen's live performances often involve the E Street Band, providing a full band sound that many fans prefer.
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Waits’ ApprovalDespite being famously protective of his songs, Waits has publicly expressed appreciation of Springsteen's rendition of "Jersey Girl."
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Citation
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"Jersey Girl Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 4 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/19184162/Tom+Waits/Jersey+Girl>.
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