Hang on St. Christopher

Tom Waits

About Hang on St. Christopher

Hang on St. Christopher is a song by Tom Waits appearing on his 1987 album Franks Wild Years. It was released as a single in 1987 by Island Records.


Year:
1998
2:42
146 
#1

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Hang on St. Christopher through the smoke and the oil
Buckle down the rumble seat and let the radiator boil
Got an overhead downshift and a two-dollar grill
Got an eighty-five cabin on an eighty-five hill
Hang on St. Christopher on the passenger side
Open it up tonight the devil can ride

Hang on St. Christopher with a barrelhouse dog
Kick me up Mount Baldy, throw me out in the fog
Tear a hole in the jackpot, drive a stake through his heart
Do a hundred on the grapevine, do a jump on the start

Hang on St. Christopher now don't let me go
Get me to Reno and bring it in low, yeah

Hang on St. Christopher with the hammer to the floor
Put a highball in the crank case, nail a crow to the door
Get a bottle for the jockey gimme a two-ninety-four
There's a seven-fifty Norton bustin' down January's door

Hang on St. Christopher on the passenger side
Open it up tonight the devil can ride
Hang on St. Christopher now don't let me go
Get me to Reno got to bring it in low
Put my baby on the flat car, got to burn down the caboose
Get 'em all jacked up on whiskey, then we'll turn the mad dog loose

Hang on St. Christopher on the passenger side
Open it up tonight the devil can ride, oh, yeah

Oh, yeah

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Tom Waits

Thomas Alan "Tom" Waits (born December 7, 1949) is an American singer-songwriter, composer, and actor. Waits has a distinctive voice, described by critic Daniel Durchholz as sounding "like it was soaked in a vat of bourbon, left hanging in the smokehouse for a few months, and then taken outside and run over with a car." With this trademark growl, his incorporation of pre-rock music styles such as blues, jazz, and vaudeville, and experimental tendencies verging on industrial music, Waits has built up a distinctive musical persona. He has worked as a composer for movies and musical plays and has acted in supporting roles in films including Paradise Alley and Bram Stoker's Dracula; he also starred in the 1986 film Down by Law. He was nominated for an Academy Awa… more »

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Written by: THOMAS ALAN WAITS

Lyrics © JALMA MUSIC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Details
"Hang on St. Christopher" is a song by Tom Waits, an American singer-songwriter and actor. It was released in 1987 as part of the album "Franks Wild Years".
Songwriting
The song is written by Waits himself which is common as the American singer-songwriter is known for his lyrical creativity and dark narrative themes.
Genre
The song is often classified under the genre of blues, more specifically experimental blues with elements of rock and roll.
Song Inspiration
The 'St. Christopher' in the song title refers to the patron saint of travellers in Christian tradition. Waits uses this symbol to explore themes of journeying, struggling and faith.
Album Context
"Hang on St. Christopher" is the opening song of "Franks Wild Years", a concept album by Waits. The album is about a man named Frank who leaves his hometown.
Musical Style
The song features Waits' signature growling vocals and distinctive rhythms that often conjure dark and disorienting worlds. The track also includes saxophone and trumpet accompaniment.
Uniqueness
"Hang on St. Christopher" stands out due to its fusion of diverse musical styles like blues, jazz, and cabaret.
Song's Legacy
Although it was not released as a single, the track is often highlighted by critics as a standout of Tom Waits' prolific discography. It embodies his distinctive songwriting and musical style that has significantly influenced many musicians and artists.
Live Performances
Tom Waits has occasionally performed "Hang on St. Christopher" live, and these performances are often noted for their raw energy and theatricality.
Cover Versions
"Hang on St. Christopher" has been covered by several artists including Hugh Cornwell, former guitarist and singer of British punk rock band, The Stranglers. The attempt on such covers signify the influence and admiration the song has generated over the years.

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