Innocent When You Dream
Tom Waits
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The bats are in the belfry The dew is on the moor Where are the arms that held me And pledged her love before And pledged her love before It's such a sad old feeling The hills are soft and green It's memories that I'm stealing But you're innocent when you dream When you dream You're innocent when you dream When you dream You're innocent when you dream I made a golden promise That we would never part I gave my love a locket And then I broke her heart And then I broke her heart It's such a sad old feeling the fields are soft and green It's memories that I'm stealing But you're innocent when you dream When you dream You're innocent when you dream Innocent when you dream Running through the graveyard We laughed my friends and I We swore we'd be together Until the day we died Until the day we died It's such a sad old feeling The fields are soft and green It's memories that I'm stealing But you're innocent when you dream When you dream You're innocent when you dream When you dream
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.jpg/258px-Tom_Waits_(1974–75_Asylum_publicity_photo_-_headshot).jpg "Tom Waits")
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21 facts about this song
Song details"Innocent When You Dream" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Tom Waits from his ninth studio album, "Franks Wild Years" (1987). It is one of Waits' most recognized and celebrated songs.
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Album Concept"Franks Wild Years" is a concept album that revolves around the character Frank O'Brien, a small-town guy who aspires to escape his life in his hometown. "Innocent When You Dream" seems to encapsulate the character's longing for better times and his nostalgia.
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Song VersatilityThere are two versions of "Innocent When You Dream" on the album – "78" and "Barroom". The numbers signify the speed at which the vinyl records were originally intended to be played. The '78' version is more quiet, slow, and reflective, while the 'Barroom' version is faster and more energetic.
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Inspiration"Innocent When You Dream" combines the elements of vaudeville, cabaret, and tin-pan-alley music. It evokes the feel of old gramophone records, with its lyrics filled with seemingly abstract stories that carry deeper meanings.
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LyricsThe song lyrics speak about the complexities of dreams and reality. It also makes a point about how people often appear innocent while dreaming, regardless of their actions or behavior in reality.
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InstrumentationThe song highlights Waits' trademark experimental instrumental style. The 'Barroom' version features accordion, drums, and double bass, among other instruments, providing a unique, vintage feel to the song.
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Film AppearanceThe song has been used in several films and TV shows, including "Smoke" (1995) and "Bored to Death" (2009-2011). This showcases its wide-ranging appeal and enduring popularity.
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Live PerformancesTom Waits has performed "Innocent When You Dream" live in many of his concerts, with the performances usually featuring variations in the song's arrangement.
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Covers"Innocent When You Dream" has been covered by several artists across different music genres, showing its universal appeal. The Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip performed a live cover of the song in several of their concerts.
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Critical ReceptionThe song, like much of Waits' work, has garnered positive views from critics. It is often praised for its poignant lyrics and unique musical arrangement, and is regarded as a highlight of "Franks Wild Years".
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Album Origination"Innocent When You Dream" is featured on Tom Waits' album Franks Wild Years released in August 1987.
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Narrative StructureThe song follows a narrative style, which is a signature style of Tom Waits' songwriting. He tells stories through his songs, drawing listeners in with his unique lyrical style.
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Two VersionsThere are actually two versions of this song on the album. One is subtitled "(Barroom)" while the other is subtitled "(78)."
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Music theme and styleThe song, particularly the "(Barroom)" version, is stylistically reminiscent of a slow, melancholy barroom ballad, featuring Waits' gravelly vocals alongside piano and accordion accompaniment.
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Emotional Tone“Innocent When You Dream” is widely considered as one of Waits’ most poignant songs. It speaks to lost innocence and regret for past mistakes.
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AwardsWhile the song hasn't won any specific awards, the album, Franks Wild Years, from which the song originates, has received high critical acclaim and is considered a crucial part of Waits' discography.
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Song's Rarity on ToursThe song "Innocent When You Dream" is rarely played on Waits' tours, making it a treat for fans when it's included in a live set.
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LyricsThe lyrics mix up a mournful, nostalgic tone with Noir-ish imagery, typical of Tom Waits' style.
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Signature Style“Innocent When You Dream” embodies Waits’ transformation from a jazz-based singer/songwriter to a master of experimental rock and post-Beat poetry.
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Echoing Past WorkThe song revisits themes of romantic heartbreak and self-destruction that Tom Waits has explored frequently throughout his career.
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Cover VersionsSinger-songwriter Greg Brown covered "Innocent When You Dream" on his 2002 album Going Driftless – An Artist's Tribute to Greg Brown.
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Citation
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"Innocent When You Dream Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2522135/Tom+Waits/Innocent+When+You+Dream>.
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