Ol' '55
Tom Waits
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Well, my time went so quickly I went lickety-splickly Out to my old '55 As I pulled away slowly, feeling so holy God knows, I was feeling alive Now the sun's coming up I'm riding with Lady Luck Freeway cars and trucks Stars beginning to fade And I lead the parade Just a-wishing I'd stayed a little longer Oh, Lord, lemme tell you that the feeling's getting stronger And at six in the morning, gave me no warning I had to be on my way Well there's trucks all a-passing and and the lights all a-flashing I'm on my way home from your place And now the sun's coming up I'm riding with Lady Luck Freeway cars and trucks Stars beginning to fade And I lead the parade Just a-wishing I'd stayed a little longer Oh, Lord, lemme tell you the feeling's getting stronger And my time went so quickly I went lickety-splickly Out to my old '55 As I pulled away slowly, feeling so holy God knows, I was feeling alive And now the sun's coming up I'm riding with Lady Luck Freeway cars and trucks Freeway cars and trucks Freeway cars and trucks
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Written by: Tom Waits
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, JALMA MUSIC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Songwriter's Insight"Ol' '55" was the opening track and lead single from Tom Waits' debut studio album "Closing Time" released in 1973.
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Album InformationThe album "Closing Time" was released by Asylum Records, a label known for its roster of singer-songwriters, including Joni Mitchell and Jackson Browne.
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Lyrics InsightThe song is a sentimental reminiscence of an early morning departure, leaving a lover behind: "And now the sun's coming up / I'm riding with Lady Luck / freeway cars and trucks / Stars beginning to fade / and I lead the parade."
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Song CompositionThe song is mellow, showcasing Waits' raspy voice, piano skills, and songwriting abilities. Its cabaret, jazz, and blues influenced sound was unique for its time.
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Cover VersionsThe most famous cover of "Ol' '55" is by The Eagles. Their version, which was a bit more upbeat than Waits', was included on their 1974 album "On the Border".
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Waits vs. EaglesDespite the song's popularity through The Eagles' cover, Tom Waits did not appreciate their interpretation. In interviews, he described their cover as "antiseptic" and was opposed to how they changed his original lyrics.
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Success of Song"Ol '55" became a classic in Tom Waits' discography, widely appreciated for its lyrical storytelling and emotional singing. It also became a standard covered by other artists.
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Inspiration for the SongThe song was inspired by a 1955 Cadillac that Waits had bought. The "Ol' 55" in the title refers to this car.
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Record Label DisputeWaits was dissatisfied with Asylum Records over the copyright to "Ol' 55" because he felt the label had cheated him out of his ownership of the song.
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Album ReceptionDespite the initial low sales and mixed reviews, over time "Closing Time" and its distinct track "Ol' 55" have gained more attention and the album has been considered as a monument in his catalog.
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"Ol' '55 Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/25502157/Tom+Waits/Ol%27+%2755>.
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