Way Down in the Hole
Kronos Quartet, Tom Waits, Greg Cohen
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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 We just gotta help me keep the devil Way down in the hole All the angels sing about 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 Down in the hole, down in the hole Down in the hole, down in the hole Down in the hole, down in the hole You gotta help me keep the devil Down in the hole
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
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.
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DoMaJeThe 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.
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Steve EarleMusician 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.
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The Blind Boys of AlabamaThe 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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"Way Down in the Hole Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 20 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/28210009/Tom+Waits/Way+Down+in+the+Hole>.
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