Tom Waits and the Soundtrack of the 1960s: A Journey Through His Favourite Songs

The 1960s were a defining era for music, a period of unparalleled creativity that reshaped the cultural landscape and left an indelible mark on countless artists. For Tom Waits, this revolutionary decade wasn’t just a backdrop—it was a cornerstone in the foundation of his eclectic and poetic sound. The music of the ‘60s helped Waits cultivate his gritty, genre-blurring artistry, ultimately solidifying him as one of the most innovative musicians of his time.

The Seeds of Inspiration

Waits, whose musical evolution reflects a restless spirit of experimentation, has always drawn from a diverse well of influences. The ’60s provided a treasure trove of sounds, from the raw rhythms of rock and blues to the introspective lyricism of folk. These elements are evident in the music Waits creates, where stories unfold with an almost cinematic depth, capturing realism and mystery in equal measure.

While his tastes are as mutable as his artistic expression, many of Waits’ favourite songs from the era highlight his enduring commitment to diversity and innovation. In interviews, he often describes his musical preferences as fluid, saying, “If you ask me tomorrow, the list would change, of course.” Still, the themes and emotions underpinning his favourites remain consistent, reflecting a love for storytelling, genre fusion, and the visceral power of music.

The Songs That Shaped Him

Among the many artists who revolutionized the music of the ‘60s, Bob Dylan holds a special place in Waits’ pantheon of influences. One of his favourite songs, ‘Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands’, exemplifies Dylan’s unparalleled ability to weave narratives that are both personal and universal. Waits once remarked, “For a songwriter, Dylan is as essential as a hammer and nails and a saw are to a carpenter.” This sentiment underscores Dylan’s role in redefining the craft of songwriting, transforming it into a deeply introspective and poetic art form.

Waits’ appreciation for the decade isn’t confined to folk music. The soulful melodies of Sam Cooke (‘Bring It On Home to Me’) and Ray Charles (‘Can’t Stop Loving You’ and ‘Georgia On My Mind’) reveal his affinity for heartfelt expressions of emotion. Similarly, the genre-blending brilliance of Captain Beefheart’s ‘China Pig’ and Buffalo Springfield’s ‘For What It’s Worth’ align with Waits’ own penchant for defying musical boundaries.

Building Atmospheres and Telling Stories

A recurring theme in Waits’ favourite tracks is their ability to evoke vivid atmospheres and profound intrigue. Songs like Bobbie Gentry’s ‘Ode to Billie Joe’ and Buffalo Springfield’s ‘Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing’ resonate with his own world-building tendencies, crafting narratives that transcend surface-level description. Waits has often said, “My reality needs imagination like a bulb needs a socket,” a philosophy echoed in the haunting, enigmatic quality of many of these tracks.

The music of The Who (‘Boris the Spider’, ‘Substitute’), The Kinks (‘You Really Got Me’), and The Kingsmen (‘Louie Louie’) showcases the energy and rebellion of rock, while tracks like Willie Nelson’s ‘Hello Walls’ and James Brown’s ‘This is a Man’s Man’s Man’s World’ emphasize the raw emotive power of voice and lyricism.

A Legacy Rooted in the Past

Ultimately, Waits’ love for the music of the 1960s reflects his own artistic ethos: an embrace of innovation, emotional authenticity, and narrative depth. From the plaintive croon of Roy Orbison’s ‘In Dreams’ to the fiery blues of Howlin’ Wolf’s ‘Wang Dang Doodle’, the songs on Waits’ list are more than favourites—they are building blocks of his own creative journey.

Tom Waits’ Favourite Songs from the 1960s

• ‘96 Tears’ – ? and the Mysterians
• ‘Ball and Chain’ – Big Brother and the Holding Company
• ‘Boris the Spider’ – The Who
• ‘Bring It On Home to Me’ – Sam Cooke
• ‘Can’t Stop Loving You’ – Ray Charles
• ‘China Pig’ – Captain Beefheart
• ‘For What It’s Worth’ – Buffalo Springfield
• ‘Georgia On My Mind’ – Ray Charles
• ‘Harlem Shuffle’ – Bob & Earl
• ‘Hello Walls’ – Willie Nelson
• ‘In Dreams’ – Roy Orbison
• ‘Like A Fool’ – Ike and Tina Turner
• ‘Just Like A Woman’ – Bob Dylan
• ‘Louie Louie’ – The Kingsmen
• ‘Moon River’ – Andy Williams
• ‘Night Train’ – James Brown
• ‘Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing’ – Buffalo Springfield
• ‘Ode to Billie Joe’ – Bobbie Gentry
• ‘Prisoner of Love’ – James Brown
• ‘Restless Farewell’ – Bob Dylan
• ‘Ringo’ – Lorne Green
• ‘Sad Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands’ – Bob Dylan
• ‘Soldier Boy’ – The Shirelles
• ‘Substitute’ – The Who
• ‘This is a Man’s Man’s Man’s World’ – James Brown
• ‘Train Kept-a-Rollin’’ – The Yardbirds
• ‘Walk Away Renee’ – The Left Banke
• ‘Wang Dang Doodle’ – Howlin’ Wolf
• ‘You Really Got Me’ – The Kinks
• ‘You’ve Really Got a Hold On Me’ – Smokey Robinson

These songs offer a glimpse into the vast musical landscape that inspired Tom Waits, showcasing the profound impact of the 1960s on one of music’s most imaginative and enduring storytellers.