While the term “fish” in prison usually means a first-timer that’s in for a rude awakening, in the case of Waits’ track, the fish refers to actual fish. “Fish in the Jailhouse” briefly introduces us to Peoria Johnson, who tells his cellmate he can break out of any prison with a “skeleton fish key,” which he’ll get at supper because the jailhouse cafeteria is serving fish that night. The idea for the song reportedly came to Waits’ wife and co-writer Kathleen Brennan in a dream.
Okay… the first verse… the character brags that he can break out of any prison with a fish bone… and its kind of like… “and guess what, theyre serving fish in the jailhouse tonight” Peoria Johnson told Dirty Ol' Joe I can break out of any old jail, you know The bars are iron, the walls are stone All I need me is an old fishbone Fish in the jailhouse tonight, all right, oh boy
'Orphans, Brawlers and Bastards' is already too much for a reactor to contemplate covering. Tom Waits remains one of the best artists of the last 50 years. Well done Mugnify for even trying.
While the term “fish” in prison usually means a first-timer that’s in for a rude awakening, in the case of Waits’ track, the fish refers to actual fish. “Fish in the Jailhouse” briefly introduces us to Peoria Johnson, who tells his cellmate he can break out of any prison with a “skeleton fish key,” which he’ll get at supper because the jailhouse cafeteria is serving fish that night. The idea for the song reportedly came to Waits’ wife and co-writer Kathleen Brennan in a dream.
Tom Waits is a treasure, and also his own genre. Brilliant musician.
Never heard this one before, I loved it
Tom makes me happy and from the smile on your face you too...
Tom waits is amazing. His live performances are something else. You get to see all the percussion instruments they use. It's pretty cool.
Thanks for reacting to Tom Waits , especially such a off the wall such as this
Okay… the first verse… the character brags that he can break out of any prison with a fish bone… and its kind of like… “and guess what, theyre serving fish in the jailhouse tonight”
Peoria Johnson told Dirty Ol' Joe
I can break out of any old jail, you know
The bars are iron, the walls are stone
All I need me is an old fishbone
Fish in the jailhouse tonight, all right, oh boy
listen to the first part of the song again. he needs a fish bone to pick a lock
'Orphans, Brawlers and Bastards' is already too much for a reactor to contemplate covering. Tom Waits remains one of the best artists of the last 50 years. Well done Mugnify for even trying.
Oh you challenging my skills! ?
@@MugnifyRTS 😄😜