450 Quotes by Tom Waits

Well you say that it's gospel, But I know that it's only church.

I made a wish on a sliver of moonlight A sly grin and a bowl full of stars

I don't like the word 'poetry,' and I don't like poetry readings, and I usually don't like poets. I would much prefer describing myself and what I do as: I'm kind of a curator, and I'm kind of a night-owl reporter.

Time is just memory Mixed in with Desire.

I walked 500 miles just to see a halo, when I opened my eyes I was blind as can be.

I look for things that are left of center, something you've only seen your whole life, but never heard. Hit it! With a stick! I have a guitar made out of a 2x4 that I bought in Cleveland.

It's very hard to stop doing things you're used to doing. You almost have to dismantle yourself and scatter it all around and then put a blindfold on and put it back together so that you avoid old habits.

The beginning of it starts at the end

I used to imagine that making it in music - really making it in music - is if you're an old man going by a schoolyard and you hear children singing your songs, playing jump-rope, or on the swings. That's the ultimate. You're in the culture.