450 Quotes by Tom Waits

I think some bands thrive on the idea of changing instruments. When they’re off their real instrument, the ability to go very far from the original idea is reduced.

I do some acting. And there’s a difference between “I do some acting” and “I’m an actor.”

I guess I’ve always lived upside down when I want things I can’t have.

I took a hundred dollars from a blindman’s hand.

You almost have to create situations in order to write about them, so I live in a constant state of self-imposed poverty. I don’t want to live any other way.

I like writing melody without an instrument. It’s just so – it’s more like the choreography of a bee; you just go.

It’s rather mystifying when you think about writing songs – where they come from, and how they’re born.

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.

Don’t look back, because someone might be gaining on you.