The Fall of Troy

Echoes of Desperation: Tom Waits' Tale of Lives Lost
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Lyrics

It's the same with men as with horses and dogs

Life's instinct for survival is universal, applicable to both humans and animals.

Nothing wants to die

Everything resists death; there's an inherent will to live.

Evelyn James they killed in a game

Reference to a person named Evelyn James, killed in a game or conflict.

With guns too big for their hands

Describes the use of powerful guns in the incident, possibly signifying excessive force.

Just off St. Charles in No-Mans Land

Location mentioned, St. Charles in No-Man's Land, adding context to the setting.

And you'll have to find your own way home, boys

Advice or observation that individuals must navigate their own paths in challenging situations.

You'll have to find your own way home

Reiteration of the need for personal responsibility in finding one's way home.


The oldest was Troy, an eighteen year-old boy

Introduction of Troy, an eighteen-year-old killed in a robbery.

Shot dead in March with a robbery

Details about Troy's death, shot dead in March during a robbery.

His brother started out to hell and to ruin

Reference to Troy's brother facing a destructive path after the tragedy.

Troy's killer was never caught they say

Implication that Troy's killer remains unidentified.

Young nick he just went bad that day

Introduction of Young Nick, who turned delinquent on the mentioned day.

Now he'll have to find his own way home, boys

Similar advice to Young Nick to find his own way home after his actions.

He'll have to find his own way home

Reiteration of personal responsibility for Young Nick.


Why cook dinner?

Rhetorical questions questioning the mundane aspects of life, reflecting existential pondering.

Why make my bed?

Questioning the significance of domestic chores like making the bed.

Why come home at all?

Raising the question of the purpose of returning home.

Out the door and through the woods

Reference to a desolate world where nothing grows, symbolizing hopelessness.

There is a world where nothing grows

Continuation of the portrayal of a bleak and barren environment.


It's hard to say grace and to sit in the place

Commenting on the difficulty of expressing gratitude in the absence of a loved one.

Of someone missing at the table

Depiction of a missing person's impact on family gatherings, specifically at the dining table.

Mom's hair sprayed tight

Description of the mother's appearance, underlining the emotional toll of the situation.

And her face in her hands

Mother's posture and demeanor as she watches TV, seeking answers in a challenging situation.

Watching TV for answers to me

Mention of the mother searching for solutions or guidance through television.

After all she's only human

Recognition of the mother's humanity and the difficulty she faces.

And she's trying to find her own way home, boys

Mother's attempt to find her own way home, metaphorically navigating through challenges.

She's trying to find her own way home

Reiteration of the mother's personal journey and struggle to find her way.


My legs ache

Personal physical discomfort, possibly symbolizing the broader human experience of pain.

My heart is sore

Expresses emotional distress, reflecting a wounded or aching heart.

The well is full of pennies

Mention of a well filled with pennies, possibly symbolizing accumulated but trivial wealth.

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