To Celebrate Tom Waits’ 75th Birthday, Here Are Five of His Best Covers Not Named “Downtown Train”

As one of the most prolific and influential artists of the modern music era, it is surprising to learn Tom Waits has never had an original song land on the charts. His gruff delivery of affecting, almost tortured lyrics layered upon experimental arrangements is an acquired taste, not easily digested by the causal radio listener.

With the spit and polish of contemporary artists, Waits’ songs have taken on new life. Waits’ compositions are, at their core, austere landscapes, foundational architectures, and bare-bones ballads that stand on their as complete works of art. Yet, they also stand as frameworks for other artists to build upon. 

Waits has the sixth most-covered songs by a single recording artist of all time. Topping the list was 1989’s “Downtown Train,” which had Rod Stewart racing Bob Seger to record it first. While both artists recorded it, Stewart released his version first on his Storyteller compilation, taking it to No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, No. 3 on the Hot 100, and No. 10 in the UK.

To celebrate Waits’ 75th birthday today (December 7), we’ll focus on some of his other covers that shine like new dimes.  

“Hold On” by Aimee Mann from Come on up to the House: Women Sing Waits (2019)

Understated and emotive, Aimee Mann brings a gentle force to a song full of desperation, hope, and resilience, giving the lyrics, Go ahead and call the cops / You don’t meet nice girls in coffee shops a forceful female perspective and resonance. 

“I Don’t Wanna Grow Up” by the Ramones from Adios Amigos (1995)

The first track on their farewell album, the song fits the band like a glove. The Ramones infuse the song with punk venom, taking it from low rumble to full-throttle.  

“Falling Down” by Scarlett Johansson from Anywhere I Lay My Head (2008)

Primarily dismissed by critics, Scarlett Johansson’s mostly Tom Waits covers album finds her scarlet voice blending seamlessly with the song’s “Alice in Wonderland” meets Joy Division fuzz vibe. 

“Trampled Rose” by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss from Raising Sand (2007)

Alison Krauss’ angelic voice lifts Waits’ haunting lyrics out into the night, but the carnival rhythm keeps them grounded and her moving forward, dwelling on her unrequited love, her trampled rose in the dirt. 

“Ol ‘55” by Sarah McLachlan from The Freedom Sessions (1995)

Sarah McLachlan’s cover is arguably more raw and grittier than Waits’ original and far less polished than the Eagles’ release of the song in 1974. A woman playing the role of the Waits antihero—the loser getting lucky sometimes—is a refreshing take, and McLachlan delivers it masterfully. 

Honorable Mentions: 

“Down There by the Train” by Johnny Cash from American Recordings (1994) 

“Temptation” by Diana Krall from The Girl in the Other Room (2004)

“The Long Way Home” by Nora Jones from Feels Like Home (2004)

“Time” by Roseanne Cash from Come on up to the House: Women Sing Waits (2019)

These interpretations “covered” in this article are but a handful of hundreds. If imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, then Tom should be pleased that notable artists have opened up his songs to the masses. 

 Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for REDCAT Gala 2015