CHRISTMAS CARD FROM A HOOKER IN MINNEAPOLIS
(Tom Waits)


Tom Waits - 1978
Kacey Jones - 2000
Neko Case - 2000
Walker & The Brotherhood Of The Grape - 2003
Maria Tecce - 2006
Michelle Stephens - 2008

Aslso recorded by: 
Magnapop; The Ataris; Asian; Bukowski Waits for You.


 


 

As recorded by KACEY JONES:

Charley, I'm pregnant, livin' on 9th Street
Right above a dirty bookstore off Euclid Avenue
I stopped takin' dope, I quit drinkin' whiskey
My old man plays the trombone and he works down at the track

He says that he loves me, even though its not his baby
He says that he'll raise him up like he was his own son
He gave me a ring that was worn by his mother, yeah
And you know he takes me out dancin' ev'ry Saturday night

Charley, I think about you every time I pass a fillin' station
On account of all the grease you used to wear in your hair
I still have that record, Little Anthony and the Imperials, but you now 
Someone stole my record player, well now, how d'ya like that

Charley, I nearly went crazy after Mario got busted
I went back to Omaha to live with my folks
But everyone I know is either dead or in prison
So I came back in Minneapolis, this time I think I'm gonna stay

Charley, I think I'm happy, first time since my accident
I wish I had all the money we used to spend on dope
I'd buy me a used car lot and I wouldn't sell any of 'em
No, I'd just drive a different car every day, dependin' on how I feel

And Charley, if you wanna know the truth of it, I ain't got no baby 
Ain't got no husband, he don't play the trombone
I need to borrow money to pay this lawyer, Charley
Hey, I'll be eligible for parole come Valentine's Day






(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - March 2013)