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About this quote

What does it mean?
A description of a harsh, raspy voice resulting from excessive habits and sleep deprivation.
In plain terms
The voice sounds damaged and tired.
What can you take from it?
Habits shape how your voice sounds.

Where it applies

  • performing
  • physical strain

Putting it to work

  • protect your voice
  • avoid excess

Questions to consider

  • How do habits affect performance?
  • Is pain necessary for art?

Another view

It romanticizes damaging behavior for artistic effect.

More from Tom Waits

  1. 'It's like he swallowed a roll of sandpaper' - Anon boy 2008

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  2. '...he's really awesome and really horrible' --Anonymous young boy, 2007.

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  3. '...like a clown crossed with a cherry bomb.' --Anonymous young girl, liner notes to Used Songs: 1973-1980

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