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Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis Lyrics
Hey Charley I'm pregnant
And living on 9th Street
Right above a dirty bookstore
Off Euclid avenue
And I stopped taking dope
And I quit drinking whiskey
And my old man plays the trombone
And works out at the track.
And he says that he loves me
Even though its not his baby
And he says that he'll raise him up
Like he would his own son
And he gave me a ring
That was worn by his mother
And he takes me out dancin'
Every Saturday night
And hey 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
And I still have that record
Of Little Anthony and The Imperials
But someone stole my record player
How do you like that?
Hey Charley I almost went crazy
After Mario got busted
So I went back to Omaha to
Live with my folks
But everyone I used to know
Was either dead or in prison
So I came back in Minneapolis
This time I think I'm gonna stay.
Hey Charley I think I'm happy
For the first time since my accident
And I wish I had all the money
That we used to spend on dope
I'd buy me a used car lot
And I wouldn't sell any of em
I'd just drive a different car
Every day dependin' on how
I feel.
Hey Charley
For chrissakes
Do you want to know
The truth of it?
I don't have a husband
He don't play the trombone
And I need to borrow money
To pay this lawyer
And Charley, hey
I'll be eligible for parole
Come valentines day.
And living on 9th Street
Right above a dirty bookstore
Off Euclid avenue
And I stopped taking dope
And I quit drinking whiskey
And my old man plays the trombone
And works out at the track.
Even though its not his baby
And he says that he'll raise him up
Like he would his own son
And he gave me a ring
That was worn by his mother
And he takes me out dancin'
Every Saturday night
Every time I pass a fillin' station
On account of all the grease
You used to wear in your hair
And I still have that record
Of Little Anthony and The Imperials
But someone stole my record player
How do you like that?
After Mario got busted
So I went back to Omaha to
Live with my folks
But everyone I used to know
Was either dead or in prison
So I came back in Minneapolis
This time I think I'm gonna stay.
For the first time since my accident
And I wish I had all the money
That we used to spend on dope
I'd buy me a used car lot
And I wouldn't sell any of em
I'd just drive a different car
Every day dependin' on how
I feel.
For chrissakes
Do you want to know
The truth of it?
I don't have a husband
He don't play the trombone
And I need to borrow money
To pay this lawyer
And Charley, hey
I'll be eligible for parole
Come valentines day.
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This song is adapted from a CHARLES BUKOWSKI poem, pretty much word for word. Tom didn't write it. It is one of the greatest songs ever. If you've never heard of Bukowski "Charlie I'm pregnant", I suggest you start with ROOMINGHOUSE MADRIGALS. The journey begins there, and then you will understand the "works down at the track" part as well as the general "suprise ending" part that so many Tom Waits songs and Bukowski poems have in common. Read Bukowski and Listen to Tom Waits. It will change your life. All else is...
The Bukowski poem "Charlie I'm pregnant" does not exist. This song is written by Tom Waits, and has nothing to do with Bukowski.
The Bukowski poem "Charlie I'm pregnant" does not exist. This song is written by Tom Waits, and has nothing to do with Bukowski.
You've bought an internet myth- started from an amazon review. In your defense, this crazy myth has even shown up in articles about Waits- by journalist who obviously aren't doing their job well.
You've bought an internet myth- started from an amazon review. In your defense, this crazy myth has even shown up in articles about Waits- by journalist who obviously aren't doing their job well.
Extremely well done lyrics, I actually feel sad reading this.
Man, Tom can write these. He has this way of making characters that you feel like asked for every raw deal they got but you still feel sorry for them. Makes you want to take a drink...
The poor girl has been so badly treated her whole life that even her lies (dreams) are depressing. Charlie is the only one who has ever shown her the slightest bit of respect.
this song breaks my heart. I listen to it when I need to remind myself that everything could be worse ... way worse.
tom seems to be the equivalent of a polaroid camera for souls. i think if crayola made a jazz crayon set, tom's favorite would be 'maudlin blue'.
btw.. the Neko Case version should be listened to by all lovers of the original
Probably my fav TW song, and I believe it was voted by the listeners of a CBC radio programme to contain the greatest opening couplet any song ever written!
Probably my fav TW song, and I believe it was voted by the listeners of a CBC radio programme to contain the greatest opening couplet any song ever written!
I love the vocals in this song.