Bottom of the World Lyrics

Lyric discussion by memorybabe 

Cover art for Bottom of the World lyrics by Tom Waits

I'm handcuffed to the bishop and the barbershop liar

Now I'm thinking this is a reference to cheap booze. what does anyone else think?

I've been thinking about this line since I first heard the track.

My interpretation: The bishop represents religion. The barbershop liar (lie) represents societal constraints. So he's saying that he's an outcast, trapped (handcuffed) in his condition by those that adhere to social conformity.