In this quote, Tom Waits reflects on his relationship with music and how he sees himself as a musician. He acknowledges that although jazz has always been an area of appreciation for him, he does not consider himself to be particularly skilled or proficient at playing musical instruments. Instead, he humorously suggests that the main instrument he uses is language—his vocabulary.
Waits' statement delves deeper into the nature of creativity and self-expression. By positioning his vocabulary as his primary tool, Waits underscores the importance of storytelling and lyrical content in music, especially for someone who may not be a virtuoso on traditional instruments. This perspective highlights how artists can find unique ways to express themselves through different mediums, such as words rather than musical notes. It also suggests that true artistry transcends conventional measures of skill, instead embracing individuality and the power of language in connecting with audiences.
Tom Waits is an American singer-songwriter known for his distinctive voice, unusual compositions, and evocative lyrics. His work often explores themes of loneliness, urban decay, and human struggle, blending elements from various musical genres including blues, jazz, cabaret, and Americana. Beyond his contributions to music, Waits has also dabbled in acting, writing, and film composition, showcasing a versatile artistic spirit that aligns with the essence of his quote about valuing vocabulary as an essential instrument.
