'T Ain't No Sin
Tom Waits Lyrics


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When you hear sweet syncopation
And the music softly moans
T'ain't no sin to take off your skin
And dance around in your bones

When it gets too hot for comfot
And you can't get an ice cream cone
T'ain't no sin to take off your skin
And dance around your bones

Just like those bamboo babies
Down in the South Sea tropic zone




T'ain't no sin to take off your skin
And dance around your bones

Overall Meaning

The song "T Ain't No Sin" is a humorous and lighthearted tune about letting go of inhibitions and breaking free from social constraints. The lyrics suggest that when one feels the urge to dance and express themselves, they shouldn't be afraid to let loose and shed their skin (symbolizing societal expectations) to reveal their true selves. The first two lines describe the irresistible allure of music and how it can move the body and soul. The chorus then follows, repeating the refrain that it's not shameful to strip away one's outer layers and dance around in one's bones. The final verse compares the act of shedding one's skin to the carefree lifestyle of the "bamboo babies" in the South Sea tropics, where there are no expectations or judgments.


Overall, the song is a celebration of individuality and embracing one's innermost desires, no matter how unconventional they may seem to others. It encourages listeners to let go of their inhibitions and break free from the constraints of society to dance and enjoy life to the fullest.


Line by Line Meaning

When you hear sweet syncopation
When you hear a melodic rhythm in the music


And the music softly moans
And the music provides a smooth and soothing sound


T'ain't no sin to take off your skin
It is not considered wrong or immoral to be comfortable in your own skin


And dance around in your bones
And feel free to dance with your own rhythm and music


When it gets too hot for comfot
When the weather becomes uncomfortable and unbearable


And you can't get an ice cream cone
And you cannot find relief or comfort in any other form


T'ain't no sin to take off your skin
It is not considered wrong or immoral to take a break or relax


And dance around your bones
And feel free to move and express yourself without any constraints


Just like those bamboo babies
Similar to those slender and agile figures made of bamboo


Down in the South Sea tropic zone
Living in the warm and sunny environment of the South Sea tropics


T'ain't no sin to take off your skin
It is not considered wrong or immoral to embrace your natural self


And dance around your bones
And feel free to express yourself in a way that feels true to you




Lyrics © DONALDSON PUBLISHING CO, CARLIN AMERICA INC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

honouryourvomit

This one gets me on the dance floor everytime...such an infectious groove!

twobalcain

You stole my comment.

Kendra

I absolutely love this... its simply wonderful...

Nabium

When I was a teenager Tom Waits became my favourite artist about the same time as Burroughs became my favourite writer. I would go out hunting all the record stores around Oslo for Tom Waits albums, but this was one of the hardest records to find, so when I finally discovered that they had collaborated it kinda blew my head a little. It still kinda does.

earthstick

The organ melody sounds like someone rummaging around in the attic, searching through old boxes and suitcases for the right notes. The notes that got recorded are just the ones they had to clear out of the way.

SPOGGETT

i'm reeeaaallly holding a fever right now, and this song is the VIBE

Tristan Caver

This made my night

Dr. Pulp's Theater of Horror

Hell of a duo!

Alfred Baker

Fine album. Waits experimenting a lot here. Highly recommended.

EYEWHO ASKYA

I didnt know this had anything to do with Tom. Had it under Burroughs for years. Awesome!

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