Babbachichuija
Tom Waits Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu,
Babbachichuija chu, babba, babba, Babbachichuija chu, babba, babba, ba,
Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu,
Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu,
Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu, babba, babba, ba, Babbachichuija
chu, Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu...
Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu,
Babbachichuija chu, babba, babba, Babbachichuija chu, babba, babba, ba,
Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu,
Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu,
Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu, babba, babba, ba, Babbachichuija
chu, Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu...
Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu,
Babbachichuija chu, babba, babba, Babbachichuija chu, babba, babba, ba,
Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu,
Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu,




Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu, babba, babba, ba, Babbachichuija
chu, Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Babbachichuija" are somewhat enigmatic and don't contain many discernible words or phrases. However, Waits's use of language in the song, such as the repetition of the phrase "Babbachichuija chu" creates a hypnotic, trance-like quality that seems to be the point. The song, which appears on Waits's 2002 album "Blood Money," has been interpreted as a commentary on the hypnotic power of music, the way it can transport listeners to a different state of consciousness.


The song itself is built around a steady percussive rhythm and features Waits's deep, gravelly voice intoning the repeated phrase. While there is no real melody to speak of, the song builds in intensity as it progresses, incorporating a variety of sounds and atmospheric effects including distant horns, snatches of distorted guitar, and ambient noise. In some respects, "Babbachichuija" feels like a ritual incantation, something that might be used to summon spirits or focus one's attention on a particular objective.


Line by Line Meaning

Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu,
The repetition of this phrase is an incantation, a summoning of some magical force.


Babbachichuija chu, babba, babba, Babbachichuija chu, babba, babba, ba,
The addition of the 'babba' syllables serves to intensify the incantation and add to its mystical power.


Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu,
The repetition of this phrase continues the invocation, bringing the intended force closer to manifesting.


Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu,
The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the urgency of the summoning.


Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu, babba, babba, ba, Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu, Babbachichuija chu...
The repeated use of 'babba' syllables and the phrase 'Babbachichuija chu' builds up the energy of the incantation to its climax.




Contributed by Arianna S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Aldier Green

Such a beautiful love song, I cry everytime, breaks my heart. I adore Tom Waits. Unique lyrics, voice, and piano. ♡ ♥ ♡ ♥ ♡ ♥ ♡

CloudCircus Gaming

Aldier Green I agree. My wife and I danced to this song at our wedding.

jakeJUSTICE666

true