I'm Your Late Night Evening Prostitute
Tom Waits Lyrics


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Well, I got here at eight and I'll be here 'til two
I'll try my best to entertain you and
Please don't mind me if I get a bit crude
I'm your late night evening prostitute

So drink your martini and stare at the moon
Don't mind me, I'll continue to croon and
Don't mind me if I get a bit lewd
I'm your late night evening prostitute

And dance, have a good time
I'll continue to shine
Yes, dance, have a good time
Don't mind me if I slip upon a rhyme

Well, got here at eight and I'll be here 'til two
I'll try my best to entertain you and
Please don't mind me if I get a bit crude




I'm your late night evening prostitute
I'm your late night evening prostitute

Overall Meaning

Tom Waits's song "I'm Your Late Night Evening Prostitute" is a darkly humorous and subversive examination of the relationship between performer and audience. The lyrics are sung by a lounge singer who describes himself as a "prostitute," offering his services to the listener for the duration of the song. The song is set in a nightclub or bar, and the singer is essentially a stand-in for the establishment itself, providing entertainment for the patrons.


The lyrics are intentionally provocative and suggestive, with the singer encouraging the listener to "drink your martini and stare at the moon" while he entertains them. He acknowledges that he may get "a bit crude" or "a bit lewd" in his performance, but asks the listener not to mind. The lyrics suggest a kind of transactional relationship between the singer and the listener, with the singer providing entertainment in exchange for attention and validation from the audience.


At the same time, however, the lyrics are also a commentary on the power dynamic between performer and audience. The "prostitute" metaphor highlights how performers are often expected to commodify themselves and their talents in order to please their audience, and the fact that the singer is willing to be "crude" or "lewd" suggests that he is willing to degrade himself in order to satisfy the whims of the crowd. The song also hints at the vulnerability of performers, who are often at the mercy of their audience's whims and can be subjected to intense scrutiny and criticism.


Overall, "I'm Your Late Night Evening Prostitute" is a clever and provocative song that challenges our assumptions about the nature of performance and the relationship between performer and audience.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, I got here at eight and I'll be here 'til two
I arrived at 8 pm and I'll work until 2 am


I'll try my best to entertain you and
I'll do everything in my power to keep you entertained


Please don't mind me if I get a bit crude
Forgive me if I use language or perform actions that are considered vulgar


I'm your late night evening prostitute
I am a performer for hire on this evening


So drink your martini and stare at the moon
Enjoy your drink and look at the moon


Don't mind me, I'll continue to croon and
Ignore me while I continue to sing softly


Don't mind me if I get a bit lewd
Please don't be offended if I act in a sexually suggestive manner


And dance, have a good time
Let loose and enjoy yourself with dancing


I'll continue to shine
I'll continue to perform well


Yes, dance, have a good time
I encourage you to let go and enjoy the occasion


Don't mind me if I slip upon a rhyme
Please excuse me if I accidentally make a mistake while singing


I'm your late night evening prostitute
I am a performer for hire on this evening




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Tom Waits

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@nugjunior1

This might seem like quite a stretch, but to me the two most soulful male singers on this planet are Mr. Waits and the late Layne Staley. Both hold a pain and acute sensibility that others both covet and wonder about, yet only Mr. Waits has been able to live with for an extended period of time. Tom, you are the man.

@Serioussmile51

Ten years ago... Jebus I hope you get this message dude. But I feel what you're saying 🙂✌️

@Cabala2

Thank you for posting this gem. Tom Waits is a gift from God. A genius songwriter and musician reaching into our soul. God Bless you Tom!! A piece of heaven on earth.

@therubybooks

He's a national treasure. One of our greatest living poets.

@haz0313

Can't stop these tears from rolling down my face.... the sweetest love song I've ever heard in my life.

@gillyshines

This man aches with late night loss and regret. He is the coolest man on the planet to me. I love you Tom Waits.

@who_Is_faten_helmi

there's something in this song that just makes you love it !! <3 Tom Waits !!

@brianenewton75

Faten Helmi it's name is Tom

@johniffland1673

This song simply acknowledges the human stain.....the agony of consciousness. Simple yet deep......

@johniffland1673

Under appreciated, and his value only grows in a music land of tin can acoustics......and the feeling of a carrion man. Thanks, Tom

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