He started his career in the early 1970s as a singer in spit 'n' sawdust bars. Initially, he was deeply influenced by the beat generation, novelists like Jack Kerouac and William S. Burroughs, and poets like Allen Ginsberg and Charles Bukowski. Waits is often compared to Charles Bukowski, being similar both in content and lifestyle
Waits was unable to make a living from his music in the 70s because his classical bar music, based in pre-rock, and Americana, blues, and Vaudeville styles were not popular. Waits's voice back then was soft, warm and clear.
Waits subsequently developed a devoted cult following and has influenced subsequent songwriters, despite having little radio or music video support. In fact, his songs are perhaps best known to the general public in the form of cover versions of more visible artists, such as the Eagles, Bruce Springsteen and Rod Stewart.
Although Waits’s albums have met with mixed commercial success in his native United States, they have occasionally achieved gold album sales status in other countries.
Lyrically, Waits's songs are known for atmospheric portrayals of seedy characters and places; he sings about the losers on the streets: alcoholics, junkies, prostitutes and social outcasts, although he also includes more conventional and touching ballads in his repertoire.
While opening for Frank Zappa, the audience catcalled and refused to listen to him; he was an unsuitable match with Zappa's avantgarde style.
Countless cigarettes, gallons of alcohol and many all night parties eventually left their trace in his face and voice.
His more recent gravelly voice can be first heard on Small Change. This distinctive voice turned out to be his trademark. It is described by the Music Hound Rock Album Guide as sounding "like it was soaked in a vat of bourbon, left hanging in the smokehouse for a few months and then taken outside and run over with a car". Small Change with its sentimental ballads, its bar-jazz attitude and Film Noir-oriented stories turned out to be his biggest commercial success in the 1970s.
Waits subsequently developed a more unique style. His songs have grown more abrasive since then, and the arrangements have turned more surreal and experimental with every new record. His life brings him to new visions, as indicated by the direction taken in his "Alice" release.
While composing the soundtrack for Francis Ford Coppola's One From The Heart Waits met Kathleen Brennan, his bride-to-be. They married in 1980 and she helped him quit drinking and smoking. Since their marriage they have been working together on his albums as co-producers and co-writers. It is hard to say which part belongs to her and which to him, but it's easy to see that they make a perfect team. Additionally, his eldest son Casey can be heard on turntables and percussion on Waits's album "Real Gone".
One of Waits's greatest successes was the album "Swordfishtrombones", released in 1983. It struck with his critics and fans alike. He achieved a new level of song writing and left former conventions (and his earlier career) behind. All songs, whether ballads, jive or jazz are played in a completely different way. It seems that Waits had taken the musical archetypes of these styles and made them his own. All tracks are in the quintessential Waits style. They have a striking rawness and listenability and they set the stage for his success and his future career.
The Bad As Me Songfacts reports that 36 years after the release of Waits' first album, Closing Time in 1973, Bad As Me became Waits's first ever top 10 album in the US when it debuted at #6 with 63,000 sales.
In the late 1980s Waits discovered an outlet for his creativity in composing musicals. His first Musical was named "The Black Rider", and is based on "Der Freischütz" by Carl Maria von Weber. It was co-produced by Robert Wilson and the lyrics come from William S. Burroughs. The story is slightly reminiscent of Kurt Weil's and Berthold Brecht's "Three Penny Opera" and the 1930s. The debut performance of the play was in 1990 at the Thalia Theater, Hamburg and has been played by various theatre groups since then.
Waits was also responsible for two other musicals, which later became albums released simultaneously in 2002. One was the musical "Blood Money," which covers the "Woyczek" theme of Georg Büchner. This one is one of the darkest works from Waits. The other musical is based on Lewis Carroll's classic children's novel, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland". "Alice" is very romantic, dreamy and soft, and contains one of Waits most romantic songs. Even though they were released at the same time, the bootlegs of the "Alice" musical were long before traded between fans and were just rearranged and re-mastered for the official release.
Besides many film contributions as composer – the Internet Movie Database imdb.com lists 47 appearances of Waits as composer and 38 soundtracks containing songs by Waits - he also is an actor with a total of 25 appearances, ranging from some mini-roles as a trumpeter in "Heart of Saturday Night" and the R. M. Renfield in "Bram Stoker's Dracula" to the major role of Zack in Jim Jarmusch's "Down by Law". He recently appeared in Roberto Benigni's "The Tiger and the Snow", playing You Can Never Hold Back Spring at Benigni's wedding dream. Even more recently, Waits played Mr.Nick (the Devil) in Terry Gilliam's "The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus".
In addition to a number of concert videos, he also appeared in the critically-acclaimed concert feature film "Big Time" (1990).
Waits has always refused to allow the use of his songs in commercials. He has filed several lawsuits against advertisers for using his material without permission. Waits also successfully sued an advertiser for using a work that was stylistically similar to his work, after he had declined to sell them the rights to his song. He has been quoted as saying, "Apparently the highest compliment our culture grants artists nowadays is to be in an ad — ideally naked and purring on the hood of a new car. I have adamantly and repeatedly refused this dubious honor."
Step Right Up
Tom Waits Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everyone's a winner, bargains galore
That's right, you too can be the proud owner
Of the quality goes in before the name goes on
One-tenth of a dollar, one-tenth of a dollar
We got service after sales
How 'bout perfume? We got perfume, how 'bout an engagement ring?
Something for the little lady, hmm
Three for a dollar
We got a year-end clearance, we got our white sale
And our smoke-damaged furniture, you can drive it away today
Act now, act now and receive as our gift, our gift to you
They come in all colors, one size fits all
No muss, no fuss, no spills, you're tired of kitchen drudgery
Everything must go, going out of business, going out of business
Going out of business sale
Fifty percent off original retail price, skip the middle man
Don't settle for less
How do we do it? How do we do it?
Volume, volume, turn up the volume
Now you've heard it advertised, don't hesitate
Don't be caught with your drawers down
Don't be caught with your drawers down
You can step right up, step right up
That's right, it filets, it chops, it dices, slices
Never stops, lasts a lifetime, mows your lawn
And it mows your lawn and it picks up the kids from school
It gets rid of unwanted facial hair
It gets rid of embarrassing age spots
It delivers a pizza and it lengthens and it strengthens
And it finds that slipper that's been at large
Under the chaise lounge for several weeks
And it plays a mean Rhythm Master
It makes excuses for unwanted lipstick on your collar
And it's only a dollar, step right up
It's only a dollar, step right up
'Cause it forges your signature
If not completely satisfied, mail back unused portion of product
For complete refund of price of purchase
Step right up
Please allow thirty days for delivery
Don't be fooled by cheap imitations
You can live in it, live in it, laugh in it, love in it
Swim in it, sleep in it
Live in it, swim in it, laugh in it, love in it
Removes embarrassing stains from contour sheets that's right
And it entertains visiting relatives
It turns a sandwich into a banquet
Tired of being the life of the party?
Change your shorts, change your life, change your life
Change into a nine-year-old Hindu boy, get rid of your wife
And it walks your dog and it doubles on sax
Doubles on sax, you can jump back Jack
See you later alligator, see you later alligator
And it steals your car
It gets rid of your gambling debts, it quits smoking
It's a friend, it's a companion
It's the only product you will ever need
Follow these easy assembly instructions, it never needs ironing
Well, it takes weights off hips, bust, thighs, chin, midriff
Gives you dandruff and it finds you a job, it is a job
And it strips the phone company free, take ten for five exchange
And it gives you denture breath
And you know it's a friend and, and it's a companion
And it gets rid of your traveler's checks
It's new, it's improved, it's old-fashioned
Well, it takes care of business
Never needs winding, never needs winding, never needs winding
Gets rid of blackheads, heartbreak, or psoriasis
Christ, you don't know the meaning of heartbreak, buddy
C'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon
'Cause it's effective, it's defective, it creates household odors
It disinfects, it's sanitized for your protection
It gives you an erection, it wins the election
Why put up with painful corns any longer?
It's a redeemable coupon, no obligation
No salesman will visit your home
We got a jackpot, jackpot, jackpot
Prizes, prizes, prizes
All work guaranteed
How do we do it? How do we do it?
How do we do it? How do we do it?
We need your business, we're going out of business
We'll give you the business
Get on the business end of our going-out-of-business sale
Receive our free brochure, free brochure
Read the easy-to-follow assembly instructions
Batteries not included
Send before midnight tomorrow, terms available
Step right up, step right up, step right up
You got it, buddy, the large print giveth
And the small print taketh away
Step right up, you can step right up, you can step right up
C'mon, step right up
Ah, get away from me kid, you're botherin' me
Step right up, step right up, step right up,
Ah, mmm, ah
C'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon
Step right up, you can step right up, c'mon and step right up
C'mon and step right up
"Step Right Up" is a satirical song by Tom Waits in which he ruthlessly parodies salespeople and the art of advertisement. The song begins with a sales pitch, explaining how everything is a bargain and how everyone can be a winner. Then, the song moves on to talk about various specific products advertised, such as perfume, engagement rings, kitchen gadgets and ends with a versatile product that can do almost anything, including finding lost items, lengthening, and strengthening. Throughout the song, Waits repeats the phrase "step right up," as if encouraging the listener to join in the fun of the sales pitch.
The song lyrics expose advertisers' tactics of over-promising, making false claims and offering big discounts that are hard to resist. Waits remarks on the danger of not reading the fine print, as large print ("the large print giveth") can be misleading, while small print ("the small print taketh away") can reveal hidden disadvantages. The over-the-top promises the song makes about the one product that supposedly solves all problems and can do anything is a direct reference to the outrageous claims made by many advertisers.
Waits' "Step Right Up" is a social commentary on capitalist society's obsession with buying and selling things. The song is ultimately a critique of the consumer culture where gimmicky sales pitches are more profitable than honesty.
Line by Line Meaning
Step right up, step right up, step right up
Come forward, come forward, come forward
Everyone's a winner, bargains galore
Everyone is successful, plenty of great deals
That's right, you too can be the proud owner
Indeed, you also have the opportunity to possess
Of the quality goes in before the name goes on
The excellence is ensured before the label is attached
One-tenth of a dollar, one-tenth of a dollar
Only ten cents, only ten cents
We got service after sales
We provide assistance even after the purchase
How 'bout perfume? We got perfume, how 'bout an engagement ring?
What about fragrance? We have fragrance, what about a diamond ring?
Something for the little lady, something for the little lady
An item for the lady, another item for the lady
Something for the little lady, hmm
Something for the lady, hmm
Three for a dollar
Three items for one dollar
We got a year-end clearance, we got our white sale
We have a sale at the end of the year, we have a sale on white items
And our smoke-damaged furniture, you can drive it away today
Also, our furniture damaged by smoke, you can take it with you today
Act now, act now and receive as our gift, our gift to you
Take action immediately and obtain as our present, our present for you
They come in all colors, one size fits all
They are available in various colors, one size fits everyone
No muss, no fuss, no spills, you're tired of kitchen drudgery
No mess, no hassle, no accidents, you're exhausted from kitchen chores
Everything must go, going out of business, going out of business
All items must be sold, closing down, closing down
Going out of business sale
Sale due to closure
Fifty percent off original retail price, skip the middle man
Half the original price, avoid intermediaries
Don't settle for less
Do not accept a lower value
How do we do it? How do we do it?
How do we accomplish it? How do we accomplish it?
Volume, volume, turn up the volume
Quantity, quantity, increase the quantity
Now you've heard it advertised, don't hesitate
Now that you've heard it being promoted, do not delay
Don't be caught with your drawers down
Do not be caught unprepared
You can step right up, step right up
You can approach immediately, approach immediately
That's right, it filets, it chops, it dices, slices
Indeed, it fillets, it chops, it cuts into small cubes, slices
Never stops, lasts a lifetime, mows your lawn
Never ceases, endures for a lifetime, cuts your grass
And it mows your lawn and it picks up the kids from school
Furthermore, it mows your lawn and it collects your children from school
It gets rid of unwanted facial hair
It eliminates undesired hair on your face
It gets rid of embarrassing age spots
It removes embarrassing marks caused by aging
It delivers a pizza and it lengthens and it strengthens
It delivers a pizza and it extends and it reinforces
And it finds that slipper that's been at large
And it locates that slipper that has been missing
Under the chaise lounge for several weeks
Beneath the reclining chair for numerous weeks
And it plays a mean Rhythm Master
And it plays a skillful Rhythm Master
It makes excuses for unwanted lipstick on your collar
It provides justifications for undesired lipstick on your collar
And it's only a dollar, step right up
And it costs only one dollar, approach immediately
'Cause it forges your signature
Because it replicates your signature
If not completely satisfied, mail back unused portion of product
If not fully content, return the unused part of the product by mail
For complete refund of price of purchase
To receive a complete reimbursement of the price paid
Step right up
Approach immediately
Please allow thirty days for delivery
Kindly wait for thirty days for the delivery
Don't be fooled by cheap imitations
Do not be deceived by low-quality replicas
You can live in it, live in it, laugh in it, love in it
You can reside inside it, reside inside it, experience joy within it, experience love within it
Swim in it, sleep in it
Swim in it, rest in it
Live in it, swim in it, laugh in it, love in it
Reside inside it, swim in it, experience joy within it, experience love within it
Removes embarrassing stains from contour sheets that's right
Eliminates awkward marks from fitted bed sheets, that's correct
And it entertains visiting relatives
And it amuses guests who come to visit
It turns a sandwich into a banquet
It transforms a simple meal into a feast
Tired of being the life of the party?
Exhausted from always being the center of attention at social gatherings?
Change your shorts, change your life, change your life
Replace your undergarments, transform your life, transform your life
Change into a nine-year-old Hindu boy, get rid of your wife
Transform into a Hindu child of nine, eliminate your spouse
And it walks your dog and it doubles on sax
And it walks your dog and it also plays the saxophone
Doubles on sax, you can jump back Jack
Plays saxophone proficiently, you can be amazed Jack
See you later alligator, see you later alligator
Goodbye for now alligator, goodbye for now alligator
And it steals your car
And it takes your car without permission
It gets rid of your gambling debts, it quits smoking
It resolves your gambling debts, it stops smoking
It's a friend, it's a companion
It is a buddy, it is a comrade
It's the only product you will ever need
It is the sole item you will ever require
Follow these easy assembly instructions, it never needs ironing
Adhere to these simple assembly guidelines, it never requires ironing
Well, it takes weights off hips, bust, thighs, chin, midriff
Well, it removes weight from hips, bust, thighs, chin, midsection
Gives you dandruff and it finds you a job, it is a job
Causes dandruff and it finds you employment, it is a form of work
And it strips the phone company free, take ten for five exchange
And it removes phone charges entirely, receive ten in return for five
And it gives you denture breath
And it provides you with breath like someone wearing dentures
And you know it's a friend and, and it's a companion
And you are aware it is a buddy, and, it is a comrade
And it gets rid of your traveler's checks
And it eliminates your traveler's checks
It's new, it's improved, it's old-fashioned
It is innovative, it is enhanced, it is traditional
Well, it takes care of business
Well, it handles matters effectively
Never needs winding, never needs winding, never needs winding
Never requires winding, never requires winding, never requires winding
Gets rid of blackheads, heartbreak, or psoriasis
Eliminates blackheads, heartbreak, or psoriasis
Christ, you don't know the meaning of heartbreak, buddy
My goodness, you are unaware of the true definition of heartbreak, friend
C'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon
Come on, come on, come on, come on
'Cause it's effective, it's defective, it creates household odors
Because it is efficient, it is flawed, it generates unpleasant smells
It disinfects, it's sanitized for your protection
It cleanses, it is sterilized for your safety
It gives you an erection, it wins the election
It provides you with an erection, it triumphs in the election
Why put up with painful corns any longer?
Why tolerate painful corns any further?
It's a redeemable coupon, no obligation
It is a coupon that can be redeemed, no requirement
No salesman will visit your home
No salesperson will come to your residence
We got a jackpot, jackpot, jackpot
We have a big prize, big prize, big prize
Prizes, prizes, prizes
Rewards, rewards, rewards
All work guaranteed
Every job assured
How do we do it? How do we do it?
How do we accomplish it? How do we accomplish it?
How do we do it? How do we do it?
How do we accomplish it? How do we accomplish it?
We need your business, we're going out of business
We require your patronage, we are closing down
We'll give you the business
We will provide you with exceptional service
Get on the business end of our going-out-of-business sale
Become the recipient of the benefits in our closing down sale
Receive our free brochure, free brochure
Obtain our complimentary pamphlet, complimentary pamphlet
Read the easy-to-follow assembly instructions
Read the straightforward guidelines for assembling
Batteries not included
Batteries are not provided
Send before midnight tomorrow, terms available
Send before midnight tomorrow, conditions ready
Step right up, step right up, step right up
Approach immediately, approach immediately, approach immediately
You got it, buddy, the large print giveth
You understand it, friend, the prominently displayed text provides
And the small print taketh away
And the fine print subtracts
Step right up, you can step right up, you can step right up
Approach immediately, you can approach immediately, you can approach immediately
C'mon, step right up
Come on, approach immediately
Ah, get away from me kid, you're botherin' me
Ah, move away from me kid, you're annoying me
Step right up, step right up, step right up
Approach immediately, approach immediately, approach immediately
Ah, mmm, ah
Ah, mmm, ah
C'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon
Come on, come on, come on, come on, come on
Step right up, you can step right up, c'mon and step right up
Approach immediately, you can approach immediately, come on and approach immediately
C'mon and step right up
Come on and approach immediately
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, JALMA MUSIC
Written by: Thomas Alan Waits
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Anon Frank
Step Right Up
Tom Waits
Step right up, step right up, step right up,
Everyone's a winner, bargains galore
That's right, you too can be the proud owner
Of the quality goes in before the name goes on
One-tenth of a dollar, one-tenth of a dollar, we got service after sales
You need perfume? we got perfume, how 'bout an engagement ring?
Something for the little lady, something for the little lady,
Something for the little lady, hmm
Three for a dollar
We got a year-end clearance, we got a white sale
And a smoke-damaged furniture, you can drive it away today
Act now, act now, and receive as our gift, our gift to you
They come in all colors, one size fits all
No muss, no fuss, no spills, you're tired of kitchen drudgery
Everything must go, going out of business, going out of business
Going out of business sale
Fifty percent off original retail price, skip the middle man
Don't settle for less
How do we do it? how do we do it? volume, volume, turn up the volume
Now you've heard it advertised, don't hesitate
Don't be caught with your drawers down,
Don't be caught with your drawers down
You can step right up, step right up
That's right, it fillets, it chops, it dices, slices,
Never stops, lasts a lifetime, mows your lawn
And it mows your lawn and it picks up the kids from school
It gets rid of unwanted facial hair, it gets rid of embarrassing age spots,
It delivers a pizza, and it lengthens, and it strengthens
And it finds that slipper that's been at large
Under the chaise lounge for several weeks
And it plays a mean Rhythm Master,
It makes excuses for unwanted lipstick on your collar
And it's only a dollar, step right up, it's only a dollar, step right up
'Cause it forges your signature
If not completely satisfied, mail back unused portion of product
For complete refund of price of purchase
Step right up
Please allow thirty days for delivery, don't be fooled by cheap imitations
You can live in it, live in it, laugh in it, love in it
Swim in it, sleep in it,
Live in it, swim in it, laugh in it, love in it
Removes embarrassing stains from contour sheets, that's right
And it entertains visiting relatives, it turns a sandwich into a banquet
Tired of being the life of the party?
Change your shorts, change your life, change your life
Change into a nine-year-old Hindu boy, get rid of your wife,
And it walks your dog, and it doubles on sax
Doubles on sax, you can jump back Jack, see you later alligator
See you later alligator
And it steals your car
It gets rid of your gambling debts, it quits smoking
It's a friend, and it's a companion,
And it's the only product you will ever need
Follow these easy assembly instructions it never needs ironing
Well it takes weights off hips, bust, thighs, chin, midriff,
Gives you dandruff, and it finds you a job, it is a job
And it strips the phone company free take ten for five exchange,
And it gives you denture breath
And you know it's a friend, and it's a companion
And it gets rid of your traveler's checks
It's new, it's improved, it's old-fashioned
Well it takes care of business, never needs winding,
Never needs winding, never needs winding
Gets rid of blackheads, the heartbreak of psoriasis,
Christ, you don't know the meaning of heartbreak, buddy,
C'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon
Cause it's effective, it's defective, it creates household odors,
It disinfects, it sanitizes for your protection
It gives you an erection, it wins the election
Why put up with painful corns any longer?
It's a redeemable coupon, no obligation, no salesman will visit your home
We got a jackpot, jackpot, jackpot, prizes, prizes, prizes, all work guaranteed
How do we do it, how do we do it, how do we do it, how do we do it
We need your business, we're going out of business
We'll give you the business
Get on the business end of our going-out-of-business sale
Receive our free brochure, free brochure
Read the easy-to-follow assembly instructions, batteries not included
Send before midnight tomorrow, terms available,
Step right up, step right up, step right up
You got it buddy: the large print giveth, and the small print taketh away
Step right up, you can step right up, you can step right up
C'mon step right up
(Get away from me kid, you bother me...)
Step right up, step right up, step right up, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon
Step right up, you can step right up, c'mon and step right up,
C'mon and step right up
Songwriters: Elijah Abbott Jones / Tom Waits / Ben Allen
Step Right Up lyrics © BMG Rights Management US, LLC
Hagbard Celine
Lyrics
Step right up, step right up, step right up,
Everyone's a winner, bargains galore
That's right, you too can be the proud owner
Of the quality goes in before the name goes on
One-tenth of a dollar, one-tenth of a dollar, we got service after sales
How 'bout perfume? We got perfume, how 'bout an engagement ring?
Something for the little lady, something for the little lady,
Something for the little lady, hmm
Three for a dollar
We got a year-end clearance, we got a white sale
And a smoke-damaged furniture, you can drive it away today
Act now, act now, and receive as our gift, our gift to you
They come in all colors, one size fits all
No muss, no fuss, no spills, you're tired of kitchen drudgery
Everything must go, going out of business, going out of business
Going out of business sale
Fifty percent off original retail price, skip the middle man
Don't settle for less
How do we do it? how do we do it? volume, volume, turn up the volume
Now you've heard it advertised, don't hesitate
Don't be caught with your drawers down,
Don't be caught with your drawers down
You can step right up, step right up
That's right, it fillets, it chops, it dices, slices,
Never stops, lasts a lifetime, mows your lawn
And it mows your lawn and it picks up the kids from school
It gets rid of unwanted facial hair, it gets rid of embarrassing age spots,
It delivers a pizza, and it lengthens, and it strengthens
And it finds that slipper that's been at large
Under the chaise lounge for several weeks
And it plays a mean Rhythm Master,
It makes excuses for unwanted lipstick on your collar
And it's only a dollar, step right up, it's only a dollar, step right up
'Cause it forges your signature
If not completely satisfied, mail back unused portion of product
For complete refund of price of purchase
Step right up
Please allow thirty days for delivery, don't be fooled by cheap imitations
You can live in it, live in it, laugh in it, love in it
Swim in it, sleep in it,
Live in it, swim in it, laugh in it, love in it
Removes embarrassing stains from contour sheets, that's right
And it entertains visiting relatives, it turns a sandwich into a banquet
Tired of being the life of the party?
Change your shorts, change your life, change your life
Change into a nine-year-old Hindu boy, get rid of your wife,
And it walks your dog, and it doubles on sax
Doubles on sax, you can jump back Jack, see you later alligator
See you later alligator
And it steals your car
It gets rid of your gambling debts, it quits smoking
It's a friend, and it's a companion,
And it's the only product you will ever need
Follow these easy assembly instructions it never needs ironing
Well it takes weights off hips, bust, thighs, chin, midriff,
Gives you dandruff, and it finds you a job, it is a job
And it strips the phone company free take ten for five exchange,
And it gives you denture breath
And you know it's a friend, and it's a companion
And it gets rid of your traveler's checks
It's new, it's improved, it's old-fashioned
Well it takes care of business, never needs winding,
Never needs winding, never needs winding
Gets rid of blackheads, the heartbreak of psoriasis,
Christ, you don't know the meaning of heartbreak, buddy,
C'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon
Cause it's effective, it's defective, it creates household odors,
It disinfects, it sanitizes for your protection
It gives you an erection, it wins the election
Why put up with painful corns any longer?
It's a redeemable coupon, no obligation, no salesman will visit your home
We got a jackpot, jackpot, jackpot, prizes, prizes, prizes, all work guaranteed
How do we do it, how do we do it, how do we do it, how do we do it
We need your business, we're going out of business
We'll give you the business
Get on the business end of our going-out-of-business sale
Receive our free brochure, free brochure
Read the easy-to-follow assembly instructions, batteries not included
Send before midnight tomorrow, terms available,
Step right up, step right up, step right up
You got it buddy: the large print giveth, and the small print taketh away
Step right up, you can step right up, you can step right up
C'mon step right up
(Get away from me kid, you bother me...)
Step right up, step right up, step right up, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon
Step right up, you can step right up, c'mon and step right up,
C'mon and step right up.............................................
Lucinda M Lourenço
Step right up, step right up, step right up,
Everyone's a winner, bargains galore
That's right, you too can be the proud owner
Of the quality goes in before the name goes on
One-tenth of a dollar, one-tenth of a dollar, we got service after sales
You need perfume? we got perfume, how 'bout an engagement ring?
Something for the little lady, something for the little lady,
Something for the little lady, hmm
Three for a dollar
We got a year-end clearance, we got a white sale
And a smoke-damaged furniture, you can drive it away today
Act now, act now, and receive as our gift, our gift to you
They come in all colors, one size fits all
No muss, no fuss, no spills, you're tired of kitchen drudgery
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That's right, it fillets, it chops, it dices, slices,
Never stops, lasts a lifetime, mows your lawn
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'Cause it forges your signature
If not completely satisfied, mail back unused portion of product
For complete refund of price of purchase
Step right up
Please allow thirty days for delivery, don't be fooled by cheap imitations
You can live in it, live in it, laugh in it, love in it
Swim in it, sleep in it,
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Removes embarrassing stains from contour sheets, that's right
And it entertains visiting relatives, it turns a sandwich into a banquet
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Change your shorts, change your life, change your life
Change into a nine-year-old Hindu boy, get rid of your wife,
And it walks your dog, and it doubles on sax
Doubles on sax, you can jump back Jack, see you later alligator
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And it steals your car
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Follow these easy assembly instructions it never needs ironing
Well it takes weights off hips, bust, thighs, chin, midriff,
Gives you dandruff, and it finds you a job, it is a job
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Receive our free brochure, free brochure
Read the easy-to-follow assembly instructions, batteries not included
Send before midnight tomorrow, terms available,
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You got it buddy: the large print giveth, and the small print taketh away
Step right up, you can step right up, you can step right up
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(Get away from me kid, you bother me...)
Step right up, step right up, step right up, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon
Step right up, you can step right up, c'mon and step right up,
C'mon and step right up
Songwriters: Elijah Abbott Jones / Tom Waits / Ben Allen
EnosEverything
We should cherish this guy because he's now one of the few true geniuses left in the world of modern music... He has encompassed so many styles and aced them all... Long may you live young Tom.
patreeziasf
Lets all send him fan letters this week!
Richard Weeks
EnoEverything: My sentiments exactly
Anne-Marie A
I saw him in Canton, Michigan about 40 years ago. It was the best concert ever! He came out for, if I remember correctly, eight encores. On the last one he asked what the hell the audience wanted. It was simple: We didn't want the magical night to end. The venue has long since been razed, but the memory of that night is wonderful.
Anne-Marie A
@Dale Kelley Sounds right. Whatever happened to that venue? It was great!
Dale Kelley
@Anne-Marie A Oh wow... I remember Center Stage in the Canton area. 70's?
CoolAprilFool13
Cool lucky you :)
Lucy Romagnoli
I’ve been waiting for Tom to come back to this area since 2009! I just turned 30. I bet he is still rocking. I’m always happy to see him in the movies too
Anne-Marie A
@Mitchell Hall That must have been fantastic! Good for you!
Sean Maher
There's beauty in those jingles, pitches, slogans and caveats, and a true poet is someone who teaches us to see beauty in places we'd never noticed it before.