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1987 single by Tom Waits From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Hang On St. Christopher" is a song by Tom Waits appearing on his 1987 album Franks Wild Years. It was released as a single in 1987 by Island Records. The song centers around Frank O'Brien, a character who Waits concocted during the making of Swordfishtrombones in 1983. A series of road oriented imagery is evoked in the lyrics, which are sung from the perspective of O'Brien, a downtrodden individual who leaves behind his family and hometown in hopes of attaining a more prosperous future. During his journey, the protagonist carries a medallion dedicated to Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travel.[1]
"Hang On St. Christopher" | ||||
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Single by Tom Waits | ||||
from the album Franks Wild Years | ||||
B-side | "Hang On St. Christopher (Instrumental)" | |||
Released | 1987 | |||
Recorded | Sunset Sound Factory, Los Angeles Los Angeles, Universal Recording Corp., Chicago | |||
Genre | Experimental rock | |||
Length | 2:46 | |||
Label | Island | |||
Songwriter(s) | Tom Waits | |||
Producer(s) | Tom Waits | |||
Tom Waits singles chronology | ||||
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Greg Cohen developed the North-African influenced horn arrangement in the recording studio and also played an alto horn on the song. A set of Leslie bass pedals were placed on a kitchen table and operated by William Schimmel using his fists. These musicians were augmented by Ralph Carney on tenor saxophone, Marc Ribot on guitar, and Michael Blair on drums.[1][2]
Year | Publication | Country | Accolade | Rank |
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2000 | Elvis Costello | United Kingdom | The Best Songs from the 500 Best Albums Ever[3] | * |
2004 | Rock and Roll Hall of Fame | United States | The Songs That Shaped Rock[4] | * |
2005 | Bruce Pollock | United States | The 7,500 Most Important Songs of 1944-2000[5] | * |
(*) designates unordered lists.
All songs written by Tom Waits.
Adapted from the liner notes.[6]
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The song was covered by BulletBoys on their second album, 1991's Freakshow, and a video was made to promote the release. The song was also covered by Rod Stewart on his 1995 album A Spanner in the Works.
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