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Tom Waits — San Diego Serenade
Album: The Heart of Saturday Night
Avg rating:
7.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1325









Released: 1974
Length: 3:18
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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I never saw the morning till I stayed up all night
I never saw the sunshine till you turned out the light
I never saw my hometown until I stayed away too long
I never heard the melody until I needed the song

I never saw the white line till I was leavin' you behind
I never knew I needed you until I was caught up in a bind
I never spoke I love you till I cursed you in vain
I never felt my heart strings until I nearly went insane

I never saw the east coast until I moved to the west
I never saw the moonlight until it shone off your breast
I never saw your heart until someone tried to steal, tried to steal it away
I never saw your tears till they rolled down your face

I never saw the morning till I stayed up all night
I never saw the sunshine till you turned out your love light, baby
I never saw my home town until I stayed away too long
I never heard the melody till I needed the song
Comments (80)add comment
all right!   John and Tom close together again. Thank you.
Posted 1 month ago by Imagi    [ Reply ]
Something in my eye. 
Posted 2 months ago by jmkate    [ Reply ]
Tom is the man.
Posted 4 months ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
My favorite Drunken bar owner!
Posted 10 months ago by laserace    [ Reply ]
 zipper wrote:

damn... I was quietly sitting at my desk, comparing numbers on paper. This song poured into my soul and almost made me weep at work.



same. i think it's the first time i've heard this one and i think it's my favorite of his stuff.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
A very clever segue from CWNN's Swept Away.
Posted 1 year ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
This sounds so unlike his later singing. 
Posted 1 year ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
love does crazy shit ... and then poetry happens
Posted 1 year ago by laserace    [ Reply ]
Simply a great song.
Posted 2 years ago by Paddy_Hannan    [ Reply ]
 bachbeet wrote:

A terrific song!  Dion did a good cover in the late 80s.



Nanci Griffith also did a great cover on her album "Late Night Grande Hotel"  - well worth a listen
Posted 2 years ago by carricknab    [ Reply ]
Back when Tom could actually sing. These days I can’t stomach his barking, phlegmy growl.
Posted 3 years ago by Stratocaster    [ Reply ]
 d-don wrote:
One of the saddest, most beautiful love songs ever written.
 


Posted 13 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
A terrific song!  Dion did a good cover in the late 80s.
Posted 13 years ago by bachbeet    [ Reply ]
Listening this while reading the local news.... Sign on San Diego.... stay classy San Diego.

Posted 13 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
The best thing about this station is that you are guaranteed to hear Tom Waits almost every day!!!
Posted 13 years ago by fast_eddie    [ Reply ]
One of the saddest, most beautiful love songs ever written.
Posted 13 years ago by d-don    [ Reply ]
Must get that album.
Posted 13 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
Absolutely haunting. :)
Posted 13 years ago by ParkerH    [ Reply ]
Sheesh and I thought I had problems.

I still like San Diego though!

{#Drunk}

Posted 13 years ago by mapman    [ Reply ]
great song
Posted 14 years ago by TomFrost    [ Reply ]
Never heard him sing like this....nice.
Posted 14 years ago by junebaby65    [ Reply ]
 nagsheadlocal wrote:
I know that the argument between the Old Tom Waits fans and the New Tom Waits fans is something like a Ford v Chevy, Mac v PC kinda thing, so I'll skip that.

 
It's bourbon vs rye.   :)

Posted 14 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
Beatimous tune from the incomparable Mr. Waits.{#Notworthy}
Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Beautiful.  Reading the lyrics while listening is giving me goose bumps.
Posted 14 years ago by Imkirok    [ Reply ]
 Antigone wrote:
 


I never saw the morning til I stayed up all night
I never saw the sunshine til you turned out the light
I never saw my hometown until I stayed away too long
I never heard the melody, until I needed a song.

I never saw the white line, til I was leaving you behind
I never knew I needed you til I was caught up in a bind
I never spoke i love you til I cursed you in vain,
I never felt my heartstrings until I nearly went insane.

I never saw the east coast til I move to the west
I never saw the moonlight until it shone off your breast
I never saw your heart til someone tried to steal,
Tried to steal it away
I never saw your tears until they rolled down your face

Just lovely. The orchestra in the background, beautiful and just far enough back.

{#Clap}

 
Very nice indeed!!

Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
I know that the argument between the Old Tom Waits fans and the New Tom Waits fans is something like a Ford v Chevy, Mac v PC kinda thing, so I'll skip that.

But, jeeze, Heart of Saturday Night is about as perfect an album as it gets. It's as interesting today as it was the first time I heard it in '75.

Posted 14 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
The older I get, the more I appreciate the genius that is Tom Waits.  He creates beautiful music.
Posted 14 years ago by BKardon    [ Reply ]
This was a young melliflous throated Tom Waits. After this... years of whiskey, polyps and life in general VASTLY improved his pipes over this. He now growls and churns and skips the human auditory system altogether! {#Cool}


 TanteJensen wrote:

Dunno about the others. I enjoy this one and many, many others by Mr. Waits. There are others that I just wait to be over, although they grow on me (slowly, i.e.).

 


Posted 15 years ago by Chi_Guy    [ Reply ]
 smehan55 wrote:
Hey this is nice, I'm enjoying this. A Tom Waits song that doesn't grate on my nerves and make my ears bleed. Does this mean that the Waits fans hate this one? 7 from me FWIW
 
 I concur. I am astounded that it's him... it's an exquisite song and performance. Usually, I can't listen because I find his voice is painful to hear.

Posted 15 years ago by allisonscola    [ Reply ]
Tom Waits!!! That guy owes me money!

Posted 15 years ago by sonofpick    [ Reply ]
Brilliant song!
The only thing that can make me homesick for San Diego!
Posted 15 years ago by ScopArch    [ Reply ]
Brilliant, beautiful song.  Hard to believe it was released about 35 years ago.
Posted 15 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 Rotterdam wrote:
Interesting example of how an artist's entire opus should be exampled before judging one part of it. Had I hear this without having heard the rest of the album, I would have hated it and especially his voice on this cut. I am a huge fan of Waits, however, and so I force myself to try to appreciate this as a part of the whole.
 

oops, I meant 'examined,' not exampled!
Posted 15 years ago by Rotterdam    [ Reply ]
Interesting example of how an artist's entire opus should be exampled before judging one part of it. Had I hear this without having heard the rest of the album, I would have hated it and especially his voice on this cut. I am a huge fan of Waits, however, and so I force myself to try to appreciate this as a part of the whole.
Posted 15 years ago by Rotterdam    [ Reply ]
smehan55 wrote:
Hey this is nice, I'm enjoying this. A Tom Waits song that doesn't grate on my nerves and make my ears bleed. Does this mean that the Waits fans hate this one? 7 from me FWIW

Dunno about the others. I enjoy this one and many, many others by Mr. Waits. There are others that I just wait to be over, although they grow on me (slowly, i.e.).

Posted 16 years ago by TanteJensen    [ Reply ]
 Derecho wrote:
I doubt this song would have a rating nearly as high were Tom Waits' name not hung on it.
 

 segueman wrote:
If Tom Waits' name was "not hung on" this song it would not exist.
 
Perfect!

Posted 16 years ago by hcaudill    [ Reply ]
Hey this is nice, I'm enjoying this. A Tom Waits song that doesn't grate on my nerves and make my ears bleed. Does this mean that the Waits fans hate this one? 7 from me FWIW
Posted 16 years ago by smehan55    [ Reply ]
When he is good, he's phenomenal.  This is one of those times.
(When he's bad, I just can't listen....)
Posted 16 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
Unreal...a Tom Waits song that I actually like!  I know, you say I'm ignorant, unschooled, closed minded, etc...but I can't hep it!
Posted 16 years ago by DrCyKosis    [ Reply ]
 Fnords wrote:


Wow. I didn't know there was a "pre-raspy voice" time. Thanks; I listened and it's a nice song.

 

Just what I was thinking.
{#Clap}

8.
Posted 16 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
Thought this was Michael McDermott at first.
Posted 16 years ago by deepwoodskev    [ Reply ]
 


I never saw the morning til I stayed up all night
I never saw the sunshine til you turned out the light
I never saw my hometown until I stayed away too long
I never heard the melody, until I needed a song.

I never saw the white line, til I was leaving you behind
I never knew I needed you til I was caught up in a bind
I never spoke i love you til I cursed you in vain,
I never felt my heartstrings until I nearly went insane.

I never saw the east coast til I move to the west
I never saw the moonlight until it shone off your breast
I never saw your heart til someone tried to steal,
Tried to steal it away
I never saw your tears until they rolled down your face

Just lovely. The orchestra in the background, beautiful and just far enough back.

{#Clap}

Posted 16 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
Fnords wrote:
Wow. I didn't know there was a "pre-raspy voice" time. Thanks; I listened and it's a nice song.
I must admit that I usually have to brace myself when I hear a Tom Waits song coming on, but I'll be darned this has got to be at least the 3rd one I am rating a "9" - yet another occasion where RP has completely changed my opinion of an artist...
Posted 16 years ago by asocash    [ Reply ]
Posted 16 years ago by ScopArch    [ Reply ]
shivers, man very poetic stuff!
Posted 16 years ago by bindi    [ Reply ]
exactly... zipper wrote:
damn... I was quietly sitting at my desk, comparing numbers on paper. This song poured into my soul and almost made me weep at work.
Posted 16 years ago by j3ss1c4    [ Reply ]
Wow.
Posted 16 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
damn... I was quietly sitting at my desk, comparing numbers on paper. This song poured into my soul and almost made me weep at work.
Posted 16 years ago by zipper    [ Reply ]
Is that Kelly Bundy on the cover?
Posted 16 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
segueman wrote:
Again, Springsteen wishes he was worthy to be mentioned in the same breath as Tom Waits. Waits is an original. If Tom Waits' name was "not hung on" this song it would not exist. This album and Closing Time are must haves.
Agree 1,000%
Posted 16 years ago by DrGonzo    [ Reply ]
thank you RP.....
Posted 16 years ago by Stewed_Mulligan    [ Reply ]
The maximum rating says it: godlike!
Posted 16 years ago by ulibcn    [ Reply ]
Simply breathtaking.
Posted 16 years ago by ch83575    [ Reply ]
Go Chargers!
Posted 16 years ago by Honeyman    [ Reply ]
aww hell yeah!
Posted 16 years ago by joeychick    [ Reply ]
Derecho wrote:
The definition of mediocre. Bruce Springsteen gone AM radio. I doubt this song would have a rating nearly as high were Tom Waits' name not hung on it.
Again, Springsteen wishes he was worthy to be mentioned in the same breath as Tom Waits. Waits is an original. If Tom Waits' name was "not hung on" this song it would not exist. This album and Closing Time are must haves.
Posted 16 years ago by segueman    [ Reply ]
I doubt this song would have a rating nearly as high were Tom Waits' name not hung on it.
...i wonder the same - skirts the narrow edge between heartfelt confidance and sappy cliche...
Posted 16 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
Fnords wrote:
Wow. I didn't know there was a "pre-raspy voice" time. Thanks; I listened and it's a nice song.
Same here. I actually enjoyed this!
Posted 16 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
SnoKoneManiac wrote:
Ahh, Tom Waits' younger days. Before his extremely raspy voice.
Wow. I didn't know there was a "pre-raspy voice" time. Thanks; I listened and it's a nice song.
Posted 16 years ago by Fnords    [ Reply ]
every real artist changes and grows, and I admire Tom Waits for always pushing the envelope. But I sure do miss this era of gorgeous story songs from Waits. moving, timeless classics.
Posted 16 years ago by MCKY    [ Reply ]
A perfect 10 on the lyric alone. ;)
Posted 16 years ago by apsey    [ Reply ]
Another perfect 10.
Posted 16 years ago by onyxover    [ Reply ]
Posted 16 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
Derecho wrote:
The definition of mediocre. Bruce Springsteen gone AM radio. I doubt this song would have a rating nearly as high were Tom Waits' name not hung on it.
Oh please.
Posted 17 years ago by RobK    [ Reply ]
Easy to give godlike ratings to a god like Tom Waits... Websters should link to this song next to the definition of "soul"
Posted 17 years ago by NiceGuy2005    [ Reply ]
My wedding song, actually
Posted 17 years ago by misterclaw    [ Reply ]
Each song on this album paints/tells a vivid picture/story...one of my favorite Waits records.
Posted 17 years ago by Sunman    [ Reply ]
Derecho wrote:
The definition of mediocre. Bruce Springsteen gone AM radio. I doubt this song would have a rating nearly as high were Tom Waits' name not hung on it.
Disagree (my rating of this song * 10)% = 100 % with this nonsense. Mr. Waits is (to me) quite the opposite of "skin deep" fluff. Scratch a little, pay close attention to the lyrics and the emotion they convey and you will find the beauty within.
Posted 17 years ago by MTL_Robbie    [ Reply ]
The definition of mediocre. Bruce Springsteen gone AM radio. I doubt this song would have a rating nearly as high were Tom Waits' name not hung on it.
Posted 17 years ago by Derecho    [ Reply ]
A nine? What was I thinking? 10!!!
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
SnoKoneManiac wrote:
Ahh, Tom Waits' younger days. Before his extremely raspy voice.
And before he started making extremely weird music. I lost him after Raindogs, but the period before that is still haunting.
Posted 17 years ago by MM13    [ Reply ]
Ahh, Tom Waits' younger days. Before his extremely raspy voice.
Posted 17 years ago by SnoKoneManiac    [ Reply ]
gorgeous song.
Posted 17 years ago by killahfunkadelic    [ Reply ]
How does he do it ? I've never managed to understand how a person like Tom Waits get his inspiration, but he has always inspired me. This is just one of the many good songs that he has recorded over the years. Thx Tom for the great music, and thanks to Radioparadise for playing it.
Posted 20 years ago by Guaps    [ Reply ]
Great song. This guy's got so much talent.
Posted 20 years ago by sici    [ Reply ]
I HAVE to get this album!
Posted 20 years ago by bigpomp    [ Reply ]
Glad to see Mr. Waits is getting more airplay...
Posted 20 years ago by R_P    [ Reply ]
Shawneeo wrote:
Thanks, RP, for playing one of my favorite songs by my favorite artist. It never fails to break my heart. The album is definitely desert island material.
Ditto. Anything off Closing Time is also always welcome.
Posted 20 years ago by segueman    [ Reply ]
Thanks, RP, for playing one of my favorite songs by my favorite artist. It never fails to break my heart. The album is definitely desert island material.
Posted 20 years ago by Shawneeo    [ Reply ]