When you're writing, you're conjuring. It's a ritual, and you need to be brave and respectful and sometimes get out of the way of whatever it is that you're inviting into the room.
Tom WaitsRead
As a kid, I did want to be an old-timer, since they were the ones with the big stories and the cool clothes. I wanted to go there. Now, I guess I want to bring that with me and go back in time.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects a longing for the wisdom and experiences of older generations.
Tom Waits expresses a desire to carry the rich stories and unique styles of older individuals into his own life, symbolizing a connection between past experiences and present identity. The nostalgia in this quote highlights the human tendency to admire the experiences of others and a yearning to incorporate those elements into one's own journey.
Themes
NostalgiaStoriesExperiencesYouthIdentity
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote at a storytelling event to highlight the value of sharing experiences across generations.
More from Tom Waits
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Don't plant your bad days. They grow into weeks. The weeks grow into months. Before you know it, you got yourself a bad year. Take it from me - choke those little bad days. Choke 'em down to nothing.
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My reality needs imagination like a bulb needs a socket. My imagination needs reality like a blind man needs a cane.
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Now its raining its pouring the old man is snoring now I lay me down to sleep I hear the sirens in the street all my dreams are made of chrome I have no way to get back home I’d rather die before I wake like Marilyn Monroe and throw my dreams out in the street and the rain make ‘em grow
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