Tom Waits er en amerikansk musiker, komponist, sangskriver og skuespiller. Hans musik, som er en blanding af rock, blues, jazz og eksperimenterende teknikker, fokuserer ofte på samfundets skyggesider og leveres med hans karakteristiske dybe, grynede stemme.
The song “Take It With Me” from the album “Mule Variations” released in 1999 was written by Waits and his wife, Kathleen Brennan, his frequent collaborator. This evocative song finds Waits singing from the perspective of a person pondering his death, and the song explores the idea of retaining what one treasure most: memories.
In a broader sense, the song encapsulates the essence of human existence. It suggests that our experiences, the love we give and receive, and the memories we create, are the true wealth we accumulate in life. These intangible treasures are what we truly own and can carry with us, even beyond the physical realm. It’s a poignant reminder to cherish our experiences and the love we share, as they form the fabric of our lives and our legacy. It’s not the material possessions, but the love we’ve given and received that we truly own and can take with us when we depart from this world.
Denne sang er som en tidsmaskine, der fører mig tilbage til fortidens minder. Den har været med mig i gode og dårlige tider og mindet mig om, hvad der er vigtigt i livet. Som en gammel ven er den vokset med mig, og min forståelse af den bliver dybere, hver gang jeg genbesøger den. Den markerer min fortid og guider min fremtid. Det er en af mine yndlingssange og en del af den, jeg er og ønsker at være.
People you’ve loved never go away for good. They may die or leave you, but if you’ve loved them, they’re still in you. The only things you truly own are the ones you keep in your heart. Look inside your heart.
PS: Here’s my favourite cover of the song: “Take it with me” (Martin Halla)