Tom Waits es un músico, compositor, cantautor y actor estadounidense. Su música, una mezcla de rock, blues, jazz y técnicas experimentales, se centra a menudo en los bajos fondos de la sociedad, con su característica voz profunda y grave.
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.
Esta canción es como una máquina del tiempo, que me lleva a recuerdos pasados. Me ha acompañado en los buenos y en los malos momentos, recordándome lo que es importante en la vida. Como un viejo amigo, ha crecido conmigo y mi comprensión de ella se profundiza cada vez que la revisito. Marca mi pasado y guía mi futuro. Es una de mis canciones favoritas y forma parte de lo que soy y quiero ser.
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)