16 Shells from a Thirty-Ought-Six
Tom Waits
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I plugged 16 shells from a thirty-ought-six And a black crow snuck through A hole in the sky So I spent all my buttons on an Old pack mule And I made me a ladder from A pawn shop marimba And I leaned it up against A dandelion tree And I filled me a sachel Full of old pig corn And I beat me a billy From an old French horn And I kicked that mule To the top of the tree And I blew me a hole 'Bout the size of a kick drum And I cut me a switch From a long branch elbow I'm gonna whittle you into kindlin' Black crow 16 shells from a thirty-ought-six Whittle you into kindlin' Black crow 16 shells from a thirty-ought-six Well I slept in the holler Of a dry creek bed And I tore out the buckets From a red Corvette, tore out the buckets from a red Corvette Lionel and Dave and the butcher made three You got to meet me by the knuckles of the skinnybone tree With the strings of a washburn Stretched like a clothes line You know me and that mule scrambled right through the hole I'm gonna whittle you into kindlin' Black crow 16 shells from a thirty-ought-six Whittle you into kindlin' Black crow 16 shells from a thirty-ought-six Now I hold him prisoner In a washburn jail That stapped on the back Of my old kick mule Strapped it on the back of my old kick mule I bang on the strings just To drive him crazy I strum it loud just to rattle his cage Strum it loud just to rattle his cage I'm gonna whittle you into kindlin' Black crow 16 shells from a thirty-ought-six Whittle you into kindlin' Black crow 16 shells from a thirty-ought-six
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10 facts about this song
Song Composition"16 Shells from a Thirty-Ought-Six" was written by renowned musician Tom Waits, who is known for his experimental songwriting and distinctive vocal style.
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Album AppearanceThe song is a standout track from Tom Waits' 1983 album "Swordfishtrombones," which marked a new direction in the singer's style as he began experimenting with unconventional instruments and sounds.
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Song ThemeThe song's lyricism evokes vivid, cinematic imagery that is a hallmark of Waits' songwriting. The incorporation of war-like themes and a chaotic tone is prevalent in the song.
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Musical Style"16 Shells from a Thirty-Ought-Six" is marked by its bracing musical approach that blends elements of blues, jazz, and experimental rock, a departure from his previous work.
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Popular RecognitionThis song is considered a highlight among Tom Waits' discography and often cited as a crucial factor in the broadening of his style and fan base.
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Live PerformancesDespite its complex structure, "16 Shells from a Thirty-Ought-Six" has often been performed live by Waits, showcasing different interpretations of the song over his long career.
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Influence on other MusiciansThe song's influence extends across genre borders, with musicians like Hugh Laurie citing it as a source of inspiration.
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Song TitleThe term “thirty-ought-six” is vernacular for .30-06 Springfield, which is a popular caliber for hunting rifles and military surplus weapons, indicating that the song might have elements of the juxtaposition of violence and survival.
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Unique InstrumentationThis song is part of Waits' enlarged percussive arsenal, which he used on "Swordfishtrombones," that includes marimba, metal aunglongs, and other percussion to create the song’s unique sound.
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Critical AcclaimMusic critics consider "16 Shells from a Thirty-Ought-Six" a classic, often praising its vibrant lyric imagery and evocative musical arrangement.
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Citation
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"16 Shells from a Thirty-Ought-Six Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/834067/Tom+Waits/16+Shells+from+a+Thirty-Ought-Six>.
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