Meaning of "Tom Thumb's Blues" by Judy Collins
The lyrics of "Tom Thumb's Blues" reflect a deep sense of disillusionment and despair. The imagery of being lost in the rain in Juarez and feeling physically and emotionally weighed down by gravity failing and negativity not pulling through signifies a sense of hopelessness and being trapped in a cycle of darkness. The references to hungry women, a friend unable to help, and a dangerous allure all contribute to a feeling of being surrounded by forces that are out to harm or deceive. The speaker's desire to return to New York City at the end of the song can be interpreted as a longing for a place of familiarity and safety, away from all the chaos and pain described in the earlier verses. Ultimately, the song captures the feeling of being adrift in a world that offers little solace or respite, yearning for a way out or a return to something more stable.