The narrator talks about learning a trade from someone named Piggy Knowles and being used as a tool by God to beat his weary drum. They mention hoisting a rag and describe a world where the sun is up and the world is flat, making it a good place for a rat. The narrator also mentions the smell of blood, the drone of flies, and knowing what to do when a baby cries. They talk about sticking their fingers in the ground to turn the world around, the smoke blacking out the sun, and praying and cleaning their gun at night. There is a mention of a cracked bell ringing, a ghost bird singing, and gods begging. The narrator ends by saying that all is fair in love and war and invites to hoist that rag.

Meaning of "Hoist That Rag" by Tom Waits

The song "Hoist That Rag" by Tom Waits is a dark and gritty exploration of various themes. At its core, the song captures a sense of desperation and chaotic violence. The narrator describes themselves as being used as a tool by God, implying a sense of being controlled or manipulated. The repetition of "Hoist that rag" could be seen as a call to action or an invitation to engage in some kind of violent endeavor. The mention of the sun being up and the world being flat creates a distorted and sinister atmosphere, suggesting a world where normal rules and boundaries don't apply. The references to blood, flies, and a crying baby further contribute to the unsettling tone of the song. The line "Smoke is blacking out the sun" could symbolize the destruction and chaos caused by violence. The mention of the cracked bell ringing and the ghost bird singing could represent the decay and loss of innocence in the world. The mention of gods begging implies a sense of abandonment or apathy from higher powers. Ultimately, the song conveys a sense of a lawless world where violence and struggle are the norm.