Meaning of "The Ghosts Of Saturday Night (After Hours At Napoleone's Pizza House)" by Tom Waits

"The Ghosts of Saturday Night" by Tom Waits captures the essence of a specific time and place, delving into the lives of various individuals who populate the late night scene. The lyrics create a sense of nostalgia and longing, as they paint a vivid picture of the city after hours. The cab driver, sailor, waitress, Texaco attendant, and town crier all represent different facets of this nocturnal world, from the transient nature of the cab driver's job to the sailor's reflection on his existence.

The waitress, Irene, becomes the focal point of the sailor's imagination. Waits describes her with imagery that suggests her beauty and allure, such as her Maxwell House eyes and marmalade thighs. She represents escapism and the possibility of temporary connection in this otherwise dreary and mundane existence. However, their encounter is only imagined in the sailor's dreams, emphasizing the themes of loneliness and longing.

The Texaco attendant and town crier function as peripheral characters who further contribute to the atmosphere of the setting. The Texaco attendant's remarks about car problems serve as a metaphor for the challenges and uncertainties in life. The town crier, who cries out with the morning edition, symbolizes the passing of time and the harsh reality of the new day dawning.

The closing lines of the lyrics, "Leaving the town in a-keeping/Of the one who is sweeping/Up the ghosts of Saturday night," evoke a sense of melancholy and reflection. The idea of "ghosts" suggests the lingering memories and emotions from a night of revelry and excitement. The mention of someone sweeping up these ghosts implies the importance of acknowledging and processing the aftermath of such experiences. It speaks to the need for introspection and moving on from the past.

Overall, "The Ghosts of Saturday Night" explores themes of longing, transient connections, and the passing of time. Through its vivid imagery and melancholic tone, the song paints a bittersweet portrait of the late night world and the individuals who inhabit it.