Meaning of "Tom Traubert's Blues (Four Sheets To The Wind In Copenhagen)" by Tom Waits

The lyrics of "Tom Traubert's Blues" by Tom Waits paint a picture of a weary and desperate character, who is lost in a broken world and struggling with personal pain and despair. The narrator feels wasted and wounded, suggesting they have faced hardships and made poor choices. They reach out to Frank, perhaps a friend or acquaintance, hoping for some temporary relief in the form of a small loan. The mention of "waltzing Matilda" could be a metaphor for seeking solace or escape from their troubled reality through imagination or daydreaming.

The song also touches on themes of isolation and communication barriers. The narrator laments that nobody speaks English and everything is broken, highlighting their feeling of being disconnected from the world around them. Their Stacys, possibly referring to shoes, are soaking wet, which could symbolize being stuck in a state of discomfort and vulnerability.

There is a sense of danger and darkness in the lyrics as the narrator asks to be stabbed, suggesting a desire for release from their suffering. The mention of Old Bushmills, a whiskey, and silhouette window light adds to the atmosphere of despair and agony. The lyrics evoke a feeling of being trapped or confined, both physically and emotionally.

The song takes a surreal turn when the narrator talks about losing their Saint Christopher, a Catholic symbol associated with protection during travel. This loss could symbolize a loss of faith or guidance. The mention of the one-armed bandit, Chinamen, and striptease shows brings a sense of the seedy underbelly of society, suggesting a bleak and morally ambiguous environment.

The mention of fugitives, manslaughter dragnets, and the ghosts that sell memories alludes to a sense of lawlessness and recklessness. The narrator asserts that the streets aren't for dreaming anymore, implying a sense of disillusionment and disappointment with their surroundings. Despite the bleakness, there is a sense of defiance in their statement that they don't want sympathy.

In the final verses, the song references sailors, jailers, and old men in wheelchairs, suggesting that the narrator has encountered various individuals who have experienced their own trials and hardships. Matilda is mentioned as a defendant who has killed about a hundred, indicating the presence of tragedy and loss throughout the song. The final farewell to street sweepers, night watchmen, and Matilda signifies a goodbye to the hardships, struggles, and perhaps even life itself.