For the first time since 2011, the gravelly, unmistakable voice of Tom Waits has returned to the airwaves. Following the surprise release of his collaboration with Massive Attack, “Boots On The Ground,” Waits has shared an excerpt of the B-side, a spoken word piece titled “The Fly.”
The track follows the “mainstream mystic” tradition of his earlier experimental works like “What’s He Building In There?”, blending wry observation with a haunting, darkly comic atmosphere.
“No One’ll Weep When You Die”
“The Fly” is a gritty, poetic appreciation for what Waits calls the “winged nuisance.” The piece begins with a surreal journey through the life of a common fly, placing it in the middle of high-stakes human drama:
“You were brushed from the slacks on the President’s thigh / You lived for a day on a dead fish’s eye… No-one’s gonna weep when you die.”
Waits describes the insect’s movement as “two lazy violins braided together in a low spastic siren to warn us of nothing,” showcasing the sharp, eccentric lyricism that has defined his career for over five decades.
A Purposeful Return
This collaboration has been years in the making. Waits revealed that he sent the recording to Massive Attack “many years ago,” noting that the “long release delay” never worried him because “man’s fiasco folly” ensures the song’s political relevance never fades.
The release is more than just a musical milestone; it is a charitable endeavor. All of Waits’ proceeds from the exclusive 12-inch vinyl will be donated to:
Veteran Resources: Funding mental health support for former service members.
Immigrant Advocacy: Supporting legal aid for immigrant communities.
Massive Attack on the “American Emergency”
Massive Attack described working with Waits as a “career honor” but noted the track’s somber timing. The band released a statement framing the music within the current global climate:
“This track is arriving in an atmosphere of chaos… seen within the American emergency, at home and overseas, this track contains pulses of callous impulse and abandoned mind.”
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What’s Next for Tom Waits?
At 76, Waits is entering a period of renewed activity. In addition to this musical comeback, fans can look forward to:
Film: Starring in Jim Jarmusch’s Father Mother Sister Brother alongside Adam Driver.
Curated Collection: The May 29 release of Where The Willow And The Dogwood Grow, a collection of Waits/Brennan covers by artists like Johnny Cash and Bruce Springsteen.
Tribute Project: An upcoming appearance on the Shane MacGowan tribute album, 20th Century Paddy.