On this episode of Our American Stories, Tom Waits has a voice and style that feel carved out of another world, yet many people first meet his work through other artists. One of his earliest songs, “I Hope That I Don’t Fall in Love with You,” is a perfect example. It drifted from Waits’ small club beginnings to the radio through bands like 10,000 Maniacs, much like “Downtown Train,” “Ol’ 55,” and other Waits originals that became hits in someone else’s hands.

In this Story of a Song, we explore how a simple tune about a missed chance at love became one of Waits’ most quietly enduring pieces.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

On this episode of Our American Stories, Tom Waits has a voice and style that feel carved out of another world, yet many people first meet his work through other artists. One of his earliest songs, &ldquo;I Hope That I Don&rsquo;t Fall in Love with You,&rdquo; is a perfect example. It drifted from Waits&rsquo; small club beginnings to the radio through bands like 10,000 Maniacs, much like &ldquo;Downtown Train,&rdquo; &ldquo;Ol&rsquo; 55,&rdquo; and other Waits originals that became hits in someone else&rsquo;s hands.
In this&nbsp;Story of a Song, we explore how a simple tune about a missed chance at love became one of Waits&rsquo; most quietly enduring pieces.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit, and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories

Tom Waits and the Story Behind “I Hope That I Don’t Fall in Love with You”

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/8c5e9a76-d237-4230-91bb-b39c01690adb/transcript