If I exorcise my devils, well, my angels may leave too

If I exorcise my devils, well, my angels may leave too

Tom Waits is a musician known for his gritty, raw, and often dark lyrics that delve into the depths of human emotion and experience. One of his most famous quotes is, “If I exorcise my devils, well, my angels may leave too.” This line perfectly encapsulates the complex and often contradictory nature of Waits’ music and persona.

In this quote, Waits is acknowledging the duality of human nature – the idea that our demons and our angels are intertwined, and that by trying to rid ourselves of one, we may inadvertently lose the other. This sentiment is reflected in many of Waits’ songs, which often explore themes of redemption, sin, and salvation.

Waits’ music is filled with characters who are flawed, damaged, and struggling with their inner demons. From the down-and-out drunks and misfits in songs like “The Piano Has Been Drinking” and “Tom Traubert’s Blues” to the desperate lovers and lost souls in “Hold On” and “Downtown Train,” Waits’ songs are populated by people who are haunted by their pasts and wrestling with their own inner darkness.

But alongside these troubled souls, Waits also sings about moments of grace, beauty, and transcendence. In songs like “Innocent When You Dream” and “Time,” he captures moments of fleeting beauty and tenderness that shine like beacons in the darkness. These moments of light and hope are often juxtaposed with the darker, more chaotic elements of his music, creating a rich tapestry of human experience.

Waits’ quote also speaks to the idea that our demons and our angels are not separate entities, but are instead two sides of the same coin. Our struggles and flaws are often what make us human, and trying to suppress or deny them can lead to a loss of authenticity and depth. By embracing our demons, we can also tap into our angels – our capacity for compassion, empathy, and love.