Pregnant women and Vietnam vets, beggin on the freeway, bout as hard as it gets

Pregnant women and Vietnam vets, beggin on the freeway, bout as hard as it gets

Tom Waits is a master storyteller, known for his gritty and raw lyrics that paint vivid pictures of life on the fringes of society. In the song "9th & Hennepin" from his album "Rain Dogs," Waits sings about the struggles of pregnant women and Vietnam veterans begging on the freeway, painting a bleak and haunting portrait of desperation and hardship.

The line "Pregnant women and Vietnam vets, beggin on the freeway, bout as hard as it gets" captures the harsh reality of life for those who have been marginalized and forgotten by society. Pregnant women, already vulnerable and in need of support, are forced to beg for money on the streets just to survive. Vietnam veterans, who have experienced the horrors of war and returned home to a society that often fails to support them, are left to fend for themselves on the unforgiving streets.

Waits' lyrics evoke a sense of empathy and compassion for these individuals who are struggling to make ends meet in a world that has turned its back on them. The image of pregnant women and Vietnam veterans begging on the freeway is a powerful reminder of the injustices and inequalities that exist in our society.

Waits' music often explores themes of poverty, addiction, and the struggles of the working class, and "9th & Hennepin" is no exception. The song is a haunting and atmospheric piece that captures the dark underbelly of urban life, with Waits' gravelly voice adding a sense of world-weariness and authenticity to the lyrics.

Overall, the line "Pregnant women and Vietnam vets, beggin on the freeway, bout as hard as it gets" is a poignant and powerful reflection of the struggles faced by those who are often overlooked and ignored in society. Tom Waits' ability to capture the raw emotion and harsh realities of life in his music is what makes him such a compelling and enduring artist.