Gruff-voiced poet Tom Waits celebrates a birthday, today. The howling pianist’s lyrics illuminate a forgotten, shadowy world of drunken sirens, broken dreams, and glassy-eyed regrets. His evocative verses have been tattooed as permanent reminders of the hope and loss his work conjures in the minds and hearts of fans. And the singer’s vagabond style has made him a character worthy of inky tribute. We’ve collected some of the greatest Tom Waits tattoos that honor the eccentric troubadour, below.
Image credit: Chesh
Inspired by “God’s Away On Business.”
Image credit: Ien Levin
Inspired by the characters from Waits’ songs, like “Eyeball Kid.”
Image credit: Christy Brooker
Image credit: Tommi Crazy
Image credit: Jason Hanks
Image credit: BabyBizarre
A ghostly Waits à la Mule Variations.
Image credit: Will Koffman
Image credit: mistress_red
“Make it Rain” lyrics.
Image credit: Mary Keegan
“Grapefruit Moon” lyrics.
Inspired by “Clap Hands.”
Image credit: matt257
Bob Dylan and Tom Waits playing chess.
Photo via
“How’s It Gonna End” tattoo.
Image credit: Eva Mpatshi V
Photo via
Lyrics from “Til The Money Runs Out.”
Image credit: Jo Treder
Inspired by “Warm Beer and Cold Women.”
Photo via
Image credit: Michael Kozlenko
Image credit: David Dettloff
Photo via
Image credit: Nate Beavers
Image credit: Bob Tyrrell
Photo via
Image credit: Paul Oliver
Photo via
Scarecrow Waits.
Photo via
“Diamonds & Gold” lyrics.