Earth Died Screaming

Album: Bone Machine (1992)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Tom Waits is renowned for his frequently bizarre, otherworldly instrumentation. Engineer Tchaid Blake recalled the recording of this song to Uncut: "He wanted the sound of wood he'd heard on old Smithsonian records. He knew exactly the sound he wanted. We ended up outside with about seven or eight people surrounding Tom on their knees banging two-by-fours against stones or wood on the ground. Wonderful! They're credited as playing 'Sticks' on the record."
  • The song is featured in the 1995 movie 12 Monkeys.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Harold Brown of War

Harold Brown of WarSongwriter Interviews

A founding member of the band War, Harold gives a first-person account of one of the most important periods in music history.

David Bowie Lyrics Quiz

David Bowie Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

How well do you know your David Bowie lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.

Actors With Hit Songs

Actors With Hit SongsMusic Quiz

Many actors have attempted music, but only a few have managed a hit. Do you know which of these thespians charted?

Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust

Lajon Witherspoon of SevendustSongwriter Interviews

The Sevendust frontman talks about the group's songwriting process, and how trips to the Murder Bar helped forge their latest album.

Reverend Horton Heat

Reverend Horton HeatSongwriter Interviews

The Reverend rants on psychobilly and the egghead academics he bashes in one of his more popular songs.