About the song
“Tower of Song”, a track by the legendary Tom Jones, is a profound and deeply emotional ballad that showcases the Welsh singer’s remarkable ability to convey vulnerability through his distinctive, powerhouse voice. Released in 1987 as part of his album “Night and Day”, “Tower of Song” is one of the standout tracks that not only highlights Tom Jones’ immense vocal talent but also touches on themes of life, legacy, and the passage of time. The song was penned by one of the most influential songwriters of the 20th century, Leonard Cohen, known for his poetic and often melancholic lyrics, making this collaboration between two musical giants particularly memorable.
“Tower of Song” was featured in Tom Jones’ album “Night and Day”, which marked a significant turning point in his career. This album was not just another pop record—it was an artistic reinvention, where Jones sought to explore deeper, more introspective themes, far beyond the realm of his usual pop hits like “It’s Not Unusual” or “Delilah.” The album is often regarded as a bridge between the classic Tom Jones sound and the more reflective, jazz-influenced material that would dominate his later works. “Tower of Song”, in particular, exemplifies this shift, offering a contemplative and reflective tone that was both a departure from and an evolution of his earlier, more exuberant hits.
Lyrically, “Tower of Song” is a meditation on the inevitability of aging and the deep, sometimes painful, awareness of one’s place in the grand scheme of life. The imagery in the song revolves around the metaphor of a “tower” in which the narrator is stuck, unable to escape the cycle of life and death, fame and obscurity, and joy and sorrow. It evokes the notion that, despite one’s achievements or fame, every life is marked by the passage of time and the ultimate inevitability of mortality. The line “I was born with the gift of a golden voice” reflects Tom Jones’ unique ability to convey powerful emotions through his voice, while also acknowledging the transient nature of his own career and legacy.
The impact of “Tower of Song” is not only artistic but also societal. The song reflects the broader existential concerns of its time, with themes of loss, aging, and the search for meaning resonating with listeners across generations. During the 1980s, there was a cultural shift towards introspection and a more open dialogue around vulnerability, and “Tower of Song” perfectly captures this spirit. The song remains relevant today, echoing the concerns of anyone reflecting on their legacy or the passage of time. It is a song that doesn’t just resonate with aging artists but with anyone who has ever questioned their purpose or the transient nature of life.
Though Tom Jones was already an established icon by the time he released “Night and Day”, “Tower of Song” helped cement his reputation as a mature artist willing to take risks and explore deeper, more meaningful content. It allowed Jones to reach an entirely new audience, beyond the youthful pop fans who had made him famous in the 1960s. Through this collaboration with Cohen, Jones displayed his versatility as a singer, capable of embracing both the more polished elements of pop and the raw, emotional power of introspective ballads.
In many ways, “Tower of Song” also speaks to the universal experience of the artist’s relationship with their craft. It portrays a sense of isolation that often accompanies fame and success, offering a deeply personal reflection on the trials and tribulations of being a public figure. Yet, it also captures the hope that art and music offer a sense of immortality—a way to transcend the limitations of the body and remain a part of the collective consciousness.
Through “Tower of Song”, Tom Jones delivered not only one of his most emotionally resonant performances but also one of his most musically ambitious songs. It remains a testament to his artistry and his ability to evolve throughout his career, adapting to new sounds while maintaining the powerful vocal presence that has defined his work for decades. The track stands as a poignant reminder of the artist’s struggle to find meaning in both his personal and professional life, and as a powerful testament to the lasting nature of great music.
Ultimately, “Tower of Song” is an exquisite example of Tom Jones’ artistic maturity and his ability to tackle deep, reflective themes with grace and authenticity. The song’s blend of Leonard Cohen’s poignant lyrics and Jones’ commanding vocals creates an emotional experience that resonates with listeners, offering a moment of reflection on life’s fleeting nature. “Tower of Song” continues to hold a special place in Tom Jones’ catalog, embodying his versatility as an artist and his willingness to take risks, both personally and artistically.
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Lyrics
Well my friends are gone and my hair is greyI ache in the places where I used to playAnd I’m crazy for love but I’m not coming onI’m just paying my rent every dayOh in the tower of songI said to hank Williams, how lonely does it get?Hank Williams hasn’t answered yetBut I hear him coughing all night longA hundred floors above meIn the tower of songI was born like this, I had no choiceI was born with the gift of a golden voiceAnd twenty-seven angels from the great beyondThey tied me to this table right hereIn the tower of songSo you can stick your little pins in that voodoo dollI’m very sorry, baby, doesn’t look like me at allI’m standing by the window where the light is strongAh they don’t let a woman kill youNot in the tower of songNow you can say that I’ve grown bitter but of this you may be sureThe rich have got their channels in the bedrooms of the poorAnd there’s a mighty judgment coming, but I may be wrongYou see, you hear these funny voicesIn the tower of songI see you standing on the other sideI don’t know how the river got so wideI loved you baby, way back whenAnd all the bridges are burning that we might have crossedBut I feel so close to everything that we lostWe’ll never have to lose it againNow I bid you farewell, I don’t know when I’ll be backThere moving us tomorrow to that tower down the trackBut you’ll be hearing from me baby, long after I’m goneI’ll be speaking to you sweetlyFrom a window in the tower of songYeah my friends are gone and my hair is greyI ache in the places where I used to playAnd I’m crazy for love but I’m not coming onI’m just paying my rent every dayOh in the tower of song