Foreign Affair

Tom Waits' song 'Foreign Affair' delves into the complex emotions tied to travel and the transient nature of life on the road. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the bittersweet experience of being a wanderer, capturing both the excitement and the inherent loneliness that comes with it. Waits begins by emphasizing the need for discretion and the unique perspective that travel affords. This transient position allows one to see the world differently, but it also comes with the realization that settling down might never be an option for those with a restless spirit.

The song explores the idea that the true thrill lies in the pursuit rather than the destination. Waits suggests that for many vagabonds, the chase itself is the obsession, not the final apprehension. This relentless quest for something elusive keeps them moving, never fully satisfied with what they find. The lyrics also touch on the emotional toll of constant travel, highlighting the common feeling of melancholy that accompanies planes, trains, boats, and buses. This sense of blue is only alleviated when one has a suitcase, a ticket, and a passport, symbolizing the freedom and possibility that travel brings.

In the final verses, Waits contrasts the allure of a foreign affair with the more mundane, domestically approved romantic experiences. The foreign affair is mysteriously attractive precisely because it is fleeting and will eventually become just a memory. This juxtaposition underscores the idea that the temporary and the exotic hold a special kind of charm, one that is intensified by the knowledge of its impermanence. Through 'Foreign Affair,' Tom Waits captures the essence of wanderlust, the thrill of the chase, and the inevitable melancholy that comes with a life of perpetual motion.