I'm Big In Japan Lyrics
Tom Waits
Lyrics
I got the style but not the grace
I got the clothes but not the face
I got the bread but not the butter
I got the window but not the shutter
But I'm big(2) In Japan
I'm big in Japan
Hey, but I'm big in Japan
I'm big in Japan
I got the house but not the deed
I got the horn but not the reed
I got the cards but not the luck
I got the wheel but not the truck
But hey, I'm big in Japan
I'm big in Japan
But hey, I'm big in Japan
I'm big in Japan
I got the moon, I got the cheese
I got the whole damn nation on their knees
I got the rooster, I got the crow
I got the ebb, I got the flow
I got the powder but not the gun
I got the dog but not the bun
I got the clouds but not the sky
I got the stripes but not the tie
But hey, I'm big in Japan
I'm big in Japan
I'm big in Japan
I'm big in Japan
I'm big in Japan
Hey-ho, they love the way I do it
Hey-ho, there's really nothing to it
I got the moon, I got the cheese
I got the whole damn nation on their knees
I got the rooster, I got the crow
I got the ebb, I got the flow
I got the sizzle but not the steak
I got the boat but not the lake
I got the sheets but not the bed
I got the jam but not the bread
But hey, I'm big in Japan
I'm big in Japan
I'm big in Japan
Hey! I'm big in Japan
I'm big in Japan
I'm big in Japan
Song & Lyrics Facts
Tom Waits' song "I'm Big in Japan" was released on his 1982 album Swordfishtrombones. The song was written by Tom Waits and his wife, Kathleen Brennan.
It was performed with a band consisting of guitar, bass, drums and keyboards. The lyrics tell the story of an unknown musician who finds fame in Japan but is still unknown in his home country. The song has become a cult classic for its ironic take on fame and obscurity. The song's popularity has endured over the years and it continues to be one of Waits' most popular songs.