Phoebe Bridgers continues her annual release of Christmas covers with a haunting rendition of Tom Waits’ ‘Day After Tomorrow,' from his 2004 album ‘Day’s Gone.' In true Christmas spirit, all proceeds from the single will be donated to Los Angeles’ Local Integration & Family Empowerment Division, a charity that provides resources to refugees, immigrants, and survivors of human trafficking.
One of Waits’ few openly political songs, the track is narrated by a soldier writing home during the height of the Iraq war assuring his loved ones he will return, “On the day after tomorrow.”
If you’re not clued up to why Waits is one of the most celebrated lyricists of the last century, look no further. In under six minutes, the narrator empathizes with enemy soldiers, contemplates the futility of war, and wrestles with his faith in God. All delivered in a beautiful poetic cadence.
The anti-war theme still resonates with modern audiences, despite the cover version being released 18 years later. Bridgers’ ambient minimal production, somehow, manages to make the original seem hopeful, happy even. Her echoed, breathy vocals embody the fragile chasm between hope and loss that the soldier resides in. Although just as drenched in melancholy, rather than reassuring loved ones, Bridgers’ version pleads like a prayer; the choir backing vocals and silent night sample only adding to the piety.
Bridgers’ knack for emotive singing has brought about critical acclaim for both her covers and original music. Previous songs in Bridgers’ Christmas catalogue include Merle Haggard’s ‘If We Make It Thru December,' Simon & Garfunkel’s ‘7 O’Clock News/Silent Night,' McCarthy Trenching’s cover of ‘Christmas Song,’ and the infamous ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.'
‘Day After Tomorrow’ features vocal assistance from Beulahbelle’s Mady Dever and Kaitlyn Dever, the latter of whom you might recognise from ‘Booksmart,' ‘Unbelievable,’
Elina Ganatra
Image: ‘Day After Tomorrow’ Official Single Cover
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