Song meaning of Rain Dogs [Big Time] by Tom Waits

The lyrics of "Rain Dogs [Big Time]" by Tom Waits evoke a sense of urban grit and despair. The rain dogs represent the outcasts, the marginalized, and those who have lost their way in the rain-soaked city streets. The broken clock and the wine symbolize lives that have veered off course and the chaotic passage of time. 

The repeated phrase "I am a rain dog too" suggests that the narrator identifies with these marginalized individuals. They are all lost souls seeking solace and connection in their shared struggle. 

The dance mentioned in the lyrics represents a brief moment of escape and freedom. The mention of the Rose of Tralee, a traditional Irish song associated with love and loss, adds a bittersweet element. The dance becomes a temporary respite from the drudgery and hopelessness of daily life. 

However, the narrator acknowledges that this escape is fleeting. The whispered promise of never going back home conveys a sense of resignation and acceptance that their current reality is the only one they have. 

Overall, the lyrics of "Rain Dogs [Big Time]" convey a powerful message about the inherent struggles, loneliness, and longing for connection in a harsh urban environment.