3 Classic Rock Songs Inspired by Skid Row Poet Charles Bukowski

The Los Angeles-based poet Charles Bukowski was known for his blue-collar affect and prolific publishing. The writer, who passed away March 9, 1994, at 73, wrote about drinking, smoking, women, and the art of being alone. He is often called “the poet of Skid Row” and is beloved by millions thanks to his dozens of books.

Here below, we wanted to explore Bukowski’s impact on the world of music via three songs. A trio of tracks that showcase just what his influence was on major songwriters and classic rock bands. Indeed, these are three classic rock songs inspired by Skid Row poet Charles Bukowski.

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“Frank’s Wild Years” by Tom Waits from Swordfishtrombones (1983)

Tom Waits not only was a great admirer of Charles Bukowski, but he was also inspired by his work. In the song “Frank’s Wild Years,” Waits leans into Bukowski’s philosophy that a human being doesn’t go crazy because of a big event. Rather, it’s the small moments, like a shoelace breaking or vending machine not working properly that can push us over the edge. In this 1983 track, Waits seems to channel Buk, delivering a tough-shelled spoken-word poem about his subject just as Buk might have written himself.

“Dirty Day” by U2 from Zooropa (1993)

This song from the Irish rock band U2 is about a father and a son—specifically about a father returning to his abandoned son only to find that he is no longer recognized by the boy. But where this sad song intersects with the poet is in the fade-out refrain, in which U2 lead vocalist Bono sings: theese days, days, days, run away like horses over the hill. That lyric is a direct nod to Bukowski and his poetry collection The Days Run Away Like Wild Horses over the Hill. Game recognize game!

“Bukowski” by Modest Mouse from Good News for People Who Love Bad News (2004)

The Grammy-nominated 2004 album from Modest Mouse was their breakout. Featuring the hit single, “Float On,” this LP also included “Bukowski,” which, of course, is a direct callout to the Los Angeles poet. The song itself is a sonic fist-shaking at God, with lead singer Isaac Brock calling Him an a—–e. But the song begins with a nod to Buk, as the gravelly voiced Brock sings,

Woke up this morning and it seemed to me,

That every night turns out to be

A little more like Bukowski.

And yeah, I know he’s a pretty good read.

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