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The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Cemetery Polka" by the artist "Tom Waits"

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"Cemetery Polka" by Tom Waits is pure black humor, a grotesque depiction of a family whose family tree reads more like a list of diagnoses and vices. The title itself hints at a funeral, and the song's upbeat polka melody only adds to the effect of dark humor.

The song lists the lyrical hero's relatives: Uncle Vernon, as pompous as a "pig on ice", rich uncles Biltmore and William who wouldn't give a dime, crazy Aunt Mame living in a hotel lobby, Uncle Violet moonlighting as a bookie, sick Uncle Bill with his young girlfriend, and dying Uncle Phil.

The lyrics are full of sarcasm and cynicism. Relatives are portrayed as greedy, selfish, with their own quirks and vices. "Cemetery Polka" is not so much a family story as it is a satire of consumer society, where people are valued for their money and status, not for their personal qualities. It's a song about what happens when greed and indifference become the core values.

Uncle Vernon, Uncle Vernon,

Independent as a hog on ice

He's a big shot down there at the slaughterhouse

Plays accordion for Mr. Weiss

Uncle Biltmore and Uncle William

Made a million during World War Two

But they're tightwads and they're cheapskates

And they'll never give a dime to you

Auntie Mame has gone insane

She lives in the doorway of an old hotel

And the radio is playing opera

All she ever says is "Go to hell"

Uncle Violet flew as a pilot

And there ain't no pretty girls in France

Now he runs a tiny little bookie joint

They say he never keeps it in his pants

Uncle Bill will never leave a will

And the tumor is as big as an egg

He has a mistress, she's Puerto Rican

And I heard she has a wooden leg

Uncle Phil can't live without his pills

He has emphysema and he's almost blind

And we must find out where the money is

Get it now before he loses his mind

Uncle Vernon, Uncle Vernon,

Independent as a hog on ice

He's a big shot down there at the slaughterhouse

He plays accordion for Mr. Weiss

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