Tom Waits and Massive Attack have unveiled "Boots on the Ground," a searing new track that marks Tom Waits’s first original music in 15 years. The collaboration, a potent anti-war anthem, offers a visceral critique of conflict, both on foreign battlefields and within domestic borders. The song, released on streaming platforms on Thursday, is a stark departure from Waits’s recent artistic endeavors, which have largely focused on acting.
The track’s lyrical content is unsparing. Waits’s signature gravelly voice delivers lines that condemn the dehumanization of conflict, particularly referencing soldiers pursuing individuals perceived as "Brown, mean and young, dumb and full of cum." However, the song reserves its most pointed barbs for those in positions of power who initiate and prolong wars. Midway through the track, Waits directs his ire at a specific target: "Now who the hell are these federal pricks? … air-conditioned fuckstick loafers, sittin’ in a room full of army posters." This imagery paints a stark contrast between the detached contemplation of policymakers and the brutal reality faced by those deployed.
"Boots on the Ground" unfolds with a deliberate, bluesy tempo, underscored by Massive Attack’s signature atmospheric soundscapes. The collaboration between the two iconic artists, whose last new music respectively predates this release by years (Waits’s last album was 2011’s Bad as Me, and Massive Attack’s last new material was in 2020), creates a palpable sense of gravitas and urgency. The song culminates in a haunting, repetitive refrain: "Boots on the ground, boots on the ground," a phrase that echoes the relentless, often unseen, human cost of war. Tom Waits’s son, Casey Waits, also contributes vocals to the track, adding another layer of familial and artistic connection to the project.
The release of "Boots on the Ground" is accompanied by a compelling music video conceptualized and created by Massive Attack. The visual component features a montage of striking images from U.S. photo artist thefinaleye. The video’s description elaborates on its thematic underpinnings, stating, "This montage work portrays a momentous American epoch that is yet to be named, and comes in the aftermath of the largest public protests in American history – focused on opposition to ICE raids, the militarisation of domestic forces, and state authoritarianism." The video’s accompanying text also provides links to various U.S. organizations dedicated to assisting immigrants, underscoring the humanitarian concerns at the heart of the song.
Further solidifying its commitment to social causes, the song is slated for a physical release as a 12-inch vinyl record. The B-side of this release will feature a spoken-word piece by Tom Waits titled "The Fly." Proceeds from the sale of this 12-inch will be donated to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Immigrant Defense Project, two prominent organizations advocating for civil rights and immigrant justice. The vinyl is available for preorder, with the song’s powerful message extending beyond its auditory impact to direct financial support for advocacy groups.
Tom Waits, in a statement accompanying the release, reflected on the genesis of the collaboration: "One day many years ago, I accepted an invitation from Massive Attack to collaborate. Their long release delay never worried me. Today, as in all of mankind’s yesterdays, guarantees this type of song will never go out of style. Man’s folly of fiascos is a feast for the flies. Hence, the B side of Massive Attack’s upcoming 12-inch ‘The Fly’ features my appreciation for the winged nuisance." This statement highlights Waits’s enduring perspective on the cyclical nature of human conflict and his characteristic poetic flair.
Massive Attack also shared their perspective on the collaboration, expressing immense respect for Waits’s artistic legacy. "It’s a career honour to collaborate with an artist of the magnitude, originality and integrity of Tom, but this track is arriving in an atmosphere of chaos," they stated. The Bristol-based electronic pioneers elaborated on the contemporary relevance of the song: "Across the western hemisphere, state authoritarianism and the militarisation of police forces are fusing again with neo-fascist politics. Seen within the American emergency, at home and overseas, this track contains pulses of callous impulse & abandoned mind." This sentiment underscores the duo’s keen awareness of global political currents and their alignment with the song’s critical stance.
The release of "Boots on the Ground" is significant not only for being Tom Waits’s first new original music in over a decade but also for its direct engagement with pressing sociopolitical issues. Waits, known for his distinctive vocal style and narrative songwriting, has increasingly focused on acting in recent years. His role as John Malkovich’s brother in Martin McDonagh’s upcoming film, Wild Horse Nine, represents a continuation of this focus. However, "Boots on the Ground" demonstrates that his songwriting prowess remains potent and his commitment to social commentary undimmed.
This collaboration further solidifies the activism of both Tom Waits and Massive Attack. Massive Attack, in particular, has been consistently vocal in their opposition to geopolitical conflicts and human rights abuses. The group’s member Robert Del Naja was among approximately 500 protesters arrested in London for supporting Palestine Action, a group advocating for Palestinian rights. This incident, which occurred shortly before the song’s release, further contextualizes Massive Attack’s engagement with themes of state power and resistance. In 2023, the group also collaborated with Fontaines D.C. and Young Fathers on an EP to benefit Doctors Without Borders’ relief efforts in Gaza, showcasing a consistent pattern of using their platform for humanitarian causes.
Tom Waits’s own history of activism and engagement with political issues is also evident. In 2017, he granted Banksy permission to use an instrumental version of his 1987 song "Innocent When You Dream" for the artist’s "The Walled Off Hotel" installation in the West Bank. Waits’s social media commentary at the time highlighted the installation’s purpose: "To mark the 100 year anniversary of Britain’s former colonization of Palestine and its disastrous consequences, Banksy has mixed opulence and dystopia with his desire to highlight the daily lives and art of Palestinians." He further noted the song’s resonance with the struggles of the Irish people, stating, "The Irish are no strangers to strife and division, and Waits selected this Irish tinged waltz because of its lyrical and wistful mix of regret and dreams for a world without walls." This echoes themes present in his 2006 song "Road to Peace," which also addressed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The release of "Boots on the Ground" also precedes another significant musical output from Massive Attack. On Friday, the group will release a spoken-word piece inspired by the writings of Omar El Akkad, a celebrated author whose works, including American War and What Strange Paradise, delve into themes of conflict and societal upheaval. Massive Attack specifically cited El Akkad’s One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This as a "nonfiction masterpiece," indicating a deep resonance with his perspective on contemporary societal issues. This forthcoming release further demonstrates Massive Attack’s commitment to using their platform to amplify voices and narratives that address critical global challenges.
The intricate layering of artistic expression, political commentary, and philanthropic endeavor surrounding "Boots on the Ground" positions the song as more than just a musical release. It is a deliberate statement, a call to awareness, and a tangible act of support for organizations working on the front lines of civil liberties and humanitarian aid. The collaboration between Tom Waits and Massive Attack, two artists renowned for their distinctive artistic integrity and willingness to engage with complex themes, has yielded a work that is both artistically compelling and socially significant. Its arrival in a period of heightened global political tension and societal unrest suggests a timely and resonant message for audiences worldwide. The song’s thematic concerns—the detachment of power, the human cost of conflict, and the fight against authoritarianism—resonate deeply with ongoing global dialogues, making "Boots on the Ground" a powerful artistic intervention.
