Come on Up to the House

The song "Come on Up to the House" by Tom Waits has the ability to change my emotions. At first, I was not particularly fond of Tom Waits because I thought his voice was too gravelly (although I have since changed my opinion) but one day I was feeling particularly stressed and upset when my brother forced me to listen to this song.
The words of the song serve as symbols, indices, and icons. Throughout the song, Tom Waits uses words to create images in the mind of the listener by describing scenes and making references.
Tom Waits opens the song with the lines "Well the moon is broken/ and the sky is cracked." For me, this symbol invoked an index. I sometimes associate the sky and moon(sign) with opportunities(object) because they are often described as limitless and represent the continuation of the universe beyond our knowledge. The icon of a broken moon and a cracked sky, therefore, made me think of lost or wasted opportunities or perhaps the total lack thereof.
However, the very next line is the symbol "Come on Up to the House." This was an index for me because Church, or God(object), is often referred to as a house(sign). This suggested to me that even in the most dire situations, there is still hope and comfort that can be found through Church. However, I also felt the house to be an index of family or loved ones(object). I associate houses, or homes, with loved ones. I often find support from my family and friends so this line comforted(interpretant) me on two levels.
The icon of Tom Wait's voice also adds meaning to the song for me. His voice(sign) is low, rough, and gravelly. The roughness in his voice makes the song seem sincere(object) because it makes him seem as if he has experienced suffering.
Tom Waits alternates descriptions of failed endeavors, heartbreak, and harsh environments with the chorus "Come on Up to the House." In doing this, Waits uses symbols, indices, and icons to acknowledge that life can be difficult at times but there is always hope.
By the time I finished listening to the song, I felt less stressed and comforted(interpretant) by the thoughts invoked by the song of my friends and family(object).