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Tom Waits Drops New Spoken-Word Track The Fly as B-Side to Massive Attack Collaboration
Tom Waits has slipped a new spoken‑word piece into the public sphere, titling it “The Fly.” The four‑minute track, a tongue‑in‑cheek meditation on the ubiquitous house fly, is paired as the B‑side to Waits’ collaboration with Massive Attack on the single “Boots on the Ground.” The release is already streaming on Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer, and a limited 12‑inch vinyl will arrive on September 4 2026.
The lyricism of “The Fly” is playful and satirical. Waits writes, “You have no house, well you have mine, You have no real friends, stay away from the wine, House fly go to sleep say goodbye, no one will weep when you die.” He follows with a mock‑complaint: “You’re handsome and thin, you try to blend in, You bastard, sitting around all over the place, You’ll be here, even after the bomb, Why don’t you go out and eat cat shit with your mom.” The piece departs from Waits’ typical musical output, leaning into a spoken‑word performance rather than a conventional song.
The single belongs to a partnership that began earlier this year. The duo’s first joint effort, “Boots on the Ground,” was released in April 2026 and marked Waits’ return to recording after a 15‑year hiatus. Critics described the track as a dark hymn that reflects contemporary social tensions.
Both songs are currently available on major streaming services. A physical edition will be pressed on 180‑gram vinyl, marketed as eco‑conscious. The record is produced in red, white, and blue colors that will be assigned at random to each copy, adding a layer of novelty for collectors.
In a statement that accompanied the release, Waits said, “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.” He also noted that all proceeds from the vinyl sale will be donated to charities that support civil rights and community advocacy organisations.
Waits’ return to music runs parallel to a steady stream of acting work. He is slated to appear in Jim Jarmusch’s film Father Mother Sister Brother, which premiered in 2025 and won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. He will also star in Martin McDonagh’s Wild Horse Nine, alongside John Malkovich, Steve Buscemi, Sam Rockwell and Parker Posey. The film is scheduled to premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September 2026 and will be released in cinemas in November.
The vinyl release follows a broader trend of artists using limited physical editions to support charitable causes. The partnership between Waits and Massive Attack mirrors models employed by other musicians in recent years, combining music distribution with social impact.
At present, the single has not entered any official charts, and streaming numbers have not been disclosed. The physical release is expected to attract collectors and fans of both artists, given the limited run and the charitable component. While specific recipients of the proceeds have not yet been named, the funds will go to organisations that focus on civil rights and community advocacy.
In summary, Tom Waits has added a new spoken‑word track to his catalog, pairing it with a Massive Attack collaboration that marks his return to recording after a long break. The release will be available digitally and on a limited 12‑inch vinyl that supports charitable causes. Fans can expect the physical edition on September 4 2026, while Waits continues to work in film and may appear in upcoming releases from both the music and cinema industries.
The lyricism of “The Fly” is playful and satirical. Waits writes, “You have no house, well you have mine, You have no real friends, stay away from the wine, House fly go to sleep say goodbye, no one will weep when you die.” He follows with a mock‑complaint: “You’re handsome and thin, you try to blend in, You bastard, sitting around all over the place, You’ll be here, even after the bomb, Why don’t you go out and eat cat shit with your mom.” The piece departs from Waits’ typical musical output, leaning into a spoken‑word performance rather than a conventional song.
The single belongs to a partnership that began earlier this year. The duo’s first joint effort, “Boots on the Ground,” was released in April 2026 and marked Waits’ return to recording after a 15‑year hiatus. Critics described the track as a dark hymn that reflects contemporary social tensions.
Both songs are currently available on major streaming services. A physical edition will be pressed on 180‑gram vinyl, marketed as eco‑conscious. The record is produced in red, white, and blue colors that will be assigned at random to each copy, adding a layer of novelty for collectors.
In a statement that accompanied the release, Waits said, “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.” He also noted that all proceeds from the vinyl sale will be donated to charities that support civil rights and community advocacy organisations.
Waits’ return to music runs parallel to a steady stream of acting work. He is slated to appear in Jim Jarmusch’s film Father Mother Sister Brother, which premiered in 2025 and won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. He will also star in Martin McDonagh’s Wild Horse Nine, alongside John Malkovich, Steve Buscemi, Sam Rockwell and Parker Posey. The film is scheduled to premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September 2026 and will be released in cinemas in November.
The vinyl release follows a broader trend of artists using limited physical editions to support charitable causes. The partnership between Waits and Massive Attack mirrors models employed by other musicians in recent years, combining music distribution with social impact.
At present, the single has not entered any official charts, and streaming numbers have not been disclosed. The physical release is expected to attract collectors and fans of both artists, given the limited run and the charitable component. While specific recipients of the proceeds have not yet been named, the funds will go to organisations that focus on civil rights and community advocacy.
In summary, Tom Waits has added a new spoken‑word track to his catalog, pairing it with a Massive Attack collaboration that marks his return to recording after a long break. The release will be available digitally and on a limited 12‑inch vinyl that supports charitable causes. Fans can expect the physical edition on September 4 2026, while Waits continues to work in film and may appear in upcoming releases from both the music and cinema industries.
