Back in time Quote by Tom Waits
“I guess I've always lived upside down when I want things I can't have. My wife actually thinks I have a syndrome called Reality Distortion Field. It's kind of like drugs, only you can't come back from it. Reality Distortion is almost a permanent condition. Things come in and they go out: Presto, chango! To a certain extent, I did that with myself. As a kid, I did want to be an old-timer, since they were the ones with the big stories and the cool clothes. I wanted to go there. Now, I guess I want to bring that with me and go back in time.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Tom Waits, 1995
He describes living upside down, reality distortion, and longing for past narratives, reflecting escapism and altered perception.
In simple terms: He feels trapped in a distorted reality.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when escapism harms perception.
Themes
reality
distortion
nostalgia
Mood
melancholic
introspective
Type
musical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- mental health
- artistic inspiration
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
psychology
creative expression
Questions to Reflect On
- What “distorts” your view?
- How can you ground yourself?
A Different Perspective
Escapism can prevent confronting reality.
![“For Bryan [Cranston ] to go back in time and become this larger-than-life and somewhat theatrical guy, who performed his ideas and rhetoric in public in a melodic and flashy way, was a bit of a risk.” quote by Jay Roach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d6/jay-roach-8154_actor_for-bryan-cranston-to-go-back-in-time-an_197285.jpg)
