Initially released as a 3CD album, "Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards" is a 56-song collection that goes far beyond a simple career retrospective. "Orphans" also includes unique interpretations by Waits covering legendary artists such as The Ramones, Daniel Johnston, Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht, and Leadbelly. These covers, rarities, and previously unreleased material were grouped separately by theme and named Brawlers, Bawlers, and Bastards. Today, these titles are released individually on LP & CD.
"Bawlers" is filled with ballads and stories, with raw melodies performed by a hoarse voice in his singular style.