from an interview with David Simon

asked about his use of Waits song, Down In The Hole as the title music for every episode,....

'He (Simon) explained how determined he had been to secure the rights to use the song. 'We sent him (Waits) the VHS of the series and we were waiting and waiting for permission. Eventually i couldn't wait any longer and got his home number. I called him and said, 'sorry Mr Waits, but we were wondering if you got the tapes'..he said..'oh, my wife's away at the moment and i can't work the VCR'.

brilliant.

i seem to love everything in that yarn a little bit more after reading that.