Best Warren Zevon Songs
On The Acoustic

Excitable Boy  is a song by American singer-songwriter Warren Zevon, released in 1978 on his album of the same name. The song is notable for its darkly humorous lyrics, which tell the story of a young man with increasingly disturbing behavior.

Despite the songs controversial subject matter, "Excitable Boy" became one of Zevon's most popular songs, and remains a staple of his live performances.

The song has been covered by a number of artists over the years, and has been referenced in popular culture in various ways, including in the TV series "The Simpsons".

I play this one with a capo 2nd fret in standard tuning with a down up down up down up rhythm pattern and you can throw in a quick shuffle as well. Some lead with the chords D, G, Em and A.

Keep Me in Your Heart hails from Warren's final album, "The Wind," in 2003. The song was written shortly after Zevon was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, and is widely considered to be his farewell to his fans and loved ones.

The song is a tender and emotional ballad, featuring Zevon's distinctive vocals and simple piano accompaniment. The lyrics are a poignant reflection on life, death, and the importance of connection with those we love. The chorus contains the lines "Keep me in your heart for awhile / These wheels keep turning but they're running out of steam."

"Keep Me in Your Heart" was well-received by critics and fans alike, and has since become a beloved tribute to Zevon's legacy. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Eddie Vedder, who performed the song as a tribute to Zevon at the 2004 Grammy Awards.

Lawyers Guns And Money was released on his 1978 album "Excitable Boy." The song is a satirical commentary on the excesses of American culture, particularly the tendency to resort to violence and litigation to solve problems.

The lyrics of "Lawyers, Guns and Money" feature a character who finds himself in a dangerous situation and is forced to call on his lawyers, guns, and money to get out of it.

The track became one of Zevon's most popular songs, and remains a fan favorite to this day. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, and has been referenced in popular culture in various ways, including in the TV series "The West Wing." The song's catchy melody and witty lyrics have made it a staple of classic rock radio stations.

The chords here are C/G, G, D/Gb, C and D in standard tuning. Use a steady down up down up rhythm pattern for this one.

Poor Poor Pitiful Me, written by Warren Zevon, was first released on his 1976 self-titled album. The song tells the story of a woman who is unlucky in love, and who has had a string of unsuccessful relationships with various men.

The lyrics of "Poor Poor Pitiful Me" are witty and humorous, with the protagonist bemoaning her romantic misfortunes in a tongue-in-cheek way. The song's catchy chorus contains the memorable lines "Oh, poor, poor, pitiful me / Poor, poor, pitiful me."

While Zevon's original version of the song was not a commercial success, a cover version by Linda Ronstadt became a hit in 1978, reaching #31 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Ronstadt's version features a more upbeat arrangement and prominent backing vocals, while still retaining the song's humorous tone.

"Poor Poor Pitiful Me" has since become a staple of classic rock radio stations, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Terri Clark and Jackson Browne. The song's clever lyrics and catchy melody have made it a beloved addition to Zevon's catalog.

I use a capo 4th in this lesson with a a steady down up down up rhythm pattern in standard tuning here. No lead required as you play through the chords of D, A and E.

Werewolves Of London was the only single to chart from the 1978 album Excitable Boy. The song features a catchy piano riff and witty lyrics that have made it one of Zevon's most recognizable and beloved songs.

The lyrics of "Werewolves of London" describe a scene in which the protagonist encounters werewolves while walking through the streets of London. The chorus contains the memorable lines "Ah-hooo, werewolves of London / Ah-hooo." The song's catchy melody and infectious energy have made it a staple of classic rock radio stations and movie soundtracks.

The song was a commercial success upon its release, reaching #21 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since been covered by numerous artists, including Adam Sandler and Grateful Dead. It has also been referenced in popular culture in various ways, including in the movie "The Color of Money" and the TV series "The Simpsons."

This number is widely considered to be one of Warren Zevon's signature songs, and has helped to cement his place in the pantheon of classic rock icons.

For this one play a down down down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern as you play the riff in the rhythm also. Some lead in standard tuning with the chords D, C and G.

When Johnny Strikes Up The Band is a track from the 1978 album Excitable Boy.

The song features a driving rhythm and politically charged lyrics that reflect Zevon's views on American society and government. The dystopian vision described in the lyrics, and the call to resist and rebel against oppressive rulers, has made the song a favorite among Zevon's fans.

It has been interpreted by many as a commentary on the rise of conservatism in America during the 1980s, and as a call to arms for those who opposed the policies of the Reagan administration.

The song's energetic music and defiant lyrics have made it a favorite among Zevon's fans, and it has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including the Grateful Dead and Todd Snider. The track did not chart.

I use a capo 2nd fret here with some lead in standard tuning with a down up down up and repeat rhythm pattern. Chords you'll need are G, C, D and Em.