Carmelita

Warren Zevon

About Carmelita

"Carmelita" is a rock song written by Warren Zevon. The song was originally recorded by Canadian singer Murray McLauchlan on his self-titled album of 1972. Zevon himself recorded it four years later, in 1976, on his self titled album. Linda Ronstadt recorded a well known version in 1977, and various covers have followed.


Year:
1976
3:32
740 
#5

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

I hear Mariachi static on my radio 
And the tubes they glow in the dark 
And I'm there with her in Ensenada 
And I'm here in Echo Park

Carmelita hold me tighter
I think I'm sinking down 
And I'm all strung out on heroin
On the outskirts of town

Well, I'm sittin' here playing solitaire
With my pearl-handled deck 
The county won't give me no more methadone 
And they cut off your welfare check

Carmelita hold me tighter 
I think I'm sinking down 
And I'm all strung out on heroin 
On the outskirts of town

Well, I pawned my Smith Corona
And I went to meet my man
He hangs out down on Alvarado Street 
By the Pioneer chicken stand

Carmelita hold me tighter 
I think I'm sinking down 
And I'm all strung out on heroin 
On the outskirts of town 

Carmelita hold me tighter 
I think I'm sinking down 
And I'm all strung out on heroin

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Warren Zevon

Warren William Zevon /ˈziːvɒn/ (January 24, 1947 – September 7, 2003) was an American rock singer-songwriter and musician noted for including his sometimes sardonic opinions of life in his musical lyrics, composing songs that were sometimes humorous and often had political or historical themes. more »

6 fans

Written by: Warren Zevon

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Background
"Carmelita" is a song written by American musician Warren Zevon. The song was originally recorded by Zevon himself on his 1976 self-titled album, which received wide critical acclaim.
Linda Ronstadt Cover
Later, the song was famously covered by American singer Linda Ronstadt on her 1977 album, "Simple Dreams".
Influence
The song has been regarded as one of Zevon's most famous tracks and has been widely appreciated for its simple, yet haunting narrative.
Mexican Influence
In the song, Zevon references Los Angeles, particularly the poorer streets of the city, and Mexican culture, which indicate a cultural and geographical influence.
Lyrical Substance
The song tells a poignant tale of a heroin addict's struggles and his longing for his beloved, Carmelita.
Collaboration
Though both Zevon and Ronstadt were popular artists during the same period, they never performed "Carmelita" together. Linda Ronstadt's rendition of the song was released a year after Zevon's version.
Vetiver Version
American folk band Vetiver also covered Carmelita on their 2008 album 'Thing of the Past'. In their cover, they kept close to the spirit of the original song.
Guitar Composition
In Zevon's original version, the song asks for more attention with its slow and haunting guitar composition that complements the raw and gritty lyrics.
Varied Interpretations
The song has been interpreted in numerous ways. While some consider it a straightforward tale of addiction, others view it as a metaphorical narration depicting an artist's relationship with his creativity.
Pop Culture References
The song has been referenced in pop culture several times. It has been featured in a number of TV shows such as "The Gilmore Girls". A modified version was used in "South Park" as well.
Critical Acclamation
Linda Ronstadt's version of "Carmelita" was critically acclaimed. Her soulful vocals added a new dimension to the song and further popularized it.
Songwriting
Warren Zevon is solely credited as the songwriter of "Carmelita", which showcases his ability to create narratives within music.
Other Covers
Apart from Linda Ronstadt and Vetiver, the song has been covered by numerous artists over the years including GG Allin, Murray McLauchlan and Dwight Yoakam, demonstrating its enduring appeal.

Discuss the Carmelita Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Carmelita Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1051983/Warren+Zevon/Carmelita>.

    Missing lyrics by Warren Zevon?

    Know any other songs by Warren Zevon? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Carmelita

    1M
    6,944     244

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Nights In White Satin was a 1967 hit for which band?
    A The Doors
    B The Rolling Stones
    C The Moody Blues
    D The Yardbirds

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Warren Zevon's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Warren Zevon tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Carmelita

    »
    • Californication Season 3