Desperados Under the Eaves

Warren Zevon

About Desperados Under the Eaves

"Desperados Under the Eaves" is a song written and performed by Warren Zevon from his eponymous 1976 album. The song describes the narrator's growing alcoholism. "Cooped up in his shitty motel room with The Shakes, a drink-desperate Zevon wittily narrates his frustration with L. A.'s refusal to give anyone a free pass. Even if it sinks into the ocean (oh, and it will), the city will still get its due. You may hate it here, but you can't escape ('Heaven help the one who leaves') so long as you're empty-handed. "This song features background vocals from Carl Wilson of The Beach Boys. When conducting the string section for this song, Zevon kept the veteran players "on his side" with pre-written humor. Zevon has said in interviews that this is one of his most personal songs. The LA Weekly listed the song as number 10 in its list of "The 20 Best Songs Ever Written About L. A." 


Year:
2010
4:46
60 
#2

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I was sitting in the Hollywood Hawaiian Hotel
I was staring in my empty coffee cup
I was thinking that the gypsy wasn't lyin'
All the salty margaritas in Los Angeles
I'm gonna drink 'em up

And if California slides into the ocean
Like the mystics and statistics say it will
I predict this motel will be standing until I pay my bill

Don't the sun look angry through the trees
Don't the trees look like crucified thieves
Don't you feel like Desperados under the eaves
Heaven help the one who leaves

Still waking up in the mornings with shaking hands
And I'm trying to find a girl who understands me
But except in dreams you're never really free
Don't the sun look angry at me

I was sitting in the Hollywood Hawaiian Hotel
I was listening to the air conditioner hum
It went mmm...
Look away
(Look away down Gower Avenue, look away)

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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


10 facts about this song

Release
"Desperados Under the Eaves" was released on March 18, 1976, as part of Warren Zevon's self-titled studio album.
Production
The song was produced by Jackson Browne, a multiple Grammy-winning artist himself. This was during Zevon’s early years when Browne significantly influenced his career.
Lyrics and Composition
Zevon wrote the lyrics of "Desperados Under the Eaves" himself. The song is known for its classic orchestral arrangement and its storytelling style.
Inspirational Backdrop
The song was inspired by Zevon's stay at the Hollywood Hawaiian Hotel in Los Angeles, California where he was struggling with alcoholism. The melancholy lyrics reflect his thoughts and desperation at the time.
Cinematic Elements
"Desperados Under the Eaves" is often noted for its cinematic qualities - it essentially tells a story in the form of a song, a characteristic hallmark of Zevon's songwriting style.
Critical Acclaim
Many critics have hailed "Desperados Under the Eaves" as one of Zevon's finest songs, praising it for its poignant storytelling and lush instrumentation.
Reputation
Despite not being a commercial hit, the song has been regarded as a classic and has grown in popularity over the years.
Distinctive Feature
The outro of the song which features a humming choir is particularly highlighted by fans and critics alike. The choir hums the melody of the air conditioning unit mentioned in the lyrics, anchoring back to the song's story.
Cover Versions
Although Zevon's original is the most acclaimed, various musical artists have covered "Desperados Under the Eaves". The most notable cover arguably is by Irish musician Glen Hansard.
Posthumous Appreciation
Following Zevon's death in 2003, appreciation for his song catalogue, including "Desperados Under the Eaves," saw a significant increase.

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