Mohammed's Radio

Linda Ronstadt

About Mohammed's Radio

"Mohammed's Radio" is a song by American singer-songwriter Warren Zevon. The song was released on his 1976 album Warren Zevon. The song was featured on A Quiet Normal Life: The Best of Warren Zevon and several other greatest hits-type albums by Zevon. Fleetwood Mac members Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks are also featured on this recording, as are Bobby Keys, Bob Glaub, and Waddy Wachtel. By one telling the title of the song was inspired by a Halloween parade Zevon witnessed in Aspen, Colorado, in 1973 but by another telling Zevon just liked the sound of the two words together. In any case, the song has multiple levels of meaning, starting with the redemptive power of rock music, but extending to notions of escapism, cultural mixing, mysticism, and whether rationalities exist below the surface level of society. It features some of Zevon's trademark mordant irony. By another interpretation it is a negative portrayal of life in Los Angeles. The song has been interpreted by other artists as well, most notably by Linda Ronstadt on her 1978 album Living in the USA, a track that gained airplay on album-oriented rock radio formats. 


Year:
2014
4:22
56 
#1

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Everybody's restless
And they got no place to go
Someone's always trying to tell them
Something they already know
So their anger and resentment flow
Don't it make you want to rock and roll
All night long
Mohammed's radio
I heard somebody singing sweet and soulful
On the radio
Mohammed's radio
You know the sheriff's got his problems too
And he will surely take them out on me and you
In walks the village idiot and her face is all aglow
Because she's been up all night listening to
Mohammed's radio
Don't it make you want to rock and roll
All night long
Mohammed's radio
I heard somebody singing sweet and soulful
On the radio
Mohammed's radio
Everybody's desperate
Trying to make ends meet
Work all day still can't pay
The price of gasoline and meat
Alas their lives are incomplete
Don't it make you want to rock and roll
All night long
Mohammed's radio
I heard somebody singing sweet and soulful
On the radio
Mohammed's radio
You've been up all night just listening for his drum
Hoping that the righteous might just might just might just might just come
I heard the general whispering to his aide de camp
Be watchful for Mohammed's lamp
Don't it make you want to rock and roll
All night long
Mohammed's radio
I heard somebody singing sweet and soulful
On the radio
Mohammed's radio
Mohammed's radio

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Linda Ronstadt

Linda Marie Ronstadt (born July 15, 1946) is an American popular music recording artist. She has earned eleven Grammy Awards, two Academy of Country Music awards, an Emmy Award, an ALMA Award, numerous United States and internationally certified gold, platinum and multiplatinum albums, in addition to Tony Award and Golden Globe nominations. more »

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Lyrics © UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUB GROUP

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Warren Zevon's Song
"Mohammed's Radio" is originally Warren Zevon's song. Zevon was revered for his raw, lyrical storytelling primarily revolving around unconventional topics.
Linda Ronstadt's Cover
Renowned folk singer Linda Ronstadt covered "Mohammed's Radio" in 1976 on her album "Hasten Down the Wind", providing a fresher take to the poignant song.
Genre
The song, identical to most of Zevon's work, falls under genres like folk rock and heartland rock, characterized by its strong narrative and powerful, emotive musical arrangements.
Both Versions
Both Warren Zevon's and Linda Ronstadt's versions were released in the same year i.e., 1976, depicting the song's emotional appeal and resonance at that time.
Collaboration
Zevon and Ronstadt shared a strong professional relationship, with Ronstadt covering several of Zevon's songs over the years. Their mutual respect for each other's artistry crested with their collaboration on "Mohammed's Radio."
Evocative Lyrics
"Mohammed's Radio" is known for its heartfelt, evocative lyrics which signpost Zevon's trademark sense of hope amid desolation, seemingly resonating from his battling years with addiction.
Single Release
While "Mohammed's Radio" was included in Zevon's self-titled album, the song was also released as a single, further enhancing its popularity.
Song Meaning
"Mohammed's Radio" is about finding comfort and solace in music (signified by the metaphorical 'Mohammed’s Radio') amidst loneliness and harsh realities of life.
Critical Response
The song continues to enjoy significant critical acclaim, with critics praising its relatable storytelling, poignant musicality, and powerful vocals.
Lasting Impact
Despite being over 40 years old, the song's theme of finding comfort in music in tough times continues to make it relevant and loved by audiences, ensuring its enduring legacy in the folk-rock genre.

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