About the song
“Werewolves of London,” an iconic song by Warren Zevon, stands as a testament to both its quirky charm and unexpected success. Released in 1978 on Zevon’s album “Excitable Boy,” the song quickly became a standout hit, marking the pinnacle of his musical career. Written in collaboration with LeRoy Marinell and Waddy Wachtel, its genesis was as whimsical as its lyrics suggest.
The inspiration for “Werewolves of London” came from a casual suggestion by Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers, sparked by watching the 1935 film “Werewolf of London.” Everly humorously proposed that Zevon adapt the title into a song, a challenge that Zevon, Marinell, and Wachtel playfully embraced. In a spontaneous burst of creativity, the trio penned the song in about 15 minutes, each contributing lyrics that captured the song’s irreverent spirit.
Despite initial skepticism about its potential, “Werewolves of London” found an unexpected champion in Jackson Browne, who recognized its infectious appeal and began performing it at his concerts. The song’s recording process, however, was fraught with challenges. According to Wachtel, capturing the right sound in the studio was particularly arduous, with numerous takes and configuration changes before settling on the definitive lineup that included Mick Fleetwood on drums and John McVie on bass.
Lyrically, the song paints a vivid picture of a supernatural encounter in London’s bustling Chinatown, where a werewolf with a penchant for beef chow mein prowls. This whimsical narrative, coupled with Zevon’s distinct piano and vocal delivery, cemented its status as a cult classic. The humorous juxtaposition of horror elements with everyday scenes, like dining at Lee Ho Fook’s, added to its charm and memorability.
Despite Zevon’s initial reservations about its commercial viability, “Werewolves of London” soared in popularity, peaking at No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and enduring as one of his most recognized works. Its success was bolstered by its distinctive opening line, voted by BBC Radio 2 listeners as one of the best in music history.
Beyond its original release, the song has enjoyed a vibrant afterlife, with covers by notable artists like the Grateful Dead and adaptations by David Lindley and Adam Sandler. Its resurgence in the 1986 film “The Color of Money,” where it underscored a memorable scene with Tom Cruise, further solidified its place in popular culture.
Reflecting on the song’s legacy, Zevon himself acknowledged its unexpected journey from novelty to enduring classic. Despite its unconventional subject matter, “Werewolves of London” continues to captivate audiences with its infectious melody and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. Whether through its catchy chorus or playful narrative, the song remains a testament to Zevon’s unique musical vision and enduring impact on rock and roll history.
In conclusion, “Werewolves of London” stands as a timeless reminder of Warren Zevon’s ability to blend humor with musical craftsmanship, creating a song that transcends its origins to become a beloved staple in the pantheon of rock music.
Video
Lyrics
I saw werewolf with a Chinese menu in his hand
Walking through the streets of SoHo in the rain
He was looking for the place called Lee Ho Fooks
For to get a big dish of beef chow mein
Ah-hoo, werewolves of London
Ah-hoo
Ah-hoo, werewolves of London
Ah-hoo
You hear him howling around your kitchen door
You better not let him in
Little old lady got mutilated late last night
Werewolves of London again
Ah-hoo, werewolves of London
Ah-hoo
Ah-hoo, werewolves of London
Ah-hoo, huh
He’s the hairy handed gent who ran amok in Kent
Lately he’s been overheard in Mayfair
You better stay away from him, he’ll rip your lungs out Jim
Huh, I’d like to meet his tailor
Ah-hoo, werewolves of London
Ah-hoo
Ah-hoo, werewolves of London
Ah-hoo
Well, I saw Lon Chaney walking with the Queen
Doin’ the werewolves of London
I saw Lon Chaney Jr. walking with the Queen, uh
Doin’ the werewolves of London
I saw a werewolf drinkin’ a piña colada at Trader Vic’s
His hair was perfect
Ah-hoo, werewolves of London
Hey draw blood
Ah-hoo, werewolves of London