Warren Zevon Sings One of His Last Wishes While Dying of Cancer

Credit: smashinghub.com

Singer-songwriter Warren Zevon had a prolific career starting in the 1970s producing many well-loved (now classic) songs and albums. Some of his tunes were made for the likes of famous singers, i.e. Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt and for popular films, like “Werewolves of London.” In 2002, he found out he had terminal cancer due to asbestos exposure he experienced as a child (he would often play in the attic of his dad’s carpet supply store).

In his last interview with David Letterman, Warren Zevon let it be known that his not seeing a doctor in two decades was “a phobia that didn’t pay off.” When Letterman asked him about his new view of life and death, he said “I don’t know…not unless I know how you are supposed to enjoy each sandwich.”

Typically Zevon’s lyrics are filled with that same kind of outlandish humor, however, once he was diagnosed with a terminal illness, he began to view life through a new lens. His songs swang in the opposite direction, towards that of seriousness of his heart. Now, his songs were spoken in words and melodies that becam gifts to the loved ones who would survive him (as wel las to others walking the same road towards death).

Credit: haikudeck.com

My personal favorite is the very intense “Keep Me in Your Heart” (released on his Wind album), which is a hauntingly deep melody and a classic I could listen to over and over again. The lyrics of this song reach out to those he loves, drawing them in to always remember him. It’s a song that becomes a gift for those we will eventually leave behind; they can listen to it and yearn, feel their pain, cry and allow their hearts to ache along with the mood of the lyrics. It’s a song to truly mourn by. Do listen to the song below and allow yourself to feel his pain – and perhaps your own if you have just lost a loved one.

“Shadows are falling and I’m running out of breath
Keep me in your heart for a while

If I leave you it doesn’t mean I love you any less
Keep me in your heart for a while

When you get up in the morning and you see that crazy sun
Keep me in your heart for a while

There’s a train leaving nightly called when all is said and done
Keep me in your heart for a while

Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-li-li-lo
Keep me in your heart for a while

Sha-la-la-la-la-la-la-li-li-lo
Keep me in your heart for a while

Sometimes when you’re doing simple things
around the house
Maybe you’ll think of me and smile

You know I’m tied to you like the buttons on
your blouse
Keep me in your heart for a while…”

Read the rest of the lyrics here.