Warren Zevon - Hasten Down The Wind

[doran44]

Another great version of this beautiful song can be found on the brilliant "Learning to Flinch"CD.It was recorded live in Germany in what sounds like a small and intimate setting.It alternates between piano and guitar versions of some of Warrens best songs.Truly a great recording of this brilliant yet under appreciated musical genius.

Another beautiful live recording that Warren did was a song called "Renegade".It features Warren on piano with accompanying violin.Like this it is so beautiful.

[johnthehulk1]

Numb AsAStatute: Great comment. You are right. Warren was a genius as far as piano and guitar playing. His songwriting ability was next to none. Right up there with Paul Simon, and Neil Young. Warren just never got the recognition he deserved. And he did have humility. If not how could he write a song like "Bad Karma".

[NumbAsAStatue27]

Warren was by far one of the best balladeers to ever grace the music industry. He could write such beautiful, heartfelt songs about absolutely heartbreaking things, and that was only one side of his personality. He had so much skill whether it was writing/arranging music, playing guitar, playing piano, or writing songs for himself or others. He deserved to be much more famous than he ever became, but even Warren agreed that it kept him humble. Im just thankful for the music and memories he left

[johnthehulk1]

Warren Zevon was brilliant until the end of his life. He went out finishing "The Wind". It's hard to believe Warren was 1/2 of "Lyme and Cybelle" back in 1966. He wrote songs for Linda Ronstadt, The Turtles, and many others. Warren was a craftsman with a "Classical Background". After all he studied under Igor Stravinski when he was13 yrs. old. A true "Genius". Highest IQ ever recorded in Fresno. Perhaps misunderstood, and like his song "Wild Age". He was a "Wild Man". But he did it "His Way".

[johnthehulk1]

So Warren Zevon couldn't write beautiful ballads? What about this song? This is one of the most beautiful rock-pop love songs written. Zevon wasa a true "Genius".And didn't have a half bad voice either. Also a classic pianist. "The Real Deal" will never be forgotten. We miss you Warren. You died too soon.

[Maralo1]

He did indeed sing this version when he was dying. Which makes it even more beautiful.

[CrownMerfolk]

Possibly the best song in the world history.

[Yannajuana]

not 1 dislike on this song! Warren is amazing

[gkarber]

Warren said this was the song that he would be remembered for. Thumbs up if you agree.

[BullCricket75]

thank you ! thank you ! thank you! SO SO MUCH!!!!!!!

[Uesinbasei]

I really like this song and Warren. These lyrics are all about my situation now.

[johnthehulk1]

A beautiful version of one of Warren's most beautiful ballads. He had a much better voice than most gave him credit for. And for song writng no rocker comes close to Zevon.

[lovingjah1056]

This dude was and still is a musicians musician He's a big part of a group of folks in and around Topanga Canyon. Hollywood Hills? Warner Group that held Linda Ronstadt , Steve Goldman, some cool dudes that played with countless others.

Zappa was still kickin it. Lowell George got kicked out for the song "Willing".

I remained silent the day he died. Only cause I never got to thank this guy for doing what we do so so well. Warren was special folks.

[krakatoa1200]

I have all Warrens Albums and love them all, Weirwolves is a great rock song, but Back turned looking down the Path, Carmalita, Frank and Jesse James etc tell wonderful stories, there will never be another song writer like Warren Zevon!!

[aholdout2]

My favorite Warren song : )

[9wy01]

sss

[fabian456]

Beautiful song/songwriting, but his voice/performance is weak.

[davopolis]

@fabian456: not to sound like a troll or anything cause I've only just started listening to Zevon, but I would just take a wild guess that his voice is weak because he was dying. I don't know maybe I'm wrong

[skitzoooo]

@davopolis This song was actually recorded in the 70s long before he was dying. The picture in the video is misleading. That's a good guess, though.

Personally, I think his voice sounds really good here.

[ripley1423]

@skitzoooo It's on the 1976 album "Warren Zevon", but you already know that.

[skitzoooo]

@ripley1423 thanks, i actually wasn't sure

[rmpryor]

@davopolis

That's how he sang this song...he wrote this years before his sickness...it's a gentle painful song

[northernmuse9]

@fabian456 "Weak"? Compared to what? Compared to his original recording? Not much, if at all. And even if it was, compare it to the majority of today's pop, rock, country, rap, or pseudo-soul singers/players/writers: no contest. This is real music, composed, sung, and played by a person w/actual TALENT. A gift, if you will. This is not an auto-tuned, overproduced fucking soulless piece of American Idol crap. This is an actual ARTIST, one who worked at his craft. Listen & learn something.

[fabian456]

@northernmuse9  Compared to Linda Ronstadt.

[xxxfederer]

All Warren's songs are so Hank Moody. I know that this is what was intended on the series, but anyway.

[mt0000000]

@xxxfederer totally agree with u

[xxxfederer]

Warren is the only person that can be compared to Bob Dylan when you talk about the genius on songwriting

[Bilco1949]

Can someone help me with this? What is the tune that starts off..... "You gotta sit on your ass, and nod at stoopid things.. Man, that's hard to do...."

[Jiggs46]

@Bilco1949 It's called Bill Lee...".Spaceman" Bill Lee was a funny baseball player for the Boston Red Soxs

[Bilco1949]

@Jiggs46 Thanks.  I remember Bill "Spaceman" Lee.... "And, sometimes I say things I shouldn't.... Like, 'Toot toot toot toot toot'. "

[mrbadexample83]

@Bilco1949 "Bill Lee" is the name of the song.

[dscohen0523]

@Bilco1949 Bill Lee

[johnthehulk1]

What more can you say about Warren Zevon? From a 13 year old prodigy studying under Igor Stravinski , to the making of his last album in 2003, Warren was the most diverse, prolific, and intellectual song writer in rock and roll. Warren's IQ was over 160. No wonder he had trouble being understood lyrically except for the few wonderful Zevon officianados of whom I have made friends with because of their heartfelt comments towards a man that few people realized the scope of his talent.

[Bilco1949]

@johnthehulk1 For me, the denseness of his lyrics is an attraction. Kind of like Dylan. (when I say "denseness"... I mean that it's deep.... I think....) Like a good writer... he makes you get involved.

[mjf80pa]

Is this available on CD?

[rwwelch56]

@mjf80pa i...yes it's available on at least 2 cds..I think it's off his 1st..and also on Learning to Flinch....

[johnthehulk1]

Thank you. Another song that Warren wrote that was beautiful as far as it's harmonies was "Veracruz". Co-written by his lifelong friend Jorge Calderon. Like so many Zevon songs. The beauty is in the structure of the harmonies, the lyrics of knowledge of history, and the ability to write a sad ballad is something no one could do better than Warren. What a loss to die at 56. Mesothelioma is a bad way to die. Unfortunately Warren will become more famous posthumously. And that's sad.

[johnthehulk1]

Probably the most beautiful ballad Warren Zevon wrote. He was a genius, a crazy man, with a sardonic sense of humor. But this song is totally sacred. No wonder why Springsteen loved him. He was a very underrated talent. True geniuses like Warren Zevon or Vincent Van Gogh are rarely appreciated in their lifetime.

[Maesloable]

@johnthehulk1 Lets just say Amen to that.

[almenaguy]

Best songwriter of my generation, God bless you Warren, wherever you are.

[brian1958usgrant]

this sounds like  early Warren thanks posting it

[korbls]

Thanks, Warren. Beautiful.

[watswrongwithamerica]

Rest in peace Warren...You will surely never be forgotten.

[hammerogod]

Warren was a gifted and talented singer/songwriter ... I have not listen to everything he recorded but I have liked much of what I have heard ... Werewolves of London kicks my ass every time I hear it so I know I have probably missed a lot of other good music by Warren ... This song is kinda unexpected but nice.

[jivetalkin03]

This was written for me. Thanks Warren. Thank you Cynthia for a wonderful life......

[kneapoe51]

Such a massive beautiful body of work. The world has been , well, alot less interesting since Warren's departure. R.I.P. we miss you....

[ozzyzoe]

Never heard this before. Wow..So little music I hear now days has any soul or spirit to it.....this hit me in the gut......truly a song writing ability that has virtually disappeared from modern music.

[justmusicandme]

@ozzyzoe : Linda Ronstadt's version is posted on youtube. Also great!

[honeybeezsting]

Really beautiful song....so true for life for so many people. Thanks for posting. 

[amadeus7780]

story of my life. seriously.

[SavvySuzy]

Thanks for the lyrics, too. I want to sing along with Warren.

[sukpendaliday]

hautingly beautiful song. this is warren at his best. he may be gone but his song lives on...thanks for sharing this track....

[GoodbyeEbay]

This used to be in youtube audioswap. Then I got a copyright warning for using it, FROM audioswap! That makes 2 or 3 songs/times they pulled that crap! youtube is getting to suck more everytime I turn around.

[SuperLadyRae]

ONE OF HIS BEST SONGS, MEANINGFUL. SHE'S SO MANY WOMEN, HE CAN'T FIND THE ONE WHO WAS HIS FRIEND. ....so true in real life, doncha think?

[rwwelch56]

this is a song that i personally think that is one of his best. i leaned to play it a long time ago on the guitar, and when i went through my first divorce i thoroughly felt it's meaning. The man could certainly write what was in his heart. His contribution to music, poetry and his views of life may not ever be completely understood. But he lived his life the way he wanted. Don't we all wish we had his courage?

[sRyUS76]

pure brilliance.  Not a note or syllable wasted.

[SuperLadyRae]

So much truth to this song, "She's so many women..he can't find the one who used to be his friend."

[smitpauly]

show me a more beautiful and sadder song and i will kiss your ass on main street!

[donrocin]

I wont take that bet...just in case I win, but I do prefer the studio version of Hasten Down The Wind - its a kind of duet between Zevon and a steel guitar, played by David Lindley (I think). That version, to me, is close to perfection in writing, singing, and playing.

[zitlight73]

Keep Me In Your Heart For Awhile is probably the saddest, most beautiful song sang by a dying man. When he sang Mutineer on his last Letterman appearance was pretty sad too.

[manuetalain83]

Warren Zevon was an incredible singer songwritter, perhaps one of the best of his generation.

R.I.P "GENIUS"

[triestino70]

meravigliosa ...

[cullengal102]

stunning. the lyrics are brillant the music lovely. great artist.

[CoryEllis13]

amazing.

[Jiggs46]

Most people think Warewolfs of London when you mention Warren Zevon, but this is the more typical brillant Warren song

[gtarpicker]

epitome of a master songwriter

[zitlight73]

That's just like Steppenwolf who are mostly remembered for Born to be Wild and Magic Carpet Ride when they were so much more than that. But for a brief time they at least got some major acceptance. Most people still don't know who he was and how great his genius was. His I.Q. was literally above Einstein's unlike so many so-called musical geniuses who couldn't pour piss out of a boot if the instructions were written on the heel.

[shielakay]

@Jiggs46 exactly-it is so sad that most people only know that one song. I have everything he ever did i think including the tribute album they made for him, "enjoy every sandwich", and I love it all. not too many musicians can make you laugh, make you think, AND make you cry, sometimes all in the same album. this one is my favorite along with ones like "carmelita", "keep me in your heart", "excitable boy", and poor poor pitiful me. too many others to name.

[Jiggs46]

@shielakay I was lucky to see Warren many times and had the pleasure of meeting and talking with him. I miss seeing him. We'll keep him in our hearts indeed.

[shielakay]

@Jiggs46 most definitely. as a side note, I actually couldn't listen to "keep me in your heart" for quite awhile. the man I loved passed away from bladder cancer only a month or two after warren died, so I always tended to associate the two together. the first time i heard it, it broke my heart. years later now, it still moves me.

[Jiggs46]

@shielakay It's an insidious disease,love and light to you

[zitlight73]

@Jiggs46 Much like people only associate Steppenwolf with Born to be Wild or Magic Carpet Ride. Zevon and the Wolf were sooo much more than their top 40 radio hits.

[Jiggs46]

@zitlight73 True

[zeldoid]

Thank you forever for all your songs

[neildiamondfan25]

Beautiful