Werewolves Of London
I saw a 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 Fook’s
Going to get a big dish of beef chow mein
Werewolves of London
If you hear him howling around your kitchen door
Better not let him in
Little old lady got mutilated late last night
Werewolves of London again
Werewolves of London
He’s the hairy handed gent who ran amuck in Kent
Lately he’s been overheard in Mayfair
Better stay away from him
He’ll rip your lungs out, Jim
I’d like to meet his tailor
Werewolves of London
Well, I saw Lon Chaney walking with the Queen
Doing the werewolves of London
I saw Lon Chaney, Jr. walking with the Queen
Doing the werewolves of London
I saw a werewolf drinking a pina colada at Trader Vic’s
His hair was perfect
Werewolves of London again
Draw blood
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“Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon: Rock Humor and Piano Groove
“Werewolves of London,” released in 1978, is one of the most recognizable and enduring songs by American singer-songwriter Warren Zevon. Co-written with LeRoy Marinell and Waddy Wachtel, the track was featured on Zevon’s album Excitable Boy and became a cult classic thanks to its catchy piano riff, deadpan humor, and unique lyrical storytelling. Blending rock and roll with dark comedy, the song stands out as a singular creation in 1970s rock music.
Musically, the song is driven by its iconic piano part, which is immediately recognizable and sets the tone from the first few notes. Built on a simple three-chord progression—D major, C major, and G major—the piece exemplifies how musical minimalism can be incredibly effective when paired with strong rhythm and character. The repetitive structure allows the groove to settle in while providing a solid foundation for Zevon’s distinctive vocal performance and witty lyrics.
The lyrics themselves are surreal and playful, telling the story of a stylish, threatening werewolf roaming the streets of London. Lines like “He’s the hairy-handed gent who ran amok in Kent” and “His hair was perfect” add layers of irony and absurdity that have delighted listeners for decades. This quirky storytelling is part of what makes the song so memorable and fun to perform.
The piano sheet music for “Werewolves of London” is approachable for intermediate pianists. The left hand typically outlines the chord progression with strong, rhythmic chords, while the right hand adds melodic riffs and fills that echo the original piano performance by session musician Roy Bittan (of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band) or Waddy Wachtel, depending on the interpretation. Timing and feel are key to capturing the swing and swagger of the piece—more than technical difficulty.
Despite its humorous surface, the song has earned respect for its originality and charm. It has been covered and sampled by numerous artists and remains a staple of classic rock radio. For pianists, “Werewolves of London” offers a fun and rhythmic challenge, showcasing how a simple groove and clever lyrics can combine to create something truly unforgettable.
Werewolves Of London Sheet Music Warren Zevon
Warren Zevon Sheet Music
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