Zevon died ten years ago this past Saturday. One of those artists who works his way into your system, whether you like it or not (and I do).
Here's a remembrance.
Zevon had always written songs that referenced death, baiting the very thing that terrified and fascinated him: I'll Sleep When I'm Dead, Life'll Kill Ya, Don't Let Us Get Sick. The Wind contains some of his most beautiful reflections on mortality, including Knocking on Heaven's Door and Keep Me in Your Heart: "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 the blouse / Keep me in your thoughts for a while.
As Zevon predicted, it would become one of his most critically lauded albums, but he barely lived to see the plaudits: two weeks after the album was released, he died on 7 September 2003.One of the most unbearably heartbreaking songs of all time:
I can't believe it's been 10 years! His was a unique voice. His sad songs were REALLY sad.
ReplyDeleteThey could rip you up, and did.
ReplyDeleteLikewise, his funny songs were HILARIOUS.