Mohammed‚s Radio
Jackson Browne & Warren Zevon Lyrics


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Everybody's restless and they've got no place to go
Someone's always trying to tell them
Something they already know
So their anger and resentment flow

But don't it make you want to rock and roll
All night long
Mohammed's Radio
I heard somebody singing sweet and soulful
On the radio, Mohammed's Radio

You know, the Sheriff's got his problems too
He will surely take them out on you
In walked the village idiot and his face was all aglow
He's been up all night listening to Mohammed's Radio

Don't it make you want to rock and roll
All night long
Mohammed's Radio
I heard somebody singing sweet and soulful
On the radio, Mohammed's Radio

Everybody's desperate trying to make ends meet
Work all day, still can't pay the price of gasoline and meat
Alas, their lives are incomplete

Don't it make you want to rock and roll
All night long Mohammed's Radio
I heard somebody singing sweet and soulful
On the radio, Mohammed's Radio

You've been up all night listening for his drum
Hoping that the righteous might just might just might just come
I heard the General whisper to his aide-de-camp
"Be watchful for Mohammed's lamp"





Don't it make you want to rock and roll
All night long Mohammed's Radio

Overall Meaning

The song "Mohammed's Radio" by Jackson Browne and Warren Zevon is a commentary on the state of restlessness and discontent felt by many people in society. The opening lines speak of people who feel lost and anxious, seeking guidance or answers from someone else. The frustration and resentment they feel often result in acts of anger, which can be directed towards others. But despite this, the song suggests that there is still a desire to escape and let go, to "rock and roll all night long" and find solace in the music. The reference to Mohammed's Radio points towards a sense of spiritual longing and the comfort that music can bring in times of unease.


The second verse touches on the idea that even those in positions of authority are not immune to these feelings of unrest. The Sheriff may have his own issues, but he too can take his frustrations out on others. The “village idiot” who has been up all night listening to Mohammed's radio is a metaphor for those who have found something meaningful in their lives, something that brings them peace and happiness, even though others may not understand it. The bridge speaks of the struggle to make ends meet, to find purpose and fulfilment in life, and how for many, their lives feel incomplete.


Overall, the song speaks to a universal experience of feeling lost and searching for something more. The true meaning of Mohammed's Radio is left up to interpretation, but it's clear that the song speaks to the transformative power of music and the solace it can bring during times of hardship.


Line by Line Meaning

Everybody's restless and they've got no place to go
Everyone is feeling anxious and lost with nothing to do.


Someone's always trying to tell them
There is always someone trying to preach unsolicited advice.


Something they already know
The advice they are receiving is nothing new or insightful.


So their anger and resentment flow
As a result, they become angry and bitter.


But don't it make you want to rock and roll
Despite all this, the situation is still a reason to dance and enjoy life.


All night long
To the point where the music lasts until dawn.


Mohammed's Radio
The source of the sweet and soulful music being played.


I heard somebody singing sweet and soulful
The sound of the music is incredibly serene and calming.


You know, the Sheriff's got his problems too
Even those in power are struggling with their own difficulties and setbacks.


He will surely take them out on you
Unfortunately, they'll bring their frustrations to others.


In walked the village idiot and his face was all aglow
Suddenly, a foolish and naive individual comes bursting in.


He's been up all night listening to Mohammed's Radio
This person has stayed up all night listening to the radio and is delighted.


Everybody's desperate trying to make ends meet
Everyone is struggling to make a living and meet their basic needs.


Work all day, still can't pay the price of gasoline and meat
Work hard all day, yet still not enough money to buy even basic essentials.


Alas, their lives are incomplete
Their lives are lacking certain essential components.


You've been up all night listening for his drum
A reference to religious individuals staying up to listen for signs of their prophet.


Hoping that the righteous might just might just might just come
Hoping and praying for a better future and salvation.


I heard the General whisper to his aide-de-camp
The General is communicating through whispers to avoid others eavesdropping.


Be watchful for Mohammed's lamp
Keep an eye out for any signs or signals from the prophet, Mohammed.




Lyrics © UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUB GROUP, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: WARREN ZEVON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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