Buffett began playing guitar during his first year at Auburn University before continuing his college years at Pearl River Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi. He began his musical career in Nashville, Tennessee, during the late 1960s as a country artist and recorded his first album, the country-tinged folk rock record "Down to Earth" in 1970.
Moving to FLorida, Buffett's second release was 1973's A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean. Albums Living & Dying in 3/4 Time and A1A both followed in 1974, Havana Daydreamin' appeared in 1976, and Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes followed in 1977, which featured the breakthrough hit song "Margaritaville".
Buffett's album License to Chill, released on July 13, 2004, topped the U.S. pop albums chart for the first time in his career.
Buffett continued to tour regularly until shortly before his death, although later in his career, he shifted to a more relaxed schedule of around 20–30 dates, with infrequent back-to-back nights, preferring to play only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This schedule provided the title of his 1999 live album.
In August 2006, he released the album Take the Weather with You.
On April 20, 2010, a double CD of performances recorded during the 2008 and 2009 tours, called Encores, was released.
In 2020, Buffett released Songs You Don't Know by Heart, a fan-curated collection of his lesser-known songs rerecorded on his collection of notable guitars.
Illness and death:
In May 2023, Buffett was hospitalized to "address some issues that needed immediate attention" and rescheduled tour dates. In late August, he entered hospice care and had a final meeting with family and friends, in which his last words to his sister were "have fun". Buffett died on September 1, 2023, age 76, at his home in Sag Harbor, New York, due to complications from Merkel-cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive skin cancer, with which he had been diagnosed four years earlier. He was surrounded by his family, friends, music, and dogs at the time of his death.
Werewolves of London
Jimmy Buffett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
The song "Werewolves of London" by Jimmy Buffett is a fun and playful take on the horror mythos of werewolves. The lyrics describe encountering a werewolf with a Chinese menu in its hand, as it walks through the rainy streets of Soho, London. The werewolf is on the hunt for a restaurant called Lee Ho Fook's, so it can indulge in some beef chow mein. The chorus, "Werewolves of London," clearly establishes the theme of the song, and the singer warns listeners not to let the werewolf in their homes. The lyrics allude to a little old lady getting mutilated and to the werewolf ripping someone's lungs out, confirming that this is a creature to be feared.
The second verse introduces the hairy-handed gent who ran amuck in Kent and has been overheard in Mayfair. The singer advises that it is best to stay away from him since he may rip your lungs out. He then humorously adds that he would like to meet his tailor. The final verse is filled with references to famous actors, such as Lon Chaney and Lon Chaney Jr., who were both known for their portrayals of monsters in classic horror films. The image of a werewolf drinking a pina colada at Trader Vic's emphasizes the absurdity of the situation.
Line by Line Meaning
I saw a werewolf with a Chinese menu in his hand
The singer saw a werewolf who appeared to be a regular human, walking with a Chinese menu, in the district of Soho, London, while it was raining. The werewolf seemed to be searching for an establishment by the name of Lee Ho Fook's, with the intention of consuming a large amount of Chinese noodles, known as beef chow mein.
Werewolves of London
Refrain
If you hear him howling around your kitchen door
The singer warns listeners to beware of hearing the werewolf howling outside their kitchen door, a signal of his presence, and not to allow him inside the house.
Better not let him in
The artist confirms their stance that it would be best to keep the werewolf outside of the house, as to avoid any potential harm.
Little old lady got mutilated late last night
A recent incident occurred in which an elderly woman was harmed by the werewolf and suffered severe mutilation.
Werewolves of London again
Refrain, signifying the return of the werewolf's destructive presence.
He's the hairy handed gent who ran amuck in Kent
The singer describes the werewolf as a wild and reckless individual, with hairy hands, who caused disruption in the county of Kent.
Lately he's been overheard in Mayfair
The werewolf has recently been heard making noise and causing a disturbance in the wealthy district of Mayfair.
Better stay away from him
The artist emphasizes the need for caution and warning, strongly urging listeners to keep their distance from the werewolf.
He'll rip your lungs out, Jim
The artist creates a vivid image of the werewolf inflicting harm on a victim, specifically referring to the removal of one's lungs.
I'd like to meet his tailor
The singer expresses a somewhat humorous desire to meet the individual who constructed the clothing worn by the werewolf.
Well, I saw Lon Chaney walking with the Queen
The artist claims to have witnessed Lon Chaney, a famous actor in classic horror films, accompanied by the Queen of England, as they performed the actions associated with werewolves in the song's title.
Doing the werewolves of London
Refrain
I saw Lon Chaney, Jr. walking with the Queen
The singer now refers to Lon Chaney, Jr., who was also an actor in horror films, including roles where he played the monster of the title, such as in The Wolf Man. The Queen is again mentioned in association with the performance of werewolf-like actions.
I saw a werewolf drinking a pina colada at Trader Vic's
The singer observed a werewolf, seemingly at ease and content, while sipping on a tropical cocktail at the establishment of Trader Vic's.
His hair was perfect
The artist comments on the werewolf's impeccable physical appearance, particularly in regards to his hair.
Werewolves of London again
Refrain
Draw blood
The song concludes with the phrase 'draw blood', serving as a violent and foreboding warning about the presence of the werewolves in London.
Writer(s): Warren William Zevon, Leroy P. Marinell, Waddy Wachtel, Robert T. Wachtel
Contributed by Julian N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@johnramsden7654
miss them both. RIP Jimmy.
@jwm1015
This is great. If you like fun songs this is a great cover song. I would like to see Jimmy cover Lawyers, Guns and Money.
@nezzard
Sampling has been around since the 70's. Kid Rock took this song and made made as new song (with permission) and made a great summer hit. Many of our greatest hits have been sampled off other songs so its time to stop hating on everybody for reusing a great rift. Warewolves is a great song and so is all summer long. Its time to love all of the songs. And this was a great concert. I know because I was there.
@Parrothead5183
I was there! Great memories...
@ktmsmith3346
great sound quality
@Parrotisla
well you cant hold it steady when A. your drunk and b. one of your friends starts shaking you at one part in th song.
@dtones520
He used both, as both songs have the same beat and pace.
@rodneyfaith
these are the good werewolves...not like the ones that fight pale white sparkly vampires!!!!
@talladegajunkie1439
This is the best rendition of this song. Warren would be proud.
@andycobb6062
It would sound cool.with steel drums.