Wanted Dead or Alive
Warren Zevon Lyrics


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I am wanted dead or alive
I'm wanted everywhere
I've got to survive
They say I am a violent man
Only trying to do the best I can, dig it

I am wanted dead or alive
Fifteen states I've got to survive
I am wanted dead or alive
I'm a new kind of man
I've got to survive
Running a long way

I am wanted dead or alive
I'm wanted everywhere
I've got to survive
Now all I'm trying to do
Is find a peaceful place

But they say I have an outlaw face
My Lord, I have an outlaw's face
I have an outlaw's face
They say I have an outlaw's face

My, my, yes, I have an outlaw's face
I have an outlaw's face, I have an outlaw's face




Oh my Lord, I have an outlaw's face
Sweet God Almighty, I have an outlaw's face

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Warren Zevon's song Wanted Dead Or Alive explore the theme of a person who lives outside of the law and is constantly on the run. The singer in the song sings about being wanted dead or alive, having an outlaw's face, and wanting to find a peaceful place to live. The lyrics suggest that the singer is not truly a violent man, but is instead someone who has been forced to live a certain way because of his circumstances.


The first verse of the song establishes the singer's status as a wanted man who must survive in order to avoid being caught. The second verse adds to this idea by stating that he must survive in fifteen different states. The repetition of the phrase "I am wanted dead or alive" in both verses emphasizes the singer's desperation and the seriousness of his situation.


The third verse reveals that the singer is not necessarily a violent person, but has been labeled as such because of his outlaw status. He just wants to find a peaceful place to live, but is unable to do so because of his reputation. The repetition of "I have an outlaw's face" serves to drive home this point and emphasizes the singer's frustration with his situation.


Overall, Wanted Dead Or Alive is a song about the struggles and challenges of living outside of society. It is a commentary on the way that those who are labeled as outlaws are often forced to live on the margins, and are constantly under threat of being caught and punished for their actions.


Line by Line Meaning

I am wanted dead or alive
There are people everywhere who are looking for me, with orders to kill me if necessary


I'm wanted everywhere
Everyone, everywhere, is looking for me


I've got to survive
My life is constantly in danger, and I must do everything in my power to stay alive


They say I am a violent man
Rumors have spread about me being a violent person, but I am doing everything I can to survive in this dangerous environment


Only trying to do the best I can, dig it
Despite the fact that I am constantly being hunted and labeled as violent, I am only trying to survive and make the most of what I have


Fifteen states I've got to survive
I am on the run in multiple states, trying to stay ahead of the people who are after me


I'm a new kind of man
I am different from the people who are after me, and I must adapt to this new way of life in order to survive


Running a long way
I am constantly on the move, always running and trying to stay one step ahead of those who want to kill me


Now all I'm trying to do
My only goal at this point is to find a safe, peaceful place to hide and rest


Is find a peaceful place
I am constantly searching for a safe haven where I can be at peace and free from the constant threat of violence and danger


But they say I have an outlaw face
Even if I were to finally find a peaceful place, I would still be judged and labeled as an outlaw based on my appearance and reputation


My Lord, I have an outlaw's face
I am aware of how people perceive me based on my looks and past actions, and it is disheartening


I have an outlaw's face
My appearance matches the stereotype of an outlaw, even if I am not truly deserving of that label


Sweet God Almighty, I have an outlaw's face
It is frustrating and unfair to be judged and hunted based on my looks and reputation rather than who I truly am




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KIM VINCENT FOWLEY, MARTIN CERF

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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