Rock Music

The song was written by Warren, Waddy Wachtel, and Le Roy Marinell. It was produced by Jackson Browne and Waddy Wachtel. “Werewolves of London” was released as a single in 1978, backed with “Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner.” It was also on Zevon’s 1978 album Excitable Boy. On the track are (piano, vocals), Wachtel (guitar), as well as Mike Fleetwood (drums) and John McVie (bass guitar) of Fleetwood Mac. The song went to #21 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and rose to  #15 in New Zealand.

One trivia tidbit is that the Chinese restaurant mentioned in the song, Lee Ho Fook, does exist in London. They proudly display Zevon’s photo.

There have been a number of covers of the song. These include versions by The Grateful Dead (live performances), Adam Sandler, Masha, and Jimmy Buffet.  Kid Rock sampled the song in “All Summer Long.”

Here are the lyrics to “Werewolves of London” by Warren:

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
Ah hooooo. Werewolves of London. Ah hooooo [repeat 1x]

If you hear him howling around your kitchen door
You better not let him in
A little old lady got mutilated late last night
Werewolves of London again
Ah hooooo. Werewolves of London. Ah hooooo [repeat 1x]

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
Ah hooooo. Werewolves of London. Ah hooooo [repeat 1x]

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
Ah hooooo. Werewolves of London.
Draw blood
Ah hooooo. Werewolves of London.

For More 70s Tunes

The System has daily featured music from all sorts of genres of 1970s music. You’re welcome to listen to any of the 40+ selections in The System. Thank you for stopping by. Hope you enjoyed “Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon.