Warren Zevon

Released: February 15, 1980

Songwriter: T Bone Burnett Warren Zevon

Producer: Warren Zevon Greg Ladanyi

[Verse 1]
I've been lying on a bed of coals
I've been crying out of control
I roll and I tumble
Every time I come down
I'm too old to die young
And too young to die now

[Verse 2]
I've been sleeping on a bed of nails
I've been bleeding, it never fails
I feel every needle
That pierced through my heart
I'm too old to die young
And I can't play the part

[Chorus]
Bed of coals, bed of nails
Through the smoke, behind the veils
Bed of coals, bed of nails
Through the smoke, behind the veils

[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 3]
I've been lying on a bed of stone
I've been dying all alone
I pray for the power
To turn it around
I'm too old to die young
And too young to die now

[Chorus]
Bed of coals, bed of nails
Through the smoke, behind the veils
Bed of coals, bed of nails
Through the smoke, behind the veils
Bed of coals, bed of nails
Through the smoke, behind the veils
Bed of coals, bed of nails
Through the smoke, behind the veils
Bed of coals, bed of nails
Through the smoke, behind the veils
Bed of coals, bed of nails
Through the smoke, behind the veils

Warren Zevon (24 January 1947 – 7 September 2003) was an American rock singer-songwriter and musician. He’s known best for his dark and outlandish sense of humor.

Zevon’s life is a classic tale of someone caught-up in bipolar alcoholism, drug-dependence, paternity suits, and divorce – a virtual train wreck on two feet. Still, his writing stands out among songwriters as some of the most original, interesting (and, okay, bizarre) on record. He released 13 studio albums in his career.

Zevon was a session musician for the Everly Brothers in the early 1970s, and came into a circle of artists ranging from Waddy Wachtel to Jackson Browne to Linda Rhonstadt to Don Henley to Bonnie Raitt to Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. That circle of friends cross-pollinated to create the California rock sound of the late 20th century. All of the artists just mentioned point to Zevon as a big influence on their music.

more tracks from the album

Bad Luck Streak in Dancing School

From the album

Bad Luck Streak in Dancing School (1980)

Warren Zevon popular songs

Bed of CoalsWarren Zevon

Warren Zevon

Bad Luck Streak in Dancing School