Warren Zevon's Studebaker Song

[1953champcoupe]

On another Forum I was getting suggestions on a problem with my 53 Studebaker (with GM drivetrain) and one of the responders shared this. It's a good song. Hope you enjoy it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-sl3f0V1bs&feature=youtu.be

[RadioRoy]

Just another non-car guy keeping the mistaken rumor alive that Studebakers are crap.

And when we buy our cars, we wonder why they have had such a hard life.

That's why I tell newbies that they really are good cars, even if they are worn out when they buy them.

No, I didn't enjoy that at all. Well performed, but poorly thought out. Although I must admit that I didn't listen to the whole song.

[6hk71400]

Sounds like a really screwed up guy about not knowing what he wants and blames it on the car. That is as far as I got. My most recent car that I went to pick up is an example of someone that should not even own a car much less a Studebaker. Lots of body damage, most all of it self inflicted. Hood flew up before I got it: hood latch with the four bolts was completely gone.

Good news was the oil was clean and radiator had green antifreeze with no rust. Overdrive was not working and shift rods need adjustment as it hangs up in 1st but will shift to second, third. I drove it for 4 hours being lost in Wichita until I got back to the hotel. It is on it's way to Tucson as we speak.

So one should write a song about Studebaker like it is a good old faithful friend. When the car is done, I will play "Happy Days are Here Again", a real toe tapping tune.

Bob Miles

[Mike Van Veghten]

Poor degraded boys, you guys take thnks way too seriously.

Mike

[Brianbo]

Odd little album. Having some trouble with Adam Sandler doing Werewolves of London🤨
there other covers that are fairly good tho.
I stumbled on this one over the weekend. Don’t blink, you’ll miss it😁

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cDPnsTRAvIM

[1953champcoupe]

I didn't look at the song being "Studebakers are crap", I looked at it that he had a tired old car that was breaking down and he lamented that It could have been ANY car, my old Chevy lost the drag link once, just as I was getting ready to do a left turn on a main hiway, the points burned about 15 minutes from my Iowa home after traveling to a Rod Run in Oklahoma City. That old Chevy has fought me many times and caused a lot of expense (partially from my own ineptitude), and I should write a song about that

Personally, I thought it was great that a Studebaker was used in a contemporary song, it keeps the name alive. If they were such a great car why did I have to buy four of them to build one car?

[jclary]

I have met lots of Studebaker owners with great mechanical skills who could also play the guitar and sing very well. This guy, (with his half-empty vodka bottle) was very musically talented, but apparently mechanically clueless. Also, by the moaning and groaning of his lyrics...lacking in life foundation with a brain low on battery power. Kinda like the big face wall clock on the wall in my motorcycle garage. Everything is there, big hand, little hand, and second hand. Only...the clock is out of time...the secondhand is twitching, but not moving. The single AA battery is spent. I suppose I should get up, walk out to the building, and replace the battery. Apparently, not an option for the poor guy that performed this song.

But...here's the bright side of this posted topic...Thanks for reminding me...The Clock will get a renewed life! (here's another ballad inspiration?)

[StudeRich]

I am sure he was just looking for a Make that is gone, too bad he didn't pick one that Actually DID break down often like maybe a Yugo or Fiat, oh that's right, they are Still around, too bad about that.

[70Avanti2]

Think the guy was talking about his life not a car

[55s]

I don’t like the song. Listened to the first bit - very average at best.

I also think it’s a bad analogy for life. I don’t think he owned a Stude either.

Paul (also a songwriter)

[Steve Winzar]

Hi All- Here's a different one, but quite a bit more complimentary.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4yRy5U2ADI

[thom]

I've listened to a lot of Zevon's music. I've also heard that he wrote a lot of songs that never got published because even the titles were so vulgar that no label would touch them. Maybe nowdays, but not in days gone by.

[JRoberts]

I liked the song. I don't think it is a condemnation of Studebakers but instead a comment on his (or whoever the song is about) down and out situation. The song is a bit of blues and blues often express such topics.

[showbizkid]

Warren Zevon is one of my favorite artists. Y'all just enjoy the music for what it is... a slice of life.

[jclary]

Warren Zevon is one of my favorite artists. Y'all just enjoy the music for what it is... a slice of life.

I understand Clark. I kinda felt the same way about Jim Croce (RIP). Another singer/songwriter that left us too soon.