Lyrical Philosophy Top Ten: Except in Dreams You're Never Really Free (#2)

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Where's that dang John Roberts when you need him? (Our John Roberts, not the CBS news reporter or the Chief Justice, and not even the guy I play golf with!) He'd smile and wink knowingly at my use of this song in today's penultimate entry of great philosophy found in lyrics of songs. It's no surprise that this man shows up again, so here it is. #2: Except in Dreams You're Never Really Free That's right, it's Warren Zevon time! Zevon's breakthrough album, Excitable Boy, was released 40 years ago. I still remember the excitement from getting that album. It really changed my life, musically speaking. After I got Excitable Boy I had the record store order the 1976 debut. And I never looked back. From then, until the posthumous Preludes was released, "Desperados Under the Eaves" has been my favorite Warren Zevon song. It's an amazing song, filled with hopelessness, desperation, and optimism. Yeah, Zevon could do that, and throw in a little humor (an orchestrated air conditioner at the end) in one song. Amid all the greatness of that song, this line stands out. Sure, we think we're free, but there's bills, and laws, and obligations. "Born to Be Wild"? You still have to obey the speed limit and stay in your lane. All of that goes out the window in your dreams, though. You're president! You can fly a plane! You can fly without a plane!! Of course, the concept of "dreams" extends beyond what we do when we're asleep. The blank page is where the dreams of poets, songwriters, playwrights, and artists come to life. One of my favorite lines from one of my favorite songs. Except in Dreams You're Never Really Free From "Desperados Under the Eaves" Written by Warren Zevon Recorded by Warren Zevon From Warren Zevon, 1976 Don't the sun look angry at me: