The French Inhaler

Album: Warren Zevon (1976)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The caustic lyrics were inspired by Zevon's breakup with his long-term girlfriend and mother of his son Jordan, Marilyn Livingston. Jordan Zevon told The Guardian in 2013 that despite his mom being aware that she was the target of the song, she still found it irresistible. "Despite the subject matter, my mom would play that song to me after a couple of glasses of wine and laugh and say: 'Isn't that brilliant?'" he recalled. "She knew he was a genius."
  • This is one of many Warren Zevon songs that look at life in Los Angeles, where many aspiring stars get a harsh lesson in reality. "It helped forge my richly deserved if long-forgotten reputation as the foremost chronicler of Hollywood life in the '70s," Zevon said.
  • The soaring harmony vocals were provided by Don Henley and Glenn Frey of The Eagles. The album was produced by Jackson Browne, who could call in a favor from these guys anytime. Browne supplied the Eagles with their first hit: "Take It Easy."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?

Don Brewer of Grand Funk

Don Brewer of Grand FunkSongwriter Interviews

The drummer and one of the primary songwriters in Grand Funk talks rock stardom and Todd Rundgren.

Richard Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Richard Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Psychedelic Furs lead singer Richard Butler talks about their first album since 1991 and explains what's really going on in "Pretty In Pink."

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

Todd Rundgren

Todd RundgrenSongwriter Interviews

Todd Rundgren explains why he avoids "Hello It's Me," and what it was like producing Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell album.

16 Songs With a Heartbeat

16 Songs With a HeartbeatSong Writing

We've heard of artists putting their hearts into their music, but some take it literally.