Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner
Warren Zevon · Learning To Flinch [1993]
With a thompson gun for hire fighting to be done
The deal was made in Denmark on a dark and stormy day
So he set out for Biafra to join the bloody fray
Through '66 and 7 they fought the Congo war
With their fingers on their triggers knee deep in gore
For days and nights they battled, the Bantu to their knees
They killed to earn their living, and to help out the Congolese
Roland the thompson gunner (2x)
His comrades fought beside him, Van Owen and the rest
But of all the thompson gunners, Roland was the best
So the CIA decided they wanted Roland dead
That son of a bitch Van Owen blew off Roland's head
Roland the headless thompson gunner
Norway's son in backround Time,time time
for another peaceful war
but time stands still for Roland
'till he evens up the score
They can still see his headless body stalking through the night
In the muzzle flash of Roland's thompson gun (2x)
Roland searched the continent for the man who done him in
He found him in Mombasa in a barroom drinking gin
Roland aimed his thompson gun, he didn't say a word
But he blew Van Owen's body, from there to Johannesburg
Roland the headless thompson gunner (4x)
The eternal thompson gunner, still wandering through the night
Now it's ten years later, but he still keeps up the fight
In Ireland, in Lebanon, in Palestine and Berkeley
Patty Hearst heard the burst of Roland's thompson gun and bought it
Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner
Warren Zevon's 'Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner' stands as a quintessential example of his unique blend of blues, country, and rock, delivered with a distinctive vocal style that balances grit and humor. Recorded for the 1993 album 'Learning To Flinch', the track showcases Zevon's mastery of storytelling and his ability to infuse social commentary with musical flair. The song reflects the artist's ongoing exploration of themes regarding authority, violence, and the absurdity of modern life, characteristic of his work during the late 1990s. With its driving rhythm and Zevon's iconic delivery, the recording remains a significant piece in his discography, capturing the essence of his performance artistry and lyrical depth.

