Warren Zevon was an American singer-songwriter best known for his clever, sometimes dark and funny rock songs. He started as a classical pianist before writing hits like Werewolves of London and Lawyers, Guns and Money.
His music blended humor, tough stories, and tender feelings, earning him respect from critics and fellow musicians. Though he faced struggles with health and addiction, Zevon kept making music and had a loyal fan base.
He appeared often on David Letterman’s show and won a Grammy for his final album. Zevon’s unique style and storytelling made him a famous figure in rock music.
About the Song
Roland, the Headless Thompson Gunner, centers on a soldier who becomes a ghost after betrayal, seeking revenge across war-torn lands. The story mixes dark humor with adventure, showing how violence and betrayal can haunt people long after war ends.
The song uses straightforward storytelling to create a sense of mystery and restless wandering, making listeners think about the cost of conflict.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | January 18, 1978 |
| Album | I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead (An Anthology) (1996) |
| Producers | Waddy Wachtel & Jackson Browne |
Background and Significance of the Song
This song was written by Warren Zevon and David Lindell, a former mercenary whom Zevon met in Spain.
Inspired by Lindell’s real-life stories of fighting in Africa, the song tells the fictional tale of Roland, a Norwegian mercenary who fights in the Biafran and Congo wars. He is betrayed by his comrade Van Owen (with CIA involvement) and becomes a vengeful ghost.
The song references actual historical events and locations, such as the Nigerian Civil War and the Congo Crisis, blending fact with fantasy to create a believable yet mythic narrative.
Notably, the song is deeply political, offering criticism of foreign intervention, especially by the CIA, and highlighting the endless cycle of violence in modern conflicts.
Its references to places like Ireland, Lebanon, Palestine, and even Berkeley, as well as the Patty Hearst kidnapping, give it a cynical, global perspective on war and unrest.
“Roland, the Headless Thompson Gunner” became a fan favorite and was the last song Zevon performed publicly before his death, highlighting its personal and artistic significance in his career.
The song stands out for its unique mix of folklore, adventure, and political commentary, making it a lasting example of Zevon’s storytelling genius.
Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner Lyrics
Verse 1
Roland was a warrior
From the Land of the Midnight Sun
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
Verse 2
Through sixty-six and seven
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
Chorus
Roland the Thompson gunner
Roland the Thompson gunner
Verse 3
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
Chorus
Roland the headless Thompson gunner
(Time, time, time for another peaceful war)
Norway’s bravest son
(But time stands still for Roland ’til 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
In the muzzle flash of Roland’s Thompson gun
Verse 4
Roland searched the continent
For the man who’d 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
Chorus
Roland the headless Thompson gunner
Roland the headless Thompson gunner
Roland the headless Thompson gunner
(Talkin’ about the man)
Roland the headless Thompson gunner
Verse 5
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
Similar Songs Like Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner
Here are some songs by Warren Zevon that showcase strong storytelling, clear imagery, and powerful themes, all delivered with his distinctive rock style.
- Excitable Boy: This song tells a dark and twisted story with sharp lyrics and an energetic rock beat, creating a memorable and edgy vibe.
- Lawyers, Guns and Money: With a fast pace and witty lyrics, this track narrates a wild escape from trouble, blending humor with a lively rock sound.
- Play It All Night Long: Raw and bluesy, this song tells a tough story of survival and hardship with simple intensity.
- Roland Chorale: An instrumental piece that deepens the mood of Roland’s story with haunting and atmospheric sounds.
Similar Artists Like Warren Zevon
For fans of Warren Zevon, here are some musicians whose work features deep stories and heartfelt rock music.
- Bruce Springsteen
Genre: Rock, Heartland Rock, Folk Rock
Top Albums: Born to Run (1975), Darkness on the Edge of Town (1978), The River (1980) - Tom Waits
Genre: Rock, Blues, Experimental
Top Albums: Rain Dogs (1985), Swordfishtrombones (1983), Closing Time (1973) - Bob Dylan
Genre: Folk, Rock, Blues
Top Albums: Highway 61 Revisited (1965), Blonde on Blonde (1966), Blood on the Tracks (1975) - Neil Young
Genre: Rock, Folk Rock, Country Rock
Top Albums: Harvest (1972), After the Gold Rush (1970), Rust Never Sleeps (1979)
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Roland, the Headless Thompson Gunner, a Radio Hit When Released?
No, it was never released as a single but became a fan favorite.
How does Roland Get Revenge in the Song Roland, the Headless Thompson Gunner?
Roland finds and kills his betrayer, Van Owen, in a bar in Mombasa after becoming a ghost.
How do People Usually Discover Roland, the Headless Thompson Gunner, Today?
Many hear it through friends, live shows, or online streaming.
