Keep Me in Your Heart

"Keep Me In Your Heart" was the last song Warren Zevon wrote and recorded before dying of mesothelioma (a form of lung cancer) in September of 2003. It was also the only song on Zevon's final album, The Wind, that he wrote entirely after learning of his terminal illness. With the exception of the cover of "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," the album was comprised of songs Zevon had already at least started writing beforehand. Zevon also saved the recording of this song for last. His deteriorating health rendered him too weak to continue commuting to the studio where the other tracks had been recorded, so he had a makeshift studio set up at his home to record this song.

The song reflects Zevon's state of mind after he got his diagnosis. He wanted to be remembered and enjoy what little time he had left. Instead of quietly fading away, he used his diagnosis to help promote The Wind and did as much press as he could muster. This included a very memorable appearance on David Letterman's show where the entire episode was devoted to him. It's where Zevon distilled the wisdom of sages into a simple phrase: "enjoy every sandwich."

Zevon wrote this song with Jorge Calderón, who played acoustic guitar and bass on the track. Session legend Jim Keltner played the drums.