“Splendid Isolation” is a first-person narrative story song that presents a view of the narcissism that pervaded the social attitudes at the close of the 80s decade. It’s told with all the wit and sarcasm for which Zevon was famous.
[Verse 1]
I want to live alone in the desert
I want to be like Georgia O'Keefe
I want to live on the Upper East Side
And never go down in the street
[Chorus]
Splendid isolation
I don't need no one
Splendid isolation
[Verse 2]
Michael Jackson in Disneyland
Don't have to share it with nobody else
Lock the gates, Goofy, take my hand
And lead me through the World of Self
[Chorus]
Splendid isolation
I don't need no one
Splendid isolation
[Bridge]
Don't want to wake up with no one beside me
Don't want to take up with nobody new
Don't want nobody coming by without calling first
Don't want nothing to do with you
[Instrumental Break]
[Verse 3]
I'm putting tinfoil up on the windows
Lying down in the dark to dream
I don't want to see their faces
I don't want to hear them scream
[Chorus]
Splendid isolation
I don't need no one
Splendid isolation
Splendid isolation
I don't need no one
Splendid isolation
[Instrumental Outro]
Splendid Isolation was written by Warren Zevon.
Splendid Isolation was produced by Duncan Aldrich & Andrew Slater & Warren Zevon.