Warren wanted a Beach Boys thing for this one, and Carl Wilson and Billy Hinsche came in, with Carl arranging the vocal parts. The other harmony vocalists (credited as the "Gentlemen Boys") were Jackson Browne, J.D. Souther, Zevon's longtime backers Waddy Wachtel and Jorge Calderon, and Linda Rondstadt/Stone Poneys guitarist Kenny Edwards.
Who is that walking through my pine trees?
Who is that walking with a hitch?
Is that the girl who put such a spell on me
That I don't know if I'm between or betwixt?
Somebody said she is a mystery orphan
Someone said she was found in the grotto
They said she was reared by that old blind hexer man
Sporting a white top hat and a threadbare red tuxedo
Jasmine -- she is not ordinary
Jasmine -- she limped right into my heart
I've heard it said she was conceived while the stars were contrary
And I'm convinced she knows the subtle arts
I wonder if that ol' Lou Cypher would grant permission
I wonder if he would let me call on Jasmine
You see, I am entranced by that girl's imperfection
She conjures taboo freedom with that bewitching rhythm
Oh, mercy, he smiled on my request
Oh, mercy, tonight I'll bring her a black rose
If I can find that path again through thick darkness
If I can find the nerve to knock on her door
Jasmine... she is extraordinary
Jasmine... walks with a bent hickory cane
I've heard the mean laughter down at the Ouachita ferry
But they don't know that fairies halo the lame
Who is that walking with a hitch?
Is that the girl who put such a spell on me
That I don't know if I'm between or betwixt?
Somebody said she is a mystery orphan
Someone said she was found in the grotto
They said she was reared by that old blind hexer man
Sporting a white top hat and a threadbare red tuxedo
Jasmine -- she is not ordinary
Jasmine -- she limped right into my heart
I've heard it said she was conceived while the stars were contrary
And I'm convinced she knows the subtle arts
I wonder if that ol' Lou Cypher would grant permission
I wonder if he would let me call on Jasmine
You see, I am entranced by that girl's imperfection
She conjures taboo freedom with that bewitching rhythm
Oh, mercy, he smiled on my request
Oh, mercy, tonight I'll bring her a black rose
If I can find that path again through thick darkness
If I can find the nerve to knock on her door
Jasmine... she is extraordinary
Jasmine... walks with a bent hickory cane
I've heard the mean laughter down at the Ouachita ferry
But they don't know that fairies halo the lame
Lyrics submitted by candlesandcloth
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