Bob Dylan — Talking World War III Blues
Album: The Freewheelin' Bob DylanAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 145
Length: 6:23
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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NewFee wrote:
Someone changed the lyrics:
Down at the corner by a hot-dog stand
I seen a man, I said, "Howdy friend,
I guess there's just us two."
He screamed a bit and away he flew.
Thought I was a Terrorist.
But he clearly sings "communist"
As for ancient, it's even more ancient then the comment in 2007. But, it's still relevant half a century later. And so are other songs on this same album. Hard Rain's Gonna Fall, Masters of War, and others are as current as the day they were born.
Plus, this song is funny. Dylan is not exactly known for his ha-ha witticisms, except the inside jokes. See the lyrics for Like A Rolling Stone.
Some time ago a crazy dream came to me,
I dreamt I was walkin' into World War Three,
I went to the doctor the very next day
To see what kinda words he could say.
He said it was a bad dream.
I wouldn't worry 'bout it none, though,
They were my own dreams and they're only in my head.
I said, "Hold it, Doc, a World War passed through my brain."
He said, "Nurse, get your pad, this boy's insane,"
He grabbed my arm, I said "Ouch!"
As I landed on the psychiatric couch,
He said, "Tell me about it."
Well, the whole thing started at 3 o'clock fast,
It was all over by quarter past.
I was down in the sewer with some little lover
When I peeked out from a manhole cover
Wondering who turned the lights on.
Well, I got up and walked around
And up and down the lonesome town.
I stood a-wondering which way to go,
I lit a cigarette on a parking meter
And walked on down the road.
It was a normal day.
Well, I rung the fallout shelter bell
And I leaned my head and I gave a yell,
"Give me a string bean, I'm a hungry man."
A shotgun fired and away I ran.
I don't blame them too much though,
I know I look funny.
Down at the corner by a hot-dog stand
I seen a man, I said, "Howdy friend,
I guess there's just us two."
He screamed a bit and away he flew.
Thought I was a Terrorist.
Well, I spied a girl and before she could leave,
"Let's go and play Adam and Eve."
I took her by the hand and my heart it was thumpin'
When she said, "Hey man, you crazy or sumpin',
You see what happened last time they started."
Well, I seen a Cadillac window uptown
And there was nobody aroun',
I got into the driver's seat
And I drove 42nd Street
In my Cadillac.
Good car to drive after a war.
Well, I remember seein' some ad,
So I turned on my Conelrad.
But I didn't pay my Con Ed bill,
So the radio didn't work so well.
Turned on my player-
It was Rock-A-Day, Johnny singin',
"Tell Your Ma, Tell Your Pa,
Our Loves Are Gonna Grow Ooh-wah, Ooh-wah."
I was feelin' kinda lonesome and blue,
I needed somebody to talk to.
So I called up the operator of time
Just to hear a voice of some kind.
"When you hear the beep
It will be three o'clock,"
She said that for over an hour
And I hung it up.
Well, the doctor interrupted me just about then,
Sayin, "Hey I've been havin' the same old dreams,
But mine was a little different you see.
I dreamt that the only person left after the war was me.
I didn't see you around."
Well, now time passed and now it seems
Everybody's having them dreams.
Everybody sees themselves walkin' around with no one else.
Half of the people can be part right all of the time,
Some of the people can be all right part of the time.
But all the people can't be all right all the time
I think Abraham Lincoln said that.
"I'll let you be in my dreams if I can be in yours,"
I said that.
Copyright © 1963; renewed 1991 Special Rider Music
I dreamt I was walkin' into World War Three,
I went to the doctor the very next day
To see what kinda words he could say.
He said it was a bad dream.
I wouldn't worry 'bout it none, though,
They were my own dreams and they're only in my head.
I said, "Hold it, Doc, a World War passed through my brain."
He said, "Nurse, get your pad, this boy's insane,"
He grabbed my arm, I said "Ouch!"
As I landed on the psychiatric couch,
He said, "Tell me about it."
Well, the whole thing started at 3 o'clock fast,
It was all over by quarter past.
I was down in the sewer with some little lover
When I peeked out from a manhole cover
Wondering who turned the lights on.
Well, I got up and walked around
And up and down the lonesome town.
I stood a-wondering which way to go,
I lit a cigarette on a parking meter
And walked on down the road.
It was a normal day.
Well, I rung the fallout shelter bell
And I leaned my head and I gave a yell,
"Give me a string bean, I'm a hungry man."
A shotgun fired and away I ran.
I don't blame them too much though,
I know I look funny.
Down at the corner by a hot-dog stand
I seen a man, I said, "Howdy friend,
I guess there's just us two."
He screamed a bit and away he flew.
Thought I was a Terrorist.
Well, I spied a girl and before she could leave,
"Let's go and play Adam and Eve."
I took her by the hand and my heart it was thumpin'
When she said, "Hey man, you crazy or sumpin',
You see what happened last time they started."
Well, I seen a Cadillac window uptown
And there was nobody aroun',
I got into the driver's seat
And I drove 42nd Street
In my Cadillac.
Good car to drive after a war.
Well, I remember seein' some ad,
So I turned on my Conelrad.
But I didn't pay my Con Ed bill,
So the radio didn't work so well.
Turned on my player-
It was Rock-A-Day, Johnny singin',
"Tell Your Ma, Tell Your Pa,
Our Loves Are Gonna Grow Ooh-wah, Ooh-wah."
I was feelin' kinda lonesome and blue,
I needed somebody to talk to.
So I called up the operator of time
Just to hear a voice of some kind.
"When you hear the beep
It will be three o'clock,"
She said that for over an hour
And I hung it up.
Well, the doctor interrupted me just about then,
Sayin, "Hey I've been havin' the same old dreams,
But mine was a little different you see.
I dreamt that the only person left after the war was me.
I didn't see you around."
Well, now time passed and now it seems
Everybody's having them dreams.
Everybody sees themselves walkin' around with no one else.
Half of the people can be part right all of the time,
Some of the people can be all right part of the time.
But all the people can't be all right all the time
I think Abraham Lincoln said that.
"I'll let you be in my dreams if I can be in yours,"
I said that.
Copyright © 1963; renewed 1991 Special Rider Music
Someone changed the lyrics:
Down at the corner by a hot-dog stand
I seen a man, I said, "Howdy friend,
I guess there's just us two."
He screamed a bit and away he flew.
Thought I was a Terrorist.
But he clearly sings "communist"
As for ancient, it's even more ancient then the comment in 2007. But, it's still relevant half a century later. And so are other songs on this same album. Hard Rain's Gonna Fall, Masters of War, and others are as current as the day they were born.
Plus, this song is funny. Dylan is not exactly known for his ha-ha witticisms, except the inside jokes. See the lyrics for Like A Rolling Stone.
cochlear wrote:
This is the best RP can come up with in 2007? I mean, we're talking ancient.
Ancient would be "Talking Dustbowl Blues" by Woodie Guthrie. Which is the inspiration for this track BTW.
Has anybody got that in digital form to upload?? Please?
cochlear wrote:
This is the best RP can come up with in 2007? I mean, we're talking ancient.
What year do you suggest that "non ancient" music begins? How about 1980?
wink
This is the best RP can come up with in 2007? I mean, we're talking ancient.
Mari wrote:
I see a split screen Vee Dub, a Desoto or Dodge, an' I'm an Aussie Sheila, whad you Americanaz see?
I love this album, been played since before I hit daylight, never ages, amazin'! 
I'm seeing a 1964 black Ford Falcon station wagon, my mom is driving me to school, I'm in second grade thinking things seem to be changing real fast, mom seems pissed, but I'm liking this...
I see a split screen Vee Dub, a Desoto or Dodge, an' I'm an Aussie Sheila, whad you Americanaz see?
I love this album, been played since before I hit daylight, never ages, amazin'! Cadillac - good car to drive... after a war
I see a split screen Vee Dub, a Desoto or Dodge, an' I'm an Aussie Sheila, whad you Americanaz see?
I love this album, been played since before I hit daylight, never ages, amazin'! Bob from back when he was still learning the trade from the likes of Woody Guthrie.
Good to hear this again.
What a fantastic set to set the mood for my work day! Feat>Clapton>Neil Young>Dylan...
oh... that's deep.
NewFee wrote:sorta 
Down at the corner by a hot-dog stand
I seen a man, I said, "Howdy friend,
I guess there's just us two."
He screamed a bit and away he flew.
Thought I was a Terrorist .
Bob sings "Communist", but the times are changing...
"I'll let you be in my dreams if I can be in yours,"
Bob at his best
You can be in my dreams if I can be in yours
The first time I visted New York I wandered around Greenwich Village, pinching myself to be in the place his Bobness lived and worked. I had read everything I could find about Bob Dylan for 25 years, and so I had a mental image of what the artistic milieu must have been like in the early sixties.
But while searching for Cafe Wha, I looked up and saw the buildings and the fire escapes, I realised that I was on 4th Street. I was familiar with the image on the front of this album cover, and the recognition of exactly where I was brought a wave of emotion which stopped me in my tracks.
I can still recall the feelings now. A personal story, but one which evidences how deep an affinity we build with artists with whom we make a connection...
andesitic wrote:
I don't see how even the most ardent of surge supporters could vote this a 1.
Probable Reason #1: They have the IQ of a small soap dish.
andesitic wrote:
Wow, I am amazed by the 'loser patrol' that have already rated this song a 1 or 3. Sure the harmonica grates, but this song is historic and timely. One of Bob's best. I don't see how even the most ardent of surge supporters could vote this a 1.
Yes, Bobs harmonica is always great!!!!
KevDogRedux wrote:
Actually, I'm sure he was listening more to his dad's stuff, but also no doubt appreciated Bob's homage to his father.
Woody was the man!
Wow, I am amazed by the 'loser patrol' that have already rated this song a 1 or 3. Sure the harmonica grates, but this song is historic and timely. One of Bob's best. I don't see how even the most ardent of surge supporters could vote this a 1.
I thought I had been around the 'Bob Dylan block'...but this one is new for me.
And I like it a lot.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Love this album. Many classic Bob tunes.
Methinks Arlo Guthrie listened to this tune a few times before he wrote "Alice's Restaurant".
Actually, I'm sure he was listening more to his dad's stuff, but also no doubt appreciated Bob's homage to his father.
It would be my dream to hear more Bob.... I said that!
Some time ago a crazy dream came to me,
I dreamt I was walkin' into World War Three,
I went to the doctor the very next day
To see what kinda words he could say.
He said it was a bad dream.
I wouldn't worry 'bout it none, though,
They were my own dreams and they're only in my head.
I said, "Hold it, Doc, a World War passed through my brain."
He said, "Nurse, get your pad, this boy's insane,"
He grabbed my arm, I said "Ouch!"
As I landed on the psychiatric couch,
He said, "Tell me about it."
Well, the whole thing started at 3 o'clock fast,
It was all over by quarter past.
I was down in the sewer with some little lover
When I peeked out from a manhole cover
Wondering who turned the lights on.
Well, I got up and walked around
And up and down the lonesome town.
I stood a-wondering which way to go,
I lit a cigarette on a parking meter
And walked on down the road.
It was a normal day.
Well, I rung the fallout shelter bell
And I leaned my head and I gave a yell,
"Give me a string bean, I'm a hungry man."
A shotgun fired and away I ran.
I don't blame them too much though,
I know I look funny.
Down at the corner by a hot-dog stand
I seen a man, I said, "Howdy friend,
I guess there's just us two."
He screamed a bit and away he flew.
Thought I was a Terrorist.
Well, I spied a girl and before she could leave,
"Let's go and play Adam and Eve."
I took her by the hand and my heart it was thumpin'
When she said, "Hey man, you crazy or sumpin',
You see what happened last time they started."
Well, I seen a Cadillac window uptown
And there was nobody aroun',
I got into the driver's seat
And I drove 42nd Street
In my Cadillac.
Good car to drive after a war.
Well, I remember seein' some ad,
So I turned on my Conelrad.
But I didn't pay my Con Ed bill,
So the radio didn't work so well.
Turned on my player-
It was Rock-A-Day, Johnny singin',
"Tell Your Ma, Tell Your Pa,
Our Loves Are Gonna Grow Ooh-wah, Ooh-wah."
I was feelin' kinda lonesome and blue,
I needed somebody to talk to.
So I called up the operator of time
Just to hear a voice of some kind.
"When you hear the beep
It will be three o'clock,"
She said that for over an hour
And I hung it up.
Well, the doctor interrupted me just about then,
Sayin, "Hey I've been havin' the same old dreams,
But mine was a little different you see.
I dreamt that the only person left after the war was me.
I didn't see you around."
Well, now time passed and now it seems
Everybody's having them dreams.
Everybody sees themselves walkin' around with no one else.
Half of the people can be part right all of the time,
Some of the people can be all right part of the time.
But all the people can't be all right all the time
I think Abraham Lincoln said that.
"I'll let you be in my dreams if I can be in yours,"
I said that.
Copyright © 1963; renewed 1991 Special Rider Music
Zimmy IS the shizz. Always will be.
I love the album cover, the cars, and he looks so innocent.
Suze Rotolo, is an artist who specializes in artist's books and who teaches at the Parsons School of Design in New York City.<2>
Rotolo is also the woman walking with Bob Dylan on the cover of the album The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan.<3> She was Dylan's girlfriend in New York in the early 1960s.
Bob in his Woody Guthrie "imitation is the greatest form of worship" phase. Even the same voice inflections. Hell, he does Woody better than Woody did Woody.
With this album, the popular audience gained two great performers/writers - - Dylan and Guthrie as Bob was instrumental in bringing Woody much wider popular attention than he had enjoyed before, and introduced him to many who might not otherwise have heard his stuff.
The poem Bob reads at Town Hall in 1963 is to be savored - - "Last Thoughts On Woody Guthrie."
And, "I said that." ;)
milehighYinzer wrote:
Play this song today, but just put terrorist instead of communist and it still fits.....Perfect.
That is true of Sooooooo much of Bob Dylan's stuff.
Just listen "With God on our Side"
https://www.bobdylan.com/songs/withgod.html
Play this song today, but just put terrorist instead of communist and it still fits.....Perfect.
Love this album. Many classic Bob tunes.
Methinks Arlo Guthrie listened to this tune a few times before he wrote "Alice's Restaurant".
One of Dylans best, in my opinion........
Good to hear it here!
Talking World War III Blues - Dylan
War of Man - Neil Young
Tribal War - Third World
When This War is Over - Cale and Clapton
We get your point, Bill
Man, I love this. Great example of the free wheelin' Dylan that burst upon the scene 40-plus years ago. The paradigm for rambling storytelling at its finest.
Sometimes, I forget how unbelievable -- and mesmerizing -- it was when he developed his style (combining Woody Guthrie with a numnber of others, and putting his own spin on it all).
I really find it hard to believe this song has not been played before today... great song!
Holy good God, thank you. The best folk song that will be always stand the test of time.
Interesting War set happening here (JJ Cale, Third World, Neil Young, now Dylan).
Bill's comment on Bush's requested 'surge'?
Was reading the comments for Neil Young's - War of Man and how he can't sing. I think Bill just wanted to show that, compared to Dylan...
No, ancient would be when they play stuff like Vivaldi or Bach.
But it ain't gonna kill ya either way. Just listen sometimes, maybe you'll learn or feel something useful.