Bob Dylan — Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues
Album: Highway 61 RevisitedAvg rating:
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Length: 5:22
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When you're lost in the rain in Juarez, when it's Easter time too
And your gravity falls and negativity don't pull you through
Don't you put on any airs when you're down on Rue Morgue Avenue
They got some hungry women there, and they'll really make a mess outta you
Now if you see Saint Annie, please tell her, "Thanks a lot"
I cannot move, my fingers are all in a knot
I don't have the strength to get up and take another shot
And my best friend, my doctor won't even say what it is I've got
Sweet Melinda, the peasants call her the goddess of gloom
She speaks good English, and she invites you up into her room
And you're so kind and careful not to go to her too soon
And she takes your voice and leaves you howling at the moon
Up on Housing Project Hill, it's either fortune or fame
You must pick one or the other, though neither of them are to be what they claim
If you're lookin' to get silly, you better go back to from where you came
Because the cops don't need you and, man, they expect the same
Now all the authorities, they just stand around and boast
How they blackmailed the sergeant-at-arms into leaving his post
And picking up Angel, who just arrived here from the coast
Who looked so fine at first but left looking just like a ghost
I started out on burgundy but soon hit the harder stuff
Everybody said they'd stand behind me when the game got rough
But the joke was on me, there was nobody even there to bluff
I'm going back to New York City, I do believe I've had enough
And your gravity falls and negativity don't pull you through
Don't you put on any airs when you're down on Rue Morgue Avenue
They got some hungry women there, and they'll really make a mess outta you
Now if you see Saint Annie, please tell her, "Thanks a lot"
I cannot move, my fingers are all in a knot
I don't have the strength to get up and take another shot
And my best friend, my doctor won't even say what it is I've got
Sweet Melinda, the peasants call her the goddess of gloom
She speaks good English, and she invites you up into her room
And you're so kind and careful not to go to her too soon
And she takes your voice and leaves you howling at the moon
Up on Housing Project Hill, it's either fortune or fame
You must pick one or the other, though neither of them are to be what they claim
If you're lookin' to get silly, you better go back to from where you came
Because the cops don't need you and, man, they expect the same
Now all the authorities, they just stand around and boast
How they blackmailed the sergeant-at-arms into leaving his post
And picking up Angel, who just arrived here from the coast
Who looked so fine at first but left looking just like a ghost
I started out on burgundy but soon hit the harder stuff
Everybody said they'd stand behind me when the game got rough
But the joke was on me, there was nobody even there to bluff
I'm going back to New York City, I do believe I've had enough
Comments (427)add comment
Absolutely love Dylan's song writing ability; however, my ears hit a brick wall at the speed of sound every time I hear his God-Awful harmonica playing... Just Stop it Bob, put the harmonica down and pick up the guitar tuner...! Ahhhhhh...!!!
he's such a poet.
i hate the damn harmonica.
i hate the damn harmonica.
Epically Inscrutable!!!
You hit the nail on the head, Bill.
Absolutely one of Bob's greatest.
You hit the nail on the head, Bill.
Absolutely one of Bob's greatest.
smartn1 wrote:
Just listen, get a clue.
I love Dylan but this sounds like a bunch of random thoughts put together because they rhymed.
Just listen, get a clue.
The Grateful Dead did a blistering cover of this in March of 1990, it was Phil Lesh's birthday, the crowd was chanting "we want Phil" just before going into this song and he belted this out with such gusto, its truly spectacular and worth a listen if you like this song or the Grateful Dead.
coloradojohn wrote:
You're just jealous.
"-- I started out on burgundy but soon I hit the harder STUFF..." grabbed me by the ears when I was an impressionable kid, and it still hits me as hard as a punch now! Truly, such Nobel Prize-winning songsmithery here, and among so many of his Immortal Works of Poetic Art!
You're just jealous.
lynn01 wrote:
and here I find myself, a year later, having fun singing like dylan to this tune!
so fun to try and sing like dylan to this song
and here I find myself, a year later, having fun singing like dylan to this tune!
smartn1 wrote:
you know...they give Nobel prizes for that.
I love Dylan but this sounds like a bunch of random thoughts put together because they rhymed.
you know...they give Nobel prizes for that.
I love Dylan but this sounds like a bunch of random thoughts put together because they rhymed.
And it's easter time, too.
geonuine wrote:
Well, look at the bar graph. You have a number of people that simply hate all Bob songs equally. In terms of ranking Bob songs, their votes wouldn't make sense to count.
If you remove those votes, this is around an 8.5.
(I'm a *huge* Bob fan, yet this song only gets a 7 from me. Each to their own.)
This is one of the quintessential Bob Dylan songs. Can't believe it landed and average of 6.8 
That is more like close to 10.
That is more like close to 10.
Well, look at the bar graph. You have a number of people that simply hate all Bob songs equally. In terms of ranking Bob songs, their votes wouldn't make sense to count.
If you remove those votes, this is around an 8.5.
(I'm a *huge* Bob fan, yet this song only gets a 7 from me. Each to their own.)
A Jay Farrar-penned Uncle Tupelo song* followed by this Dylan song. I like where this portion of the playlist is heading, Bill.
*"Shaky Ground"
*"Shaky Ground"
dwlangham wrote:
Hey! I'm actually starting to like Joni Mitchell. Bob, not so much...
Holy god in fucking heaven. Joni Mitchell and Dylan in the same afternoon.
Hey! I'm actually starting to like Joni Mitchell. Bob, not so much...
lizardking wrote:
Rolling Stone has him rated the #2 musical artist of ALL TIME for a reason....plenty of folks don't sing well and still have made a shitload of money....different tastes for different folks, though BD is the real deal and still touring at 78 y/o....+1 to 11...LLRP
Yep, you don't have to have a great voice to be a great singer. It's more about what you sing and how you deliver it. Many great artists aren't considered to have great voices. If you have a message to deliver, you deliver it with the voice that you were given.
Rolling Stone has him rated the #2 musical artist of ALL TIME for a reason....plenty of folks don't sing well and still have made a shitload of money....different tastes for different folks, though BD is the real deal and still touring at 78 y/o....+1 to 11...LLRP
Yep, you don't have to have a great voice to be a great singer. It's more about what you sing and how you deliver it. Many great artists aren't considered to have great voices. If you have a message to deliver, you deliver it with the voice that you were given.
Iggis wrote:
You know...they give Nobel prizes for that.
Dylan’s singing makes me want to grind my teeth
You know...they give Nobel prizes for that.
”I started out on burgundy but soon hit the harder stuff”
Story of my life!
Story of my life!
Dylan’s singing makes me want to grind my teeth
I'm so glad I grew up in a time when music was so innovative. You listened to Dylan and you heard the unique creativity of an unparalleled artist and you really didn't care about his vocals.
This is one of the quintessential Bob Dylan songs. Can't believe it landed and average of 6.8 That is more like close to 10.
That is more like close to 10. I was just playing this on guitar about a half hour ago during a quick work break
This song, along with several by the Grateful Dead, is so embedded in my consciousness that the lyrics jump into my thoughts at the oddest times. I could scarcely care less about the opinions of those who feel that complaining about his voice or harmonica playing shows some sort of higher level of music appreciation than those who value this music. Words arranged by those who have the gift can change almost everything. This song has power that exceeds any attempt to explain why it works so well and has drawn in folks for a half century.
Desolation Row is my favorite but this is pretty good too.
Hey brother Bob,
Please tour this Summer, in the USA, in the Midwest
You could travel up and down Highway 61 and do outdoor shows
Keokuk, Iowa would be one hell of a venue
Please tour this Summer, in the USA, in the Midwest
You could travel up and down Highway 61 and do outdoor shows
Keokuk, Iowa would be one hell of a venue
Blasting the shit out of the speakers....
dwlangham wrote:
It's proof there is a God....two of the best songwriters and performers!
Holy god in fucking heaven. Joni Mitchell and Dylan in the same afternoon.
It's proof there is a God....two of the best songwriters and performers!
dwlangham wrote:
with you on that!
Holy god in fucking heaven. Joni Mitchell and Dylan in the same afternoon.
with you on that!
Holy god in fucking heaven. Joni Mitchell and Dylan in the same afternoon.
oh my!
RP played this after uncle tupelo
now that would be one hell of a tour to catch
dylan and tupelo touring the midwest up and down highway 61 during the summer of 2021
it would be a happening
RP played this after uncle tupelo
now that would be one hell of a tour to catch
dylan and tupelo touring the midwest up and down highway 61 during the summer of 2021
it would be a happening
so fun to try and sing like dylan to this song
Love this album. Could be my fav song on it. No, wait, that’s Like a Rolling Stone. No, wait, that’s ACTUALLY Queen Jane Approximately
I have this rated as a 10 and then the harmonica solo kicks in.....
niseywee wrote:
I've gone to at least 35 Dylan shows between 1978 and the mid 90s. Some of his shows have been electrifying, some have been just this side of competent. The worst was at an amusement park where he clearly didn't care and was just phoning it in. But there have been times he'd play in 20K seater and have the whole audience in rapt attention. I doubt that's possible anymore - too much acquired ADHD and too many people watching shows through their phones.
I saw him twice in the 90's. Once at the Kansas City jazzfest and it was a lackluster performance, but then he opened up for the Allman brothers about two years later and it was rockin'. I can understand how his music isn't for everyone, it isn't for me sometimes, but other times I find it really great and poetic. In all fairness, he did A LOT of touring, he's gotta have an off day in fifty something years
I've gone to at least 35 Dylan shows between 1978 and the mid 90s. Some of his shows have been electrifying, some have been just this side of competent. The worst was at an amusement park where he clearly didn't care and was just phoning it in. But there have been times he'd play in 20K seater and have the whole audience in rapt attention. I doubt that's possible anymore - too much acquired ADHD and too many people watching shows through their phones.
Possibly the first time I heard this song was the Grateful Dead covering it. It's my all time favorite Dead show. 3/15/90. It was Phil Lesh's 50th birthday and the crowd was chanting, "we want Phil, we want Phil", and he broke into an enthusiastic perfect rendition of this song - with his classic gravelly vocals.
If you like this song, or the dead, I would highly recommend checking it out!!
If you like this song, or the dead, I would highly recommend checking it out!!
Complex tales presented with an easy stroll; cool. Hugely enjoyable.
Thank B & R as usual.
Thank B & R as usual.
Uh oh!
Some listeners don't like Bob Dylan.
Some think he maybe trying to pissed people off.
Imagine that....
Some listeners don't like Bob Dylan.
Some think he maybe trying to pissed people off.
Imagine that....
amb599 wrote:
You must be a youngin'.
I'm sure if I could get past the voice I'd find some kind of genius here but I can't. This man's voice instantly makes all the liquids inside my body want to exit at great velocity from the nearest available sphincter resulting in a staggeringly painful simultaneous vomit and explosive diarrhea. Please stop the human suffering and do not let this man's voice be heard any more anywhere. My god it just keeps getting worse.
You must be a youngin'.
I saw him twice in the 90's. Once at the Kansas City jazzfest and it was a lackluster performance, but then he opened up for the Allman brothers about two years later and it was rockin'. I can understand how his music isn't for everyone, it isn't for me sometimes, but other times I find it really great and poetic. In all fairness, he did A LOT of touring, he's gotta have an off day in fifty something years
jukes1 wrote:
Saw him twice live in the late 90s. Great artist but the most disinterested performer I’ve ever seen.
jukes1 wrote:
Saw him twice live in the late 90s. Great artist but the most disinterested performer I’ve ever seen.
lizardking wrote:
Rolling Stone has him rated the #2 musical artist of ALL TIME for a reason....plenty of folks don't sing well and still have made a shitload of money....different tastes for different folks, though BD is the real deal and still touring at 78 y/o....+1 to 11...LLRP
Saw him twice live in the late 90s. Great artist but the most disinterested performer I’ve ever seen.
Rolling Stone has him rated the #2 musical artist of ALL TIME for a reason....plenty of folks don't sing well and still have made a shitload of money....different tastes for different folks, though BD is the real deal and still touring at 78 y/o....+1 to 11...LLRP
Saw him twice live in the late 90s. Great artist but the most disinterested performer I’ve ever seen.
Likely the best best poet, worst singer, and most-skipped artist on Radio Paradise. NEXT!
bc wrote:
Uh... Did they give him a Nobel prize for his singing ability?
Methinks not.
Was it that harmonica?
Definitely not.
Just sayin'.
He received a Nobel Prize in Literature. It was recognizing his song and prose writing ability
Just sayin'
BD dont sing , he tells stories.
On_The_Beach wrote:
image relinked
Oh please please please yes!
image relinked
Oh please please please yes!
Thank goodness it's a long song.
M a k e. I t. S t o p. E a r s. B l e e d i n g.
Wow. Maybe Bob has to change his style. His vocals. His musicianship.
bc wrote:
Uh... Did they give him a Nobel prize for his singing ability?
Methinks not.
Was it that harmonica?
Definitely not.
Just sayin'.
Rolling Stone has him rated the #2 musical artist of ALL TIME for a reason....plenty of folks don't sing well and still have made a shitload of money....different tastes for different folks, though BD is the real deal and still touring at 78 y/o....+1 to 11...LLRP
Uh... Did they give him a Nobel prize for his singing ability?
Methinks not.
Was it that harmonica?
Definitely not.
Just sayin'.
Rolling Stone has him rated the #2 musical artist of ALL TIME for a reason....plenty of folks don't sing well and still have made a shitload of money....different tastes for different folks, though BD is the real deal and still touring at 78 y/o....+1 to 11...LLRP
Played Lowell (MA) Normal School (Teachers College) cafeteria, Nov 1963. Now UMASS Lowell, South Campus, Sculpture room.
I'm sure if I could get past the voice I'd find some kind of genius here but I can't. This man's voice instantly makes all the liquids inside my body want to exit at great velocity from the nearest available sphincter resulting in a staggeringly painful simultaneous vomit and explosive diarrhea. Please stop the human suffering and do not let this man's voice be heard any more anywhere. My god it just keeps getting worse.
nance wrote:
Uh... Did they give him a Nobel prize for his singing ability?
Methinks not.
Was it that harmonica?
Definitely not.
Just sayin'.
haters got to hate
Bob Dylan is obviously huge in music
you think they give out Noble Prizes lightly?
agree that Dylan not for the simple minded
Bob Dylan is obviously huge in music
you think they give out Noble Prizes lightly?
agree that Dylan not for the simple minded
Uh... Did they give him a Nobel prize for his singing ability?
Methinks not.
Was it that harmonica?
Definitely not.
Just sayin'.
Telling lyrics I remember reading them on album sleeves now we get em on da screen
haters got to hate
Bob Dylan is obviously huge in music
you think they give out Noble Prizes lightly?
agree that Dylan not for the simple minded
Bob Dylan is obviously huge in music
you think they give out Noble Prizes lightly?
agree that Dylan not for the simple minded
Hey Hayduke,
How about these Dylan words:
"The commander in chief answers him, while chasing a fly.
Death to all those who would whimper and cry.
And dropping a barbell he points to the sky,
The sun's not yellow...it's chicken!"
How about these Dylan words:
"The commander in chief answers him, while chasing a fly.
Death to all those who would whimper and cry.
And dropping a barbell he points to the sky,
The sun's not yellow...it's chicken!"
hayduke2 wrote:
image relinked
"Everybody said they'd stand behind me when the game got rough
But the joke was on me, there was nobody even there to bluff
I'm going back to New York City, I do believe I've had enough..."
But the joke was on me, there was nobody even there to bluff
I'm going back to New York City, I do believe I've had enough..."
image relinked
Steely_D wrote:
I agree with this.
Such a piece of brilliance from the very first line.
When you're lost in the rain
in Juarez
and it's Easter-time too...
When you're lost in the rain
in Juarez
and it's Easter-time too...
I agree with this.
Johnaus wrote:
He readily admits, as charged by his peers, he borrowed nearly everything he wrote, Lyrics and melodies, and they gave him a Nobel Prize for Literature? I don't get it. This track could have the instruments tuned, and have gotten a harmonica player in to paly a proper solo. That Piano! Yeah yeah I know, Jack tuning is cool NOT.
ahhh....you're just jealous he didn't write the song "Visions of Johnaus"
Hope you're enjoying RP from under your bridge, Troll!! Hell, you just inspired me to go 9→10 on this track. Thanks!! Long Live RP!!
hayduke2 wrote:
But the joke was on me, there was nobody even there to bluff
I'm going back to New York City, I do believe I've had enough..."
Something is happening, but you don't know what it is, do you, Mr. Trump?I'm going back to New York City, I do believe I've had enough..."
hayduke2 wrote:
bump.
Nice one, hayduke.
Sadly, we're stuck with Dopey Donnie for 3 more years.
Whatever happens with the Russia investigation, he'll find a way to sleaze his way out of it, like he always does.
"Everybody said they'd stand behind me when the game got rough
But the joke was on me, there was nobody even there to bluff
I'm going back to New York City, I do believe I've had enough..."
But the joke was on me, there was nobody even there to bluff
I'm going back to New York City, I do believe I've had enough..."
bump.
Nice one, hayduke.
Sadly, we're stuck with Dopey Donnie for 3 more years.
Whatever happens with the Russia investigation, he'll find a way to sleaze his way out of it, like he always does.
Johnaus wrote:
wtf?
one thing he certainly did not do was steal his lyrics
Don't spend too much time scratching your head over the utterly clueless. You know what they say, "he who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool... avoid them."
He readily admits, as charged by his peers, he borrowed nearly everything he wrote, Lyrics and melodies, and they gave him a Nobel Prize for Literature? I don't get it. This track could have the instruments tuned, and have gotten a harmonica player in to paly a proper solo. That Piano! Yeah yeah I know, Jack tuning is cool NOT.
NoEnzLefttoSplit wrote:wtf?
one thing he certainly did not do was steal his lyrics Don't spend too much time scratching your head over the utterly clueless. You know what they say, "he who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool... avoid them."
I like the Grateful Dead's cover of this WAY better.
nice blues!
Right now, today, this morning... would be great time to take a drive down Highway 61...SE Iowa and NE Missouri.
Stop at local spots and get a bag of homegrown tomatoes and fireworks. Yeah baby!
IT WAS MY TURN ! !
.
,
loop6719 wrote:
yes, with exceptionally shitty harmonica.......lol Wouldn't be good Dylan without that!
the best dylan song..love it
yes, with exceptionally shitty harmonica.......lol Wouldn't be good Dylan without that!
hayduke2 wrote:
Oh, if only...
"Everybody said they'd stand behind me when the game got rough
But the joke was on me, there was nobody even there to bluff
I'm going back to New York City, I do believe I've had enough..."
But the joke was on me, there was nobody even there to bluff
I'm going back to New York City, I do believe I've had enough..."
Oh, if only...
the best dylan song..love it
hayduke2 wrote:
"I'm going back to Mar-a-Lago, I do believe I've had enough"
"Everybody said they'd stand behind me when the game got rough
But the joke was on me, there was nobody even there to bluff
I'm going back to New York City, I do believe I've had enough..."
But the joke was on me, there was nobody even there to bluff
I'm going back to New York City, I do believe I've had enough..."
"I'm going back to Mar-a-Lago, I do believe I've had enough" hayduke2 wrote:
Too funny, hayduke2!! Everybody in my hotel room is laughing our asses off... and we love this song...
"Everybody said they'd stand behind me when the game got rough
But the joke was on me, there was nobody even there to bluff
I'm going back to New York City, I do believe I've had enough..."
But the joke was on me, there was nobody even there to bluff
I'm going back to New York City, I do believe I've had enough..."
Too funny, hayduke2!! Everybody in my hotel room is laughing our asses off... and we love this song...
"Everybody said they'd stand behind me when the game got rough
But the joke was on me, there was nobody even there to bluff
I'm going back to New York City, I do believe I've had enough..."
But the joke was on me, there was nobody even there to bluff
I'm going back to New York City, I do believe I've had enough..."
Johnaus wrote:
wtf? one thing he certainly did not do was steal his lyrics
He readily admits, as charged by his peers, he borrowed nearly everything he wrote, Lyrics and melodies, and they gave him a Nobel Prize for Literature? I don't get it. This track could have the instruments tuned, and have gotten a harmonica player in to paly a proper solo. That Piano! Yeah yeah I know, Jack tuning is cool NOT.
wtf?
one thing he certainly did not do was steal his lyrics Johnaus wrote:
Who exactly are you suggesting he stole his lyrics from? Justin Bieber, maybe? Please.
Nice trollin' though; hope it makes you happy.
He readily admits, as charged by his peers, he borrowed nearly everything he wrote, Lyrics and melodies . . .
Who exactly are you suggesting he stole his lyrics from? Justin Bieber, maybe? Please.
Nice trollin' though; hope it makes you happy.
Johnaus wrote:
I didn't know that. Now I'm REALLY confused.
He readily admits, as charged by his peers, he borrowed nearly everything he wrote, Lyrics and melodies, and they gave him a Nobel Prize for Literature? I don't get it. This track could have the instruments tuned, and have gotten a harmonica player in to paly a proper solo. That Piano! Yeah yeah I know, Jack tuning is cool NOT.
I didn't know that. Now I'm REALLY confused.
He readily admits, as charged by his peers, he borrowed nearly everything he wrote, Lyrics and melodies, and they gave him a Nobel Prize for Literature? I don't get it. This track could have the instruments tuned, and have gotten a harmonica player in to paly a proper solo. That Piano! Yeah yeah I know, Jack tuning is cool NOT.
Yuck!
CONGRATULATIONS MR. DYLAN
YOU ARE THE FIRST NEW NOBEL PRIZE OF A NEW ERA OF NOBEL PRIZE.
I hate to be that guy - and I try to be as respectful to the disabled community as anyone, but just because this man has lost control of his vocal cords doesn't mean everyone has to talk about how great this singer is. I'm sure this would be a great song if it was song by someone without a disfunctional throat. I feel so bad this man had to attempt a singing career with his horrible affliction, and I wonder if it isn't a little bit our fault he wasn't stopped earlier.
It's finger lickin' good!
As a favorite a close second to Desolation Row.
ThoreauBack wrote:
If you're going to quote him, at least spell his name correctly.
Here's another perspective on Stephen Stills' critical opinion.
During CSNY’s groundbreaking 1974 tour, Bob Dylan stopped by the band’s hotel and sat down with Stephen Stills and bassist Tim Drummond.
If you're going to quote him, at least spell his name correctly.
Here's another perspective on Stephen Stills' critical opinion.
During CSNY’s groundbreaking 1974 tour, Bob Dylan stopped by the band’s hotel and sat down with Stephen Stills and bassist Tim Drummond.
“He played us all the songs from Blood on the Tracks on acoustic guitar. We were on twin beds, across from each other. Oh God, I can’t tell you how great it was. At one point Stephen said something to him about the songs not being good. I was so Goddamn embarrassed. He was probably coked out. Dylan, being the arrogant man that he was said, ‘Well, Stephen, play me one of your songs.’ That was the end of it. Stephen couldn’t even find one string from another at that point.”
— Tim Drummond, via Rolling Stone
Placing Dylan in the context of the times in which he came to fame helps understand the importance of his music. I am a Dylan admirer for many reasons.
Skydog wrote:
Like Steven Stills said after a session with him. " He may be a great song writer but he ain't no musician."
a lot of negative posts about Dylan here, I'll say this, he can't sing and can't play guitar or harmonica but I like his music
for example every line in "Hard Rain's Gonna Fall" is a complete work and makes you think
for example every line in "Hard Rain's Gonna Fall" is a complete work and makes you think
Like Steven Stills said after a session with him. " He may be a great song writer but he ain't no musician."
a lot of negative posts about Dylan here, I'll say this, he can't sing and can't play guitar or harmonica but I like his music
for example every line in "Hard Rain's Gonna Fall" is a complete work and makes you think
for example every line in "Hard Rain's Gonna Fall" is a complete work and makes you think
Baby_M wrote:
Let me try to answer. I'm a "Dylan indifferent" rather than a "Dylan hater"—I like some of his stuff (e.g., most of Blood on the Tracks) but not this or his other long, meandering 1960s marathons (e.g., "Highway 61 Revisited"), and it all nets out to something around neutral.
It isn't the voice so much as it is the word salad lyrics. When I read or hear something like this, which all the experts assure me is super-profound and deeply symbolic, I can't help but wonder if there's really no deep meaning at all and this is a case of emperor's new clothes. I don't mind symbolism and figurative language, but a work this inaccessible it fails to communicate anything beyond the author's self-importance.
I suppose there's also a bit of hype backlash at work, too. I've been told for years that Dylan is this giant of modern music and poetry, but I just don't see it. I mean, even at his best, he's not the be-all and end-all of rock—and I totally do not get what the whole "electric Dylan" kerfuffle was about.
It helps, I believe, to remember that he's very very funny. Self aware. Sometimes his stuff is just silly. "I wake up in the morning / there's frogs inside my socks..."
Let me try to answer. I'm a "Dylan indifferent" rather than a "Dylan hater"—I like some of his stuff (e.g., most of Blood on the Tracks) but not this or his other long, meandering 1960s marathons (e.g., "Highway 61 Revisited"), and it all nets out to something around neutral.
It isn't the voice so much as it is the word salad lyrics. When I read or hear something like this, which all the experts assure me is super-profound and deeply symbolic, I can't help but wonder if there's really no deep meaning at all and this is a case of emperor's new clothes. I don't mind symbolism and figurative language, but a work this inaccessible it fails to communicate anything beyond the author's self-importance.
I suppose there's also a bit of hype backlash at work, too. I've been told for years that Dylan is this giant of modern music and poetry, but I just don't see it. I mean, even at his best, he's not the be-all and end-all of rock—and I totally do not get what the whole "electric Dylan" kerfuffle was about.
It helps, I believe, to remember that he's very very funny. Self aware. Sometimes his stuff is just silly. "I wake up in the morning / there's frogs inside my socks..."
leafmold wrote:
As a Dylan lover, I've never fully understood the Dylan haters out there. Is it just his voice?
Let me try to answer. I'm a "Dylan indifferent" rather than a "Dylan hater"—I like some of his stuff (e.g., most of Blood on the Tracks) but not this or his other long, meandering 1960s marathons (e.g., "Highway 61 Revisited"), and it all nets out to something around neutral.
It isn't the voice so much as it is the word salad lyrics. When I read or hear something like this, which all the experts assure me is super-profound and deeply symbolic, I can't help but wonder if there's really no deep meaning at all and this is a case of emperor's new clothes. I don't mind symbolism and figurative language, but a work this inaccessible it fails to communicate anything beyond the author's self-importance.
I suppose there's also a bit of hype backlash at work, too. I've been told for years that Dylan is this giant of modern music and poetry, but I just don't see it. I mean, even at his best, he's not the be-all and end-all of rock—and I totally do not get what the whole "electric Dylan" kerfuffle was about.
As a Dylan lover, I've never fully understood the Dylan haters out there. Is it just his voice?
Let me try to answer. I'm a "Dylan indifferent" rather than a "Dylan hater"—I like some of his stuff (e.g., most of Blood on the Tracks) but not this or his other long, meandering 1960s marathons (e.g., "Highway 61 Revisited"), and it all nets out to something around neutral.
It isn't the voice so much as it is the word salad lyrics. When I read or hear something like this, which all the experts assure me is super-profound and deeply symbolic, I can't help but wonder if there's really no deep meaning at all and this is a case of emperor's new clothes. I don't mind symbolism and figurative language, but a work this inaccessible it fails to communicate anything beyond the author's self-importance.
I suppose there's also a bit of hype backlash at work, too. I've been told for years that Dylan is this giant of modern music and poetry, but I just don't see it. I mean, even at his best, he's not the be-all and end-all of rock—and I totally do not get what the whole "electric Dylan" kerfuffle was about.
Is it actually crualty to try drowning a noisy duck?
Comparing the voices of Paul Simon and Bob Dylan makes me think that this is not only the grating voice of the second that makes me dislike his work. Working on coupling Shazam with the PSD button ...
Comparing the voices of Paul Simon and Bob Dylan makes me think that this is not only the grating voice of the second that makes me dislike his work. Working on coupling Shazam with the PSD button ...
Nun, Mo
It's crazy patchwork stitches,
Atlas stretches will you guide me home ?
Made a re-dress for some
Missing spirits.Reunite.
It's crazy patchwork stitches,
Atlas stretches will you guide me home ?
Made a re-dress for some
Missing spirits.Reunite.
axa2wa wrote:
As a Dylan lover, I've never fully understood the Dylan haters out there. Is it just his voice?
This song is sucko-barfo
I hate the way Bob Dylan seems to sing down his noose
That all the lyrics have to rhyme with toooast
and that the last word has to be sung in the highest nooote
That's why this song gets on my goooat
I hate the way Bob Dylan seems to sing down his noose
That all the lyrics have to rhyme with toooast
and that the last word has to be sung in the highest nooote
That's why this song gets on my goooat
As a Dylan lover, I've never fully understood the Dylan haters out there. Is it just his voice?
Such a piece of brilliance from the very first line.
When you're lost in the rain
in Juarez
and it's Easter-time too...
When you're lost in the rain
in Juarez
and it's Easter-time too...
I'm told it's better than it sounds.
Hey, man. I'm just a peasant. A Philistine. Too stupid to know any better.
Excuse me for living.
Hey, man. I'm just a peasant. A Philistine. Too stupid to know any better.
Excuse me for living.
axa2wa wrote:
Ha. Thank you for making me laugh. I think you have a future in the biz! Can you strum one note on the guitar and occasionally toot on the harmonica too?
This song is sucko-barfo
I hate the way Bob Dylan seems to sing down his noose
That all the lyrics have to rhyme with toooast
and that the last word has to be sung in the highest nooote
That's why this song gets on my goooat
I hate the way Bob Dylan seems to sing down his noose
That all the lyrics have to rhyme with toooast
and that the last word has to be sung in the highest nooote
That's why this song gets on my goooat
Ha. Thank you for making me laugh. I think you have a future in the biz! Can you strum one note on the guitar and occasionally toot on the harmonica too?
This song is sucko-barfo
I hate the way Bob Dylan seems to sing down his noose
That all the lyrics have to rhyme with toooast
and that the last word has to be sung in the highest nooote
That's why this song gets on my goooat
I hate the way Bob Dylan seems to sing down his noose
That all the lyrics have to rhyme with toooast
and that the last word has to be sung in the highest nooote
That's why this song gets on my goooat
I remember when this album was released. Most of us loved the newness and originality... others never got it. Apparently some of those are still around. Maybe you needed to be there to fully realize what this album meant.
wgsu_1978 wrote:
Oh dear, another one's all riled up.
If that's the best you can do to defend this trash, then I know I'm on the mark giving it a 2 (six points for the band, a minus 4 for Dylan himself).
Oh dear, another one's all riled up.
It's best if you try not to speak (and you may want to avoid sharp objects).
And you can try and avoid breathing... about a day should do it!
If that's the best you can do to defend this trash, then I know I'm on the mark giving it a 2 (six points for the band, a minus 4 for Dylan himself).
On_The_Beach wrote:
It's best if you try not to speak (and you may want to avoid sharp objects).
And you can try and avoid breathing... about a day should do it!
It's best if you try not to speak (and you may want to avoid sharp objects).
And you can try and avoid breathing... about a day should do it!
tiggers wrote:
It's best if you try not to speak (and you may want to avoid sharp objects).
No it's for the deaf and/or hoodwinked
It's best if you try not to speak (and you may want to avoid sharp objects).
On_The_Beach wrote:
No it's for the deaf and/or hoodwinked
Bob's music is not for the simple-minded.
No it's for the deaf and/or hoodwinked
here comes that stupid harp again. ouch, please stop. my poor ears. have mercy. people just say they like this because they want to be cool or so. it's just not nice.
The song itself is pretty good.
I gave it a 5 because when the first few chords crawled into my ears I got scared to death I was about to hear Sweet Home Alabama.
Damn you Lynyrd Skynyrd...
Damn.
You.
To.
Hell.
I gave it a 5 because when the first few chords crawled into my ears I got scared to death I was about to hear Sweet Home Alabama.
Damn you Lynyrd Skynyrd...
Damn.
You.
To.
Hell.
stalfnzo wrote:
The fact that this song even exists, tormenting mankind forevermore, proves that there is no God.
LOL
I really do not agree with you, but...
that that is one of funiest things I heard
ROFLOL
(I think I will use it to tease my Dylan´s fans friends)
The fact that this song even exists, tormenting mankind forevermore, proves that there is no God.
I really do not agree with you, but...
that that is one of funiest things I heard
ROFLOL
(I think I will use it to tease my Dylan´s fans friends)
On_The_Beach wrote:
Percentage-wise, there are likely a lot of simple-minded folk who like Dylan's music; he's sold over 100,000,000 records.
Bob's music is not for the simple-minded.
Percentage-wise, there are likely a lot of simple-minded folk who like Dylan's music; he's sold over 100,000,000 records.
On_The_Beach wrote:
His lyrics maybe - those are pretty good, but the music sucks, with a few exceptions. Oh no, now that annoying harmonica kicks in again - PSD!
Bob's music is not for the simple-minded.
His lyrics maybe - those are pretty good, but the music sucks, with a few exceptions. Oh no, now that annoying harmonica kicks in again - PSD!
Bob's music is not for the simple-minded.
hempmandan wrote:
Bob and God both have 3 letters...
So does Gag.
Bob and God both have 3 letters...
So does Gag.
stalfnzo wrote:
The fact that this song exists to torment mankind proves that there is no God.
Bob and God both have 3 letters...
The fact that this song exists to torment mankind proves that there is no God.
Bob and God both have 3 letters...
leafmold wrote:
The fact that this song even exists, tormenting mankind forevermore, proves that there is no God.
God I love this song.
The fact that this song even exists, tormenting mankind forevermore, proves that there is no God.
God I love this song.
Go drive Highway 61 in NE Missouri and you can stop in Hannibal and say "hi" to Tom Thumb and ask how are things going?
It's a wonderful drive, except for the state patrol hiding near the Tic Toc motel.
It's a wonderful drive, except for the state patrol hiding near the Tic Toc motel.
Nina Simone´s cover is excellent IMHO.
While Dylan´s is cynical, Nina´s is sad (quite drepressive) and introspective.
While Dylan´s is cynical, Nina´s is sad (quite drepressive) and introspective.
I'm certified; certified crazy for Dylan, an addict. If we had Living National Treasures like Japan, in many people's eyes, Bob would be one.
Maybe he already is - unoffically. It's remarkable and deserved that there's been an effort to give him the Nobel Prize for Lit.
I came late to Leonard Cohen, but sure appreciate him now and resonate witht he comments here from Oct. 14.
Maybe he already is - unoffically. It's remarkable and deserved that there's been an effort to give him the Nobel Prize for Lit.
I came late to Leonard Cohen, but sure appreciate him now and resonate witht he comments here from Oct. 14.
If there is a hell, and if I'm going there, it will be just like this life except Bob Dylan songs will be playing 24/7. Ugh.
ScottN wrote:
Leonard Cohen, in my opinion, is the best underappreciated lyricist ever, although I have to say those early days with the lalala-ing sisters of mercy on everything got old fast. But he had the scholarship where dylan had the zeitgeist. These days cohen would be the rabbi where dylan was the rapper. I still will take either of these channelling poets with weird voices anytime, and if they can't make it, sub in joni mitchell, amen.
PS not from MN.
joelbb wrote:
It did take him a while to devise B-cadences for his verses. On the other hand, there's never been a better lyricist, including Brecht/Weil. Mike Bloomfield smokes on other cuts of this best-Dylan-album-of-all-time.
Leonard Cohen is, for me, the best lyricist ever. But if you grew up in MN, as I did, and are of a certain age (I'm 65), Dylan will always be first in the heart.
It did take him a while to devise B-cadences for his verses. On the other hand, there's never been a better lyricist, including Brecht/Weil. Mike Bloomfield smokes on other cuts of this best-Dylan-album-of-all-time.
Leonard Cohen, in my opinion, is the best underappreciated lyricist ever, although I have to say those early days with the lalala-ing sisters of mercy on everything got old fast. But he had the scholarship where dylan had the zeitgeist. These days cohen would be the rabbi where dylan was the rapper. I still will take either of these channelling poets with weird voices anytime, and if they can't make it, sub in joni mitchell, amen.
PS not from MN.
A little trip to Mexico I guess .. :)
Nick Cave followed by Dylan. 
Well, it can only get better from here.
Well, it can only get better from here. ScottN wrote:
I'm only about to hit 40 and I also agree Leonard for lyrics among many good candidates.
joelbb wrote:
It did take him a while to devise B-cadences for his verses. On the other hand, there's never been a better lyricist, including Brecht/Weil. Mike Bloomfield smokes on other cuts of this best-Dylan-album-of-all-time.
Leonard Cohen is, for me, the best lyricist ever. But if you grew up in MN, as I did, and are of a certain age (I'm 65), Dylan will always be first in the heart.
It did take him a while to devise B-cadences for his verses. On the other hand, there's never been a better lyricist, including Brecht/Weil. Mike Bloomfield smokes on other cuts of this best-Dylan-album-of-all-time.
I'm only about to hit 40 and I also agree Leonard for lyrics among many good candidates.
joelbb wrote:
It did take him a while to devise B-cadences for his verses. On the other hand, there's never been a better lyricist, including Brecht/Weil. Mike Bloomfield smokes on other cuts of this best-Dylan-album-of-all-time.
Leonard Cohen is, for me, the best lyricist ever. But if you grew up in MN, as I did, and are of a certain age (I'm 65), Dylan will always be first in the heart.
It did take him a while to devise B-cadences for his verses. On the other hand, there's never been a better lyricist, including Brecht/Weil. Mike Bloomfield smokes on other cuts of this best-Dylan-album-of-all-time.
ScottN wrote:
It did take him a while to devise B-cadences for his verses. On the other hand, there's never been a better lyricist, including Brecht/Weil. Mike Bloomfield smokes on other cuts of this best-Dylan-album-of-all-time.
Great early Dylan. But he hadn't learned to write a bridge yet in his songs (or at least in this one), and doesn't play the harmonica very well either.
Seems he did overcome that to...ah, some achievements later. Word is he had a decent career.
Seems he did overcome that to...ah, some achievements later. Word is he had a decent career.
It did take him a while to devise B-cadences for his verses. On the other hand, there's never been a better lyricist, including Brecht/Weil. Mike Bloomfield smokes on other cuts of this best-Dylan-album-of-all-time.
meauclaire wrote:
Obviously the PSD button stands for Please Stop Dylan!
Great early Dylan. But he hadn't learned to write a bridge yet in his songs (or at least in this one), and doesn't play the harmonica very well either.
Seems he did overcome that to...ah, some achievements later. Word is he had a decent career.
Seems he did overcome that to...ah, some achievements later. Word is he had a decent career.
Remembering how Phil would try his vocals on this song when playing with the Grateful Dead in the late 80s.
Rest in Peace Phil & Keep Searching for the Sound.