Bob wrote this 58 years ago at age 23 and I don't think it has ever been surpassed in terms of philosophical content, wordplay, or imagery. The Beatles were singing Eight Days a Week and the Stones were playing blues covers. Absolutely astounding.
Dylan inspired the Beatles and....the Beatles inspired Dylan. Personally, I think that was a match made in heaven. Without that combination, we never get Like a Rolling Stone...AND we never get Nowhere Man. The Beatles! Bob Dylan! The two greatest forces in rock music history.
After eight years of playing this song, and knowing all fifteen verses and five refrains, I've never wavered from calling it the single best song of all time.
Same boat as you bro… Best song of the 20th century and just as relevant today. I play this to friends and sometimes in bars and hardly anyone knows it, but they’re stunned.
Bob quoted this in that 60minutes interview when asked if he could still do it? He didnt hide his contempt for the question. He said, "Could you do it?" Meaning "No" but he didnt want to admit that that time uad passed. He was illustrating that you have to prepeare yourself to recieve it but when it passes its gone. Thats the lesson from Bob, Prepare yourself to recieve the devine inspiration while your young because it will be too late if you dont. Then we all loose out
I feel what he meant was that this song is too obvious , too angry and too young Now he encodes the narrative less obviously I mean that first verse is so obvious I bet he wishes ne wrote it
That fact he wrote this when he was 23 is utterly mind blowing. I was basically barely a functioning human being at 23 yet he was writing transcendent poetry that usually would take a lifetime of work to achieve. Unbelievable.
A guitar, harmonica, microphone, and a voice that would be laughed at if he were to try out for American Idol or The Voice. Yet...... that voice, guitar and harmonica have infinitely more power than anything in music today. Nothing today can compare to the raw brilliance of this performance. It's stunning on so many levels and when you put it up against today's soulless crap, the contrast slaps you in the face.
I think I might’ve finally summed it up in a different comment a while back. Music in general (1962-1979) was translated from the heart to the instruments and performance. Today the aim is translating from the “music” to the $millions$. So obviously the “music” today (and the past 25 years at least since the grunge scene faded) is as cheap and disposable and recyclable as a bag of plastic cutlery, a package of Solo plastic cups and a stack of paper plates. True musical icons, world class musicians and amazing songwriters have all officially gone extinct.
@@checkeredpast5539 she is manufactured, don't forget. A more successful guise like the Sex Pistols. Or is it ruse...? She's savvy though, got to hand it to her.
@@ezsmith3765 I think hip hop had a golden age. Most of the genres did. Think country. No way Willie, Kris, Tammy, Loretta, Johnny, Wayne, Merle or Patsy would make it today. All 'Art" has been bought/sold/ fill in the blank. Movies, books too I reckon. I'm reading older things so can't rightly speak on the literature side. But, most musical genres have seen better days. We don't get exposed to the good stuff until...
I'm a brit. We had the beatles the stones, led zeppelin and many more. Believe me when i tell you that this man is the best songwriter of all time and i not ashamed to admit it. with ray davies being a close second.
@@safiramusica there's a clip somewhere of him accidentally using the wrong key harmonica on stage, kind of disastrous mistake, I dont think most people know a harp has to be the right key for the song or it cant be used.
@@nugsymalone1247 it's still sad that you have to look and find good music today, It should find the listener meaning it should be promoted and played regularly on TV and radio, back in bob Dylan time it was that's the difference
An important and incredible song. You can listen to this and understand why Dylan got a Nobel prize for literature. Word Imagery is beyond anything ever written.
@@smon4164 It's magic. I've seen Dylan in interviews in his 60s acknowledge this as such. "I can't do that anymore". Imagine remembering you did this and knowing you can't do it again.
I remember sitting in a trench overnight on an army FTX in the early 80s listening to this on my little pocket cassette player. The whole Russian army could have walked past and I wouldn't have noticed, you just lose yourself listening to Dylan.
My life changed in many ways after I Listened Bring It All Back Home. I was about 16 years old, and I felt I could have a way on my own, not my parent's way. I'm now 70 years old, I have kids, and grand kids, and life has been hard but beautiful, I play my Martin HD 28, every day. Thank you Bob Dylan.From France, with love.
This is not just music. It’s an important political, societal statement of our times. But the cutting lyrics go immediately to the heart of the matter. I’m 80 now and have been listening and absorbing his art for many years. So insightful and deep. All in a voice that came from you and me.
These lyrics are so extremely potent and timeless. - Legendary - World Class - Magical - Haunting - Mysterious - Groundbreaking - Chill causing I’m suspicious about the real true source of such powerful poetry. Were these words born from Dylans own thoughts or were they delivered to him somehow in connection with the “bargain” that Dylan himself has mentioned before and claimed to have been involved in a certain transaction that his younger self pursued and took part in?? So dark and mysterious.
"You lose yourself, you reappear You suddenly find you got nothing to fear Alone you stand with nobody near When a trembling distant voice, unclear Startles your sleeping ears to hear That somebody thinks they really found you"
These lyrics are so extremely potent and timeless. - Legendary - World Class - Magical - Haunting - Mysterious - Groundbreaking - Chill causing I’m suspicious about the real true source of such powerful poetry. Were these words born from Dylans own thoughts or were they delivered to him somehow in connection with the “bargain” that Dylan himself has mentioned before and claimed to have been involved in a certain transaction that his younger self pursued and took part in?? So dark and mysterious.
I'm 23 and I can completely understand what bob dylan is portraying and i can relate. My favorite music is rap but i also love old rock and i can listen to bob dylan every day .He is a legend and I wish more people today put this much feeling into making music . I can feel his feelings when he sings and I can't think of any other music artist I can say that about. It blows my mind that with all that was going on, bob dylan RISKED HIS LIFE to create music filled with truth about society, about freedom and justice, equal rights, and I cant help but appreciate such a person . How does it feel?
Do you know of any rap songs that have similar levels of poetry and social commentary? As you said, no one else can quite do the same thing that Bob Dylan did, but rap is a genre that I simultaneously respect but don't know much about, and I'd like to change that
Coming here because of a reel. I’m 24, love rap too, and I can easily see how anyone who likes rap will appreciate this song; not through open mindedness though, for their love of music solely. Poetry of this kind comes from a place of grace, some sort of god whatever that may be, but you can’t convince me otherwise.
You can also "feel the artist's feelings" in people like Elvis and Lennon and many others. But who writes like Dylan? No one. He's the best, and yes, his voice is rich and resonant, always, in authentic feeling.
This is a rap song. So is "Subterranean Homesick Blues." I'm an old Boomer and the sensitivity to injustice and commitment to do something about it I see in your generation reminds me of mine. I am supremely confident Gen Z will make tremendous strides making the world a better place. You will save the planet. When you are old and look back, you will be amazed at the great strides your generation will take. Don't ever give up the fight.
Lyrics:probably Darkness at the break of noon Shadows even the silver spoon The handmade blade, the child's balloon Eclipses both the sun and moon To understand you know too soon, there is no sense in trying Pointed threats, they bluff with scorn Suicide remarks are torn From the fool's gold mouthpiece the hollow horn Plays wasted words proves to warn That he not busy being born is busy dying Temptation's page flies out the door You follow, find yourself at war Watch waterfalls of pity roar You feel to moan but unlike before You discover that you'd just be one more person crying So don't fear if you hear A foreign sound to your ear It's alright, Ma, I'm only sighing As some warn victory, some downfall Private reasons great or small Can be seen in the eyes of those that call To make all that should be killed to crawl While others say don't hate nothing at all, except hatred Disillusioned words like bullets bark As human gods aim for their mark Made everything from toy guns that spark To flesh-colored Christs that glow in the dark It's easy to see without looking too far that not much is really sacred Our preachers preach of evil fates Teachers teach that knowledge waits Can lead to hundred-dollar plates Goodness hides behind its gates But even the President of the United States Sometimes must have to stand naked An' all the rules of the road have been lodged It's only people's games that you got to dodge And it's alright, Ma, I can make it Advertising signs that con you Into thinking you're the one That can do what's never been done That can win what's never been won Meantime life outside goes on all around you You lose yourself, you reappear You suddenly find you got nothing to fear Alone you stand with nobody near When a trembling distant voice, unclear Startles your sleeping ears to hear That somebody thinks they really found you A question in your nerves is lit Yet you know there is no answer fit To satisfy insure you not to quit To keep it in your mind and not forget That it is not he or she or them or it that you belong to Although the masters make the rules For the wise men and the fools I got nothing, Ma, to live up to For them that must obey authority That they do not respect in any degree Who despise their jobs, their destinies Speak jealously of them that are free Do what they do just to be Nothing more than something they invest in While some on principles baptized To strict party platform ties Social clubs in drag disguise Outsiders they can freely criticize Tell nothing except who to idolize and say, "God bless him" While one who sings with his tongue on fire Gargles in the rat race choir Bent out of shape from society's pliers Cares not to come up any higher But rather get you down in the hole that he's in But I mean no harm nor put fault On anyone that lives in a vault But it's alright, Ma, if I can't please him Old lady judges watch people in pairs Limited in sex, they dare To push fake morals, insult and stare While money doesn't talk, it swears Obscenity, who really cares propaganda, all is phony While them that defend what they cannot see With a killer's pride, security It blows the minds most bitterly For them that think death's honesty Won't fall upon them naturally Life sometimes must get lonely My eyes collide head-on with stuffed graveyards False goals, I scuff at pettiness which plays so rough Walk upside-down inside handcuffs Kick my legs to crash it off Say, "Okay, I have had enough, what else can you show me?" And if my thought dreams could be seen They'd probably put my head in a guillotine But it's alright, Ma, it's life, and life only. I’m not sure if these are the lyrics he Sings in the video cause it’s a live performance. But they are also in the subtitles.
For: "Our preachers preach of evil fates" I prefer: As preachers preach of evil fates For: "An' all the rules of the road have been lodged" I prefer: An' though the rules of the road have been lodged For: "Tell nothing except who to idolize and say, "God bless him" I prefer: Tell nothing to you except who to idolize and say "God bless him"
@@jasonsenator6144 i was gonna say "it's been 3 years i don't remember." but looking through the comments it's Timothée Chalamet. i think this is his fav song or whatever. Timothée is gonna be the lead in a new bob dylan biopic i think.
Look at his 60 minutes interview and he says it clear as day, there's no way anybody could write this without a certain kind of magic being involved. "And not in the Sigfried and Roy sense" he said. Music was Satan's specialty, let's not forget that. And the TRUE artists who tapped into that were able to write the most immortal pieces ever heard. Today's artists though....forget it ..they just tap into it for the fame.
Hello Dona, Thanks for your love, and support all through this times, it's been a wonderful feeling performing for my fans around the world. Though I rarely comment here on my RUclips pages, I was attracted by the emotions in your comment. I'll like we get along and keep in touch, if it's okay by you. Where are you streaming from?
It’s astounding what words and themes you can piece together when the song is “magically written” (Bob’s words) with the help of the “chief commander”. The top songwriters of all time have punched that clock with a nod to Lucifer as their co-writer.
He didn;t say the word "Lucifer" or "Satan" You know EXACTLY what he said "Chief Commander in this world and worlds we can;t see". Prove to me the Chief Commander is Satan. It could be God it could be a Higher Cosciousness and it COULD be Satan but NOT necessarily.
The inherent truth in this song is beautiful. Speaks to each and every one of us. If you just look at the words alone and separate, they don’t make sense. But, once Bob Dylan speaks them, the part of us that is the same in all of us immediately understands. It resonates with our true nature. Powerful. Honest. Who of our generation has this spark of spirit still alive? I know I do.
The lyrics make total sense as they did when we heard it back then during the heat of the cold war, the end of the Korean War, and the beginning of the Vietnam War (Cambodia,) exploding American consumerism, and government corruption. But very perceptive observation about the lack of "spark of spirit" today. It was a unique time back then as the youth were engaged for the right reasons - we didn't want to be drafted and sent off to another war. Some of what we did was stupid, but much was the correct response, especially in the use of art to convey the message. Today, there is little originality in art; it's mainly about commercialism, misinformation, cancellation, and misunderstanding the real nature of the beast, which is exactly what Dylan wrote about back in 1964.
@@rabukan5842 'Youth' as you call it is engage for all the right reasons right now - it's ironic that this generation and the (so called) OK Boomers are the generations with the most in common - both engaged and desperately aiming for a better future. Both questioning and protesting. For all the right reasons. It's the dropkicks inbetween (such as myself) that let 'em all (from both ends) down.
@@andrewholliday251 I don't call it "Youth." They are "Youth," because they are young, like I once was. But I've been through both times, and we were so much more engaged back then (Granted, I have an advantage because I was there.) I agree that a percentage of "youth" today are protesting, but not like we did when our lives were on the immediate line - the Vietnam War, when we knew by the daily body counts on TV that we were being lied to. We were quite focused, and much was led by the music and musicians like Dylan. What are "Youths" fighting for today? A better future? Then they should fight to change the system at the roots (which we tried to do and failed.) In truth, Rap is similar to rock in that regard. And Dylan was writing songs about blood in the streets, like many Rappers do. But rockers didn't shoot each other. They just played guitar and sang songs of liberation. But they didn't really know how to pull it off, because they were too young, and then they grew up, and became the system.
@@rabukan5842 I would say that the attacks on the "system" being made by the young today are similar to those in the 60s. Certainly there are differences, but the ideological poison being spread today has similar roots to what was happening back then. Remember when the leadership of the SDS, the most prominent national protest organization on the campuses, was taken over by self-proclaimed Maoists?
If you think that's rap/hip hop, then I think you'll find Chuck Berry got there first....try Too Much Monkey Business or any one of possibly hundreds...
@@andrewholliday251 Grew up with Chuck. Love him, but he's pure Rock and Roll, not rap/hip hop, and not the same kind of poetry that Dylan wrote (and I don't consider rap to be poetry, or music. Rap is rap.) I stand by my words, and would never say anything negative about Chuck Berry, who was one the first real Rock and Rollers along with Little Richard...
Has to be the greatest lyrical song ever written. Dylan is The Premier Piss on Amerikka Artist of all time. POS Country and he exposed it before many were ready for it.
You realize why they destroyed the comment section on this song? Well if you listen to the words you may realize how deep this song is and who it's directed toward. Taking that in mind, it seems obvious why they don't want anyone having a real deep genuine conversations on this subject.
Thanks! Darkness at the break of noon Shadows even the silver spoon The handmade blade, the child's balloon Eclipses both the sun and moon To understand you know too soon There is no sense in trying Pointed threats, they bluff with scorn Suicide remarks are torn From the fool's gold mouthpiece The hollow horn plays wasted words Proves to warn that he not busy being born Is busy dying Temptation's page flies out the door You follow, find yourself at war Watch waterfalls of pity roar You feel to moan but unlike before You discover that you'd just be One more person crying So don't fear if you hear A foreign sound to your ear It's alright, Ma, I'm only sighing As some warn victory, some downfall Private reasons great or small Can be seen in the eyes of those that call To make all that should be killed to crawl While others say don't hate nothing at all Except hatred Disillusioned words like bullets bark As human gods aim for their mark Made everything from toy guns that spark To flesh-colored Christs that glow in the dark It's easy to see without looking too far That not much is really sacred While preachers preach of evil fates Teachers teach that knowledge waits Can lead to hundred-dollar plates Goodness hides behind its gates But even the president of the United States Sometimes must have to stand naked An' though the rules of the road have been lodged It's only people's games that you got to dodge And it's alright, Ma, I can make it Advertising signs that con you Into thinking you're the one That can do what's never been done That can win what's never been won Meantime life outside goes on All around you You lose yourself, you reappear You suddenly find you got nothing to fear Alone you stand with nobody near When a trembling distant voice, unclear Startles your sleeping ears to hear That somebody thinks they really found you A question in your nerves is lit Yet you know there is no answer fit to satisfy Insure you not to quit To keep it in your mind and not fergit That it is not he or she or them or it That you belong to Although the masters make the rules For the wise men and the fools I got nothing, Ma, to live up to For them that must obey authority That they do not respect in any degree Who despise their jobs, their destinies Speak jealously of them that are free Do what they do just to be nothing more than something they invest in While some on principles baptized To strict party platform ties Social clubs in drag disguise Outsiders they can freely criticize Tell nothing except who to idolize And then say God bless him While one who sings with his tongue on fire Gargles in the rat race choir Bent out of shape from society's pliers Cares not to come up any higher But rather get you down in the hole that he's in But I mean no harm nor put fault On anyone that lives in a vault But it's alright, Ma, if I can't please him Old lady judges watch people in pairs Limited in sex, they dare To push fake morals, insult and stare While money doesn't talk, it swears Obscenity, who really cares Propaganda, all is phony While them that defend what they cannot see With a killer's pride, security It blows the minds most bitterly For them that think death's honesty Won't fall upon them naturally Life sometimes must get lonely My eyes collide head-on with stuffed graveyards False gods, I scuff At pettiness which plays so rough Walk upside-down inside handcuffs Kick my legs to crash it off Say okay, I have had enough What else can you show me And if my thought-dreams could be seen They'd probably put my head in a guillotine But it's alright, Ma, it's life, and life only Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Bob Dylan
This "song" is a message! Bob was the antenna that channelled those words for sure but the message came thru him not from him. My understanding of these so called lyrics has greatly changed since my awakening began.
"A question in your nerves is lite, yet you know there is no answer fit, to satisfy, insure your not to quite, to keep it in your mind and not forget, that it is not he or she or them or it that you belong to."
![Bob Dylan - Ballad Of A Thin Man (LIVE HD FOOTAGE & RESTORED AUDIO) [May 1966]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/63ucJmVonAc/mqdefault.jpg)
What's your favorite verse?
It's easy to see without looking too far that not much is really sacred
@@beauleosparky my favorite verses too! Cheers!
He not busy being born is busy dying
"He not busy being born is busy dying."
@@rainamoonastrology14 it's the most popular line but it's not a verse
Bob wrote this 58 years ago at age 23 and I don't think it has ever been surpassed in terms of philosophical content, wordplay, or imagery. The Beatles were singing Eight Days a Week and the Stones were playing blues covers. Absolutely astounding.
Robert had insight from "Above"...
@@psalm91.17 Absolutely
@@psalm91.17 From below
@@psalm91.17 I think you'll find 24/7 amphetamine intake and a focused work ethic had more to do with it.
Dylan inspired the Beatles and....the Beatles inspired Dylan. Personally, I think that was a match made in heaven. Without that combination, we never get Like a Rolling Stone...AND we never get Nowhere Man. The Beatles! Bob Dylan! The two greatest forces in rock music history.
Bob Dylan was 23 when he wrote this masterpiece. This blows my mind.
Your mind is blowin' in the wind.
Look up Rimbaud
Sold his soul for this
But he was so much older then, he's younger than that now
@@robincarter6537 i think you miswrote that, your sentence doesnt make sense please rephrase it.
After eight years of playing this song, and knowing all fifteen verses and five refrains, I've never wavered from calling it the single best song of all time.
Same boat as you bro…
Best song of the 20th century and just as relevant today.
I play this to friends and sometimes in bars and hardly anyone knows it, but they’re stunned.
I’m stunned every time I hear it.
His greatest lyrics. Each line is a knockout punch. A revelation, Life 101.
Same. I honestly have believed that for about all of my adult life. The older I get the more true it is.
I am still overwhelmed by these lyrics. So relevant to the calamities of our time.
Bob quoted this in that 60minutes interview when asked if he could still do it? He didnt hide his contempt for the question. He said, "Could you do it?" Meaning "No" but he didnt want to admit that that time uad passed. He was illustrating that you have to prepeare yourself to recieve it but when it passes its gone. Thats the lesson from Bob, Prepare yourself to recieve the devine inspiration while your young because it will be too late if you dont. Then we all loose out
I feel what he meant was that this song is too obvious , too angry and too young
Now he encodes the narrative less obviously
I mean that first verse is so obvious I bet he wishes ne wrote it
His lyric writing is ridiculously good, it makes you smile and laugh because it’s just that unbelievably poetic.
Brilliant, haunting and timeless...gives me goosebumps.
That fact he wrote this when he was 23 is utterly mind blowing. I was basically barely a functioning human being at 23 yet he was writing transcendent poetry that usually would take a lifetime of work to achieve. Unbelievable.
He sold us soul. He said it was magically written and he couldn’t write something like this again even if he tried.
@@jakedandrea1245you fucking believe that supernatural shit??
@@jakedandrea1245I’ve literally just watched the short interview of him saying that 👍
Not really unbelievable...his muse was his Father Lord Satan. He said so himself.
Look wat the average 23 year old writes these days ..I'm not impressed
A guitar, harmonica, microphone, and a voice that would be laughed at if he were to try out for American Idol or The Voice.
Yet...... that voice, guitar and harmonica have infinitely more power than anything in music today. Nothing today can compare to the raw brilliance of this performance.
It's stunning on so many levels and when you put it up against today's soulless crap, the contrast slaps you in the face.
and today we have Taylor swift ... nothing against Taylor Swift ... but seriously ...
I think I might’ve finally summed it up in a different comment a while back.
Music in general (1962-1979) was translated from the heart to the instruments and performance.
Today the aim is translating from the “music” to the $millions$.
So obviously the “music” today (and the past 25 years at least since the grunge scene faded) is as cheap and disposable and recyclable as a bag of plastic cutlery, a package of Solo plastic cups and a stack of paper plates.
True musical icons, world class musicians and amazing songwriters have all officially gone extinct.
@@checkeredpast5539 she is manufactured, don't forget. A more successful guise like the Sex Pistols. Or is it ruse...? She's savvy though, got to hand it to her.
@@ezsmith3765 I think hip hop had a golden age. Most of the genres did. Think country. No way Willie, Kris, Tammy, Loretta, Johnny, Wayne, Merle or Patsy would make it today. All 'Art" has been bought/sold/ fill in the blank.
Movies, books too I reckon. I'm reading older things so can't rightly speak on the literature side. But, most musical genres have seen better days. We don't get exposed to the good stuff until...
I'm a brit. We had the beatles the stones, led zeppelin and many more. Believe me when i tell you that this man is the best songwriter of all time and i not ashamed to admit it. with ray davies being a close second.
How could he remember all those lyrics, let alone write them. Astounding artist.
He's an incredibly, intelligent man 👍
He meant it.
Once in a generation, if that...
I heard the he only missed a word only once in his whole career. Amazing for everything he's done. The way he sings these songs are so powerful.
@@safiramusica there's a clip somewhere of him accidentally using the wrong key harmonica on stage, kind of disastrous mistake, I dont think most people know a harp has to be the right key for the song or it cant be used.
Nobel-prize well deserved.
bob spittin bars doper than 96% of contemporary rappers
People would be surprised at how much actual good music is out there, that is if you don't just follow the rest of the cattle
🤣
Naw. 100%
i see nothing but facts, this is mind fucking
@@nugsymalone1247 it's still sad that you have to look and find good music today,
It should find the listener meaning it should be promoted and played regularly on TV and radio, back in bob Dylan time it was that's the difference
An important and incredible song. You can listen to this and understand why Dylan got a Nobel prize for literature. Word Imagery is beyond anything ever written.
Every time I listen to this song I just repeat in awe "Gargles in the rat race choir" in absolute disbelief at how great of a line that is.
@@smon4164 It's magic. I've seen Dylan in interviews in his 60s acknowledge this as such. "I can't do that anymore". Imagine remembering you did this and knowing you can't do it again.
@@xs-1b415 lol I'm like Dylan then, because there's a lot I cannot do now that I could when I was 23
@@nicktuso4985 fair point 😆
I remember sitting in a trench overnight on an army FTX in the early 80s listening to this on my little pocket cassette player. The whole Russian army could have walked past and I wouldn't have noticed, you just lose yourself listening to Dylan.
My life changed in many ways after I Listened Bring It All Back Home. I was about 16 years old, and I felt I could have a way on my own, not my parent's way. I'm now 70 years old, I have kids, and grand kids, and life has been hard but beautiful, I play my Martin HD 28, every day. Thank you Bob Dylan.From France, with love.
I can only imagine hearing this in youth... As an adult it has been profound. Hopefully that feeling is timeless.
This is not just music. It’s an important political, societal statement of our times. But the cutting lyrics go immediately to the heart of the matter. I’m 80 now and have been listening and absorbing his art for many years. So insightful and deep.
All in a voice that came from you and me.
I would think the lives of a whole generation changed after listening to this
I just listened to it for the first time today, at 16 years old and I feel the same as you must've
The greatest song ever written.
Sophie Hunger does a good version as well.
@@christopheryounggnomery3761 Nobody can pull this one off but Bob.
Agreed
yea
@@monirah8611 YES
These lyrics are so extremely potent and timeless.
- Legendary
- World Class
- Magical
- Haunting
- Mysterious
- Groundbreaking
- Chill causing
I’m suspicious about the real true source of such powerful poetry. Were these words born from Dylans own thoughts or were they delivered to him somehow in connection with the “bargain” that Dylan himself has mentioned before and claimed to have been involved in a certain transaction that his younger self pursued and took part in?? So dark and mysterious.
"You lose yourself, you reappear
You suddenly find you got nothing to fear
Alone you stand with nobody near
When a trembling distant voice, unclear
Startles your sleeping ears to hear
That somebody thinks they really found you"
To me this is the quintessential Awakening described in all philosophies across time. 🙏
🤯
These lyrics are so extremely potent and timeless.
- Legendary
- World Class
- Magical
- Haunting
- Mysterious
- Groundbreaking
- Chill causing
I’m suspicious about the real true source of such powerful poetry. Were these words born from Dylans own thoughts or were they delivered to him somehow in connection with the “bargain” that Dylan himself has mentioned before and claimed to have been involved in a certain transaction that his younger self pursued and took part in?? So dark and mysterious.
Stone cold genius. Bob at the top of his acoustic game; powerful and relentless.
I'm 23 and I can completely understand what bob dylan is portraying and i can relate. My favorite music is rap but i also love old rock and i can listen to bob dylan every day .He is a legend and I wish more people today put this much feeling into making music . I can feel his feelings when he sings and I can't think of any other music artist I can say that about. It blows my mind that with all that was going on, bob dylan RISKED HIS LIFE to create music filled with truth about society, about freedom and justice, equal rights, and I cant help but appreciate such a person . How does it feel?
This was in 1963 or 1964..He has been stolen from..
Do you know of any rap songs that have similar levels of poetry and social commentary? As you said, no one else can quite do the same thing that Bob Dylan did, but rap is a genre that I simultaneously respect but don't know much about, and I'd like to change that
Coming here because of a reel. I’m 24,
love rap too, and I can easily see how anyone who likes rap will appreciate this song; not through open mindedness though, for their love of music solely. Poetry of this kind comes from a place of grace, some sort of god whatever that may be, but you can’t convince me otherwise.
You can also "feel the artist's feelings" in people like Elvis and Lennon and many others. But who writes like Dylan? No one. He's the best, and yes, his voice is rich and resonant, always, in authentic feeling.
This is a rap song. So is "Subterranean Homesick Blues."
I'm an old Boomer and the sensitivity to injustice and commitment to do something about it I see in your generation reminds me of mine.
I am supremely confident Gen Z will make tremendous strides making the world a better place.
You will save the planet.
When you are old and look back, you will be amazed at the great strides your generation will take.
Don't ever give up the fight.
Dont know who this timothy fellow is, but he clearly knows a good song when he hears one.
timothée chalamet!! he has a new movie called dune 😁
You are listening to the original rap music. The man defines talent.
how he remembers the words perfectly, will always amaze me
That s talent man .
Much better memory for lyrics than Bobby Weir haha
I can't imagine being able to remember all that. Can you imagine Biden even remembering one line?
@Jeff Horsager
Me too!
You do he wrote it right??
This song is a gem. Gets me all the time.
I'm here bc Dylan is Brilliant.
Timeless
"It's only people's games that you got to dodge" The truth will set you free.
god damn, he's rapping in the mid '60's!... and its great!
TIMMY
Libala!
who?
What?!?
His harp on this one cuts like a fucking knife. Beautiful.
It does! He uses it like a weapon in this song.
To think deaths honesty won’t fall upon you naturally. Brilliant lyrics. He who isn’t busy being born is busy dying. Incredible!!!!
I'm 36 (born in 1986) and this blows my mind. I can't even imagine being 18 years old and seeing this.
I really like Bob Dylan's guitar picking on this one.
Lyrics:probably Darkness at the break of noon
Shadows even the silver spoon
The handmade blade, the child's balloon
Eclipses both the sun and moon
To understand you know too soon, there is no sense in trying
Pointed threats, they bluff with scorn
Suicide remarks are torn
From the fool's gold mouthpiece the hollow horn
Plays wasted words proves to warn
That he not busy being born is busy dying
Temptation's page flies out the door
You follow, find yourself at war
Watch waterfalls of pity roar
You feel to moan but unlike before
You discover that you'd just be one more person crying
So don't fear if you hear
A foreign sound to your ear
It's alright, Ma, I'm only sighing
As some warn victory, some downfall
Private reasons great or small
Can be seen in the eyes of those that call
To make all that should be killed to crawl
While others say don't hate nothing at all, except hatred
Disillusioned words like bullets bark
As human gods aim for their mark
Made everything from toy guns that spark
To flesh-colored Christs that glow in the dark
It's easy to see without looking too far that not much is really sacred
Our preachers preach of evil fates
Teachers teach that knowledge waits
Can lead to hundred-dollar plates
Goodness hides behind its gates
But even the President of the United States
Sometimes must have to stand naked
An' all the rules of the road have been lodged
It's only people's games that you got to dodge
And it's alright, Ma, I can make it
Advertising signs that con you
Into thinking you're the one
That can do what's never been done
That can win what's never been won
Meantime life outside goes on all around you
You lose yourself, you reappear
You suddenly find you got nothing to fear
Alone you stand with nobody near
When a trembling distant voice, unclear
Startles your sleeping ears to hear
That somebody thinks they really found you
A question in your nerves is lit
Yet you know there is no answer fit
To satisfy insure you not to quit
To keep it in your mind and not forget
That it is not he or she or them or it that you belong to
Although the masters make the rules
For the wise men and the fools
I got nothing, Ma, to live up to
For them that must obey authority
That they do not respect in any degree
Who despise their jobs, their destinies
Speak jealously of them that are free
Do what they do just to be
Nothing more than something they invest in
While some on principles baptized
To strict party platform ties
Social clubs in drag disguise
Outsiders they can freely criticize
Tell nothing except who to idolize and say, "God bless him"
While one who sings with his tongue on fire
Gargles in the rat race choir
Bent out of shape from society's pliers
Cares not to come up any higher
But rather get you down in the hole that he's in
But I mean no harm nor put fault
On anyone that lives in a vault
But it's alright, Ma, if I can't please him
Old lady judges watch people in pairs
Limited in sex, they dare
To push fake morals, insult and stare
While money doesn't talk, it swears
Obscenity, who really cares propaganda, all is phony
While them that defend what they cannot see
With a killer's pride, security
It blows the minds most bitterly
For them that think death's honesty
Won't fall upon them naturally
Life sometimes must get lonely
My eyes collide head-on with stuffed graveyards
False goals, I scuff at pettiness which plays so rough
Walk upside-down inside handcuffs
Kick my legs to crash it off
Say, "Okay, I have had enough, what else can you show me?"
And if my thought dreams could be seen
They'd probably put my head in a guillotine
But it's alright, Ma, it's life, and life only. I’m not sure if these are the lyrics he Sings in the video cause it’s a live performance. But they are also in the subtitles.
For: "Our preachers preach of evil fates"
I prefer: As preachers preach of evil fates
For: "An' all the rules of the road have been lodged"
I prefer: An' though the rules of the road have been lodged
For: "Tell nothing except who to idolize and say, "God bless him"
I prefer:
Tell nothing to you except who to idolize and say "God bless him"
Olga read this
The greatest songwriter on the planet
In the universe
Agree 100%.
Happy 80th birthday to the most prolific songwriter who ever lived.
NOT MOST OF THE COMMENTS BEING TIMMY SENT US HERE
Who's tim?
@@jasonsenator6144 i was gonna say "it's been 3 years i don't remember." but looking through the comments it's Timothée Chalamet. i think this is his fav song or whatever. Timothée is gonna be the lead in a new bob dylan biopic i think.
@@kaylaa572 I'll check him out 😎
No mortal person could write this song.
Precisely
language flows like energy if used correctly.
@Martin Luther Satan is within each mans heart. Not some external being.
Look at his 60 minutes interview and he says it clear as day, there's no way anybody could write this without a certain kind of magic being involved. "And not in the Sigfried and Roy sense" he said.
Music was Satan's specialty, let's not forget that. And the TRUE artists who tapped into that were able to write the most immortal pieces ever heard. Today's artists though....forget it ..they just tap into it for the fame.
@Martin Luther Amen. And theyre doing way too good a job at it.
The first time I heard Dylan sing, I thought, " he's a genius! He makes money doing that".
Then I listened.
Well, I'm just glad the Master is getting introduced to a new generation! This is why you don't take this down, Sony Music!
I love when I come across Dylan singing his own song where the words are foremost.
He was a poet, maybe more than a musician.
Hello Dona,
Thanks for your love, and support all through this times, it's been a wonderful feeling performing for my fans around the world. Though I rarely comment here on my RUclips pages, I was attracted by the emotions in your comment. I'll like we get along and keep in touch, if it's okay by you. Where are you streaming from?
Came here to see a great Dylan Classic.
Thanks, it could always be worse. Imagine a universe where this video isn't in my pocket at all times.
I'm here because of Timothée's tweet
Me too
Omggg same
Yessss me too
Me too
me too
I can’t remember 4 lines in a song but bob to remember all that ,so talented and a legend.
Just found this song from watching a RUclips short... Can't believe it's not more played on the radio. Just the same, I'm glad it came to Me today 🖤🔥
This is so great that I'm stunned, speechless, I can't say anything.
Actually you’ve got 12 words to say
Right? I feel like that's the only possible response to this song the first time you hear it (if you listen well)!
It’s astounding what words and themes you can piece together when the song is “magically written” (Bob’s words) with the help of the “chief commander”.
The top songwriters of all time have punched that clock with a nod to Lucifer as their co-writer.
He didn;t say the word "Lucifer" or "Satan" You know EXACTLY what he said "Chief Commander in this world and worlds we can;t see". Prove to me the Chief Commander is Satan. It could be God it could be a Higher Cosciousness and it COULD be Satan but NOT necessarily.
America's greatest poet.
My first Dylan shows in 1987.. been a Dylan freak ever since! I probably learned how to play this song guitar before Timothy was born.😅
timothee's tweet anyone
I’m here because in two days from now I’ll turn 37 and this is a great song to farewell my last Friday at 36.
Another 36 year old here, cheers! Is this a midlife crisis? Lol
Deserves some kind of award for remembering all the words
The inherent truth in this song is beautiful. Speaks to each and every one of us. If you just look at the words alone and separate, they don’t make sense. But, once Bob Dylan speaks them, the part of us that is the same in all of us immediately understands. It resonates with our true nature. Powerful. Honest. Who of our generation has this spark of spirit still alive? I know I do.
The lyrics make total sense as they did when we heard it back then during the heat of the cold war, the end of the Korean War, and the beginning of the Vietnam War (Cambodia,) exploding American consumerism, and government corruption. But very perceptive observation about the lack of "spark of spirit" today. It was a unique time back then as the youth were engaged for the right reasons - we didn't want to be drafted and sent off to another war. Some of what we did was stupid, but much was the correct response, especially in the use of art to convey the message. Today, there is little originality in art; it's mainly about commercialism, misinformation, cancellation, and misunderstanding the real nature of the beast, which is exactly what Dylan wrote about back in 1964.
@@rabukan5842 'Youth' as you call it is engage for all the right reasons right now - it's ironic that this generation and the (so called) OK Boomers are the generations with the most in common - both engaged and desperately aiming for a better future. Both questioning and protesting. For all the right reasons. It's the dropkicks inbetween (such as myself) that let 'em all (from both ends) down.
@@andrewholliday251 I don't call it "Youth." They are "Youth," because they are young, like I once was. But I've been through both times, and we were so much more engaged back then (Granted, I have an advantage because I was there.) I agree that a percentage of "youth" today are protesting, but not like we did when our lives were on the immediate line - the Vietnam War, when we knew by the daily body counts on TV that we were being lied to. We were quite focused, and much was led by the music and musicians like Dylan. What are "Youths" fighting for today? A better future? Then they should fight to change the system at the roots (which we tried to do and failed.) In truth, Rap is similar to rock in that regard. And Dylan was writing songs about blood in the streets, like many Rappers do. But rockers didn't shoot each other. They just played guitar and sang songs of liberation. But they didn't really know how to pull it off, because they were too young, and then they grew up, and became the system.
@@rabukan5842 I would say that the attacks on the "system" being made by the young today are similar to those in the 60s. Certainly there are differences, but the ideological poison being spread today has similar roots to what was happening back then. Remember when the leadership of the SDS, the most prominent national protest organization on the campuses, was taken over by self-proclaimed Maoists?
first time EVER consciously listening to Bob Dylan and what a song to discover him on. what he's saying is crazy
Crazy good and penetrating...ageless
Like Coltrane with lyrics: just spewing. Great line after great line. His cadence. Wow! And great performance! Captivating!
Amazing words from one so young then. He was so much older then.
He's younger than that now.
The greatest solo artist ever.x
This is a greater piece of literature than music... and it's a great piece of music.
when you think about the time this song were performed, it leaves a strong message
I can't imagine being 18 and hearing this.
It nudged rock and roll out of the do-wop phase
You can totally tell he channeled all this 👀 spooky. It’s incredible
O M G....words from the skin, elements of bliss
By fair the greatest song writer to ever live.
Happy 80th Birthday Bob Dylan . Still listen to this great song in 2021 . The greatest lyric ever .... "money doesn't talk it swears" .
Or
Propaganda, all is phony
He that isn’t busy being born is busy dying. Where did he come up with that imagery, contexts, symbolism. Magical.
1969 isle of Wight my first gig aged 15 to see Dylan. No contest
Hi people from Timmy's tweet
Hey!!
Hi
The first rap/hip hop song ever written - and by far the best.
If you think that's rap/hip hop, then I think you'll find Chuck Berry got there first....try Too Much Monkey Business or any one of possibly hundreds...
@@andrewholliday251 Grew up with Chuck. Love him, but he's pure Rock and Roll, not rap/hip hop, and not the same kind of poetry that Dylan wrote (and I don't consider rap to be poetry, or music. Rap is rap.) I stand by my words, and would never say anything negative about Chuck Berry, who was one the first real Rock and Rollers along with Little Richard...
I could probably listen to this performance 24/7
This is the origin of Rap. It’s punk rock too! Most of his songs are punk rock, unquestionable.
The greatest live performance of all time.
My Mother loves me.September 22,1926,I miss her.Bless all Moms.Its allright Mom I'm still trying.
Who is here because of timothee
Meeeee
Me me me🙋🏻♀️
Me
Me ofc
Ahahahaha everyone
Dylan was the first rapper. The flow of words that are always made to be listened to again and again.
Bob's straight shot at the downfalls of modern society. Still holds sway. Brilliant performance.
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if there were a Nobel Prize category for songs this would be the first winner.
Has to be the greatest lyrical song ever written.
Dylan is The Premier Piss on Amerikka Artist of all time.
POS Country and he exposed it before many were ready for it.
If you can play this song without a stutter then you are great. Now imagine you being the songwriter
I can do the first bit…
Hij was volgens mij 24 jaar toen hij dit nummer schreef!! Briljant!!!!❤
definition of masterpiece...
this is one of the greatest songs ever written. it never gets old but id give up so much just to hear this for the first time again
Yep, weeped when I first heard it. Any idea on the date and location by the way?
@@TwiddleJones its from 1965 but i cant find the exact info sorry
@@moonxliqht Cheers, by the way it’s the, not one of 😉
You realize why they destroyed the comment section on this song? Well if you listen to the words you may realize how deep this song is and who it's directed toward. Taking that in mind, it seems obvious why they don't want anyone having a real deep genuine conversations on this subject.
This song is about enlightened and the world of illusion. What are you thinking? BTW, I have no clue who the %$## Timothee is...🤣
Exactly
Came here after watching the 60 minutes interview and I must say this song is magical ❤️🔥
ok Timmy, i’ll watch
The absolute best song ever written, bar none.
Agreed
Greatest song ever written !!!
I’m here because the good Lord wants me too ☺️ Amen 🙏🏼 , love y’all
Thanks!
Darkness at the break of noon
Shadows even the silver spoon
The handmade blade, the child's balloon
Eclipses both the sun and moon
To understand you know too soon
There is no sense in trying
Pointed threats, they bluff with scorn
Suicide remarks are torn
From the fool's gold mouthpiece
The hollow horn plays wasted words
Proves to warn that he not busy being born
Is busy dying
Temptation's page flies out the door
You follow, find yourself at war
Watch waterfalls of pity roar
You feel to moan but unlike before
You discover that you'd just be
One more person crying
So don't fear if you hear
A foreign sound to your ear
It's alright, Ma, I'm only sighing
As some warn victory, some downfall
Private reasons great or small
Can be seen in the eyes of those that call
To make all that should be killed to crawl
While others say don't hate nothing at all
Except hatred
Disillusioned words like bullets bark
As human gods aim for their mark
Made everything from toy guns that spark
To flesh-colored Christs that glow in the dark
It's easy to see without looking too far
That not much is really sacred
While preachers preach of evil fates
Teachers teach that knowledge waits
Can lead to hundred-dollar plates
Goodness hides behind its gates
But even the president of the United States
Sometimes must have to stand naked
An' though the rules of the road have been lodged
It's only people's games that you got to dodge
And it's alright, Ma, I can make it
Advertising signs that con you
Into thinking you're the one
That can do what's never been done
That can win what's never been won
Meantime life outside goes on
All around you
You lose yourself, you reappear
You suddenly find you got nothing to fear
Alone you stand with nobody near
When a trembling distant voice, unclear
Startles your sleeping ears to hear
That somebody thinks they really found you
A question in your nerves is lit
Yet you know there is no answer fit to satisfy
Insure you not to quit
To keep it in your mind and not fergit
That it is not he or she or them or it
That you belong to
Although the masters make the rules
For the wise men and the fools
I got nothing, Ma, to live up to
For them that must obey authority
That they do not respect in any degree
Who despise their jobs, their destinies
Speak jealously of them that are free
Do what they do just to be nothing more than something they invest in
While some on principles baptized
To strict party platform ties
Social clubs in drag disguise
Outsiders they can freely criticize
Tell nothing except who to idolize
And then say God bless him
While one who sings with his tongue on fire
Gargles in the rat race choir
Bent out of shape from society's pliers
Cares not to come up any higher
But rather get you down in the hole that he's in
But I mean no harm nor put fault
On anyone that lives in a vault
But it's alright, Ma, if I can't please him
Old lady judges watch people in pairs
Limited in sex, they dare
To push fake morals, insult and stare
While money doesn't talk, it swears
Obscenity, who really cares
Propaganda, all is phony
While them that defend what they cannot see
With a killer's pride, security
It blows the minds most bitterly
For them that think death's honesty
Won't fall upon them naturally
Life sometimes must get lonely
My eyes collide head-on with stuffed graveyards
False gods, I scuff
At pettiness which plays so rough
Walk upside-down inside handcuffs
Kick my legs to crash it off
Say okay, I have had enough
What else can you show me
And if my thought-dreams could be seen
They'd probably put my head in a guillotine
But it's alright, Ma, it's life, and life only
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Bob Dylan
This "song" is a message! Bob was the antenna that channelled those words for sure but the message came thru him not from him. My understanding of these so called lyrics has greatly changed since my awakening began.
What does the song mean?
A good song is where you don't hear a word but you become instantly transported.
"A question in your nerves is lite, yet you know there is no answer fit, to satisfy, insure your not to quite, to keep it in your mind and not forget, that it is not he or she or them or it that you belong to."
I SWEAR IF TIMMY ISNT LOOKING AT THE COMMENTS 😾
BILLIONS BROUGHT ME HERE, SINCE 2021 its 2024
Greatest song ever written
lve seen him twice. sat amazed cause l knew l was seeing a legend . he doesnt talk .he just does.
2021. My head's in a guiutinee! Its all right Ma, I'm only bleeding. Truth to words, words to truth.
Dylan… a friggin legend in his own time…. Man, this shit brings back memories…
No idea who timothee is but thanks for posting this, one of my favorite Dylan songs.
The song that remains in my head all the time. Genius.
oh lord timothee chalamet stans💙 youre here now
yeah and what about it😌💅✨
@@lilamattson213 King👑
what did you expect💅
His best song? Probably! (And there are so many of them!) Takes your breath away! Beyond 'genius'!
Timothee?
Then and now, Bob expresses what we experience, now and deep inside us😂
a real masterpiece !!!!!
Hello Maria,
How are you doing? It's a pleasure meeting you here today.