Bob Dylan Literally sings about life. Who we are and more importantly why we are. He doesn't miss a beat he covers who we are from life to death. This is one serious man. His observations reflect his soul and his observing never stops.. What an interesting man he would be to talk with. There is no BS in this man. It's why I've been listening to what he thinks from the beginning, including why he thinks there is "no time to think'. He is the worlds 20/21 century leading poet, coupled with an observant mind that never stops. Thanks for your review Jeff. You give an indepth listeners analysis worthy of his indepth analytical writing. Great topic. Go Well.
So true, Pamela, so true! Great comment. No BS, indeed. He appeared to the world fully formed it seems. No doubt in my mind the greatest poet of his time, indeed. Thanks for your great comment and kind support. Cheers! Jeff
I agree 100%. Dylan goes "way deep", as Joan Baez has said. People either get it...or they don't. If they do get it, then they'll want to hear pretty much everything he's ever recorded, and that well never runs dry. Leonard Cohen is a lot like that too.
He's also a thief, clown and prankster, and writes from the profound to the mundane: Roses are red violets are blue And time is beginning to crawl I just might have to come to see you Where teardrops fall. So I would say it is mostly the latter, but largely because I appreciate the former.
I have not listened to this song for a long time and nice to come back to I think Dylan wrapped this song in cheerful music to soften the harsh lyrics The song is definitely powerful and deep I love it Thank you so much for your time and work .. jeff
Hey Jeff, I am stunned and I'll tell you why. I've always loved this song and felt a personal recognition of myself through the lyrics. Long story short,,at the age of 33 I ran a brokerage office, was married to a beautiful woman with a teenage son and life felt disconcertingly too smooth and good. The year was 1997. Within a 6 month period, I lost my Mother, Father, oldest Brother, an older sister and my wife's teenage son died of a Fentanyl overdose on Thanksgiving day in his bedroom. This song started to take on a different meaning for me. My life had gone from being more successful than I felt I deserved to something else completely. After some stupid things that I had done I ended up in the care of a therapist who diagnosed me with acute clinical depression ( I read The book of Job over and over). I was told that odds are that I'll have it the rest of my life but medication and therapy would help with some recovery. Since then, I re-married, had 4 daughters, sold everything and moved to Central, SC (Pop. 2000). I'm stunned because you nailed the song, myself and the thread between the two. Me as the walking dead looking into a mirror. Anyway, this was always a very important song (along with Harrison's "Beware of Darkness") in recognizing the approach of debilitating depression and heading it off at the pass. And don't even get me started on "Not Dark Yet".
Wow Tony, what a comment. I read it three times just now. It certainly makes sense that you’d identify SO much with this song on a powerfully personal level. I am sorry you went through so much pain. Wow what a connection you must have with so much of Dylan’s music. He resonates with a so many people. Thanks for your comment although it must have been painful to write it. Jeff
@@calicosilver the Same thing happened to me with Like a Rolling Stone when I realized..Damn, I'm the one with no direction home. I actually couldn't listen to it for about 10 yrs.
@@calicosilver Dylan's music have always played an integral part as a kind of soundtrack to what is going on in my life (both happy or sad). I have a 22yr old nephew that I've been close to since he he was 3. So he grew up with constantly hearing Dylan when we were hanging out. Oddly enough, he met a girl from Ukraine while playing on his Playstation. So three years ago, he asked me if he thought that he should take the leap and fly to Kiev to meet her. I encouraged him and said that there is no better reason for adventure than to meet a pretty girl. He flew out there and stayed. As you can imagine, I'm worried sick about him but we are able to text everyday. He told me yesterday that he's been listening to A Hard Rains a Gonna Fall over and over. I can't think of a more appropriate song for what is going on in in Ukraine right now.
@@Slothrop67 You obviously paid more attention to Dylan’s lyrics early on then I did because I did not pay attention to his lyrics until later on. So to be honest, I never grasped the depth of his brilliance until I was older.
Street Legal is along with Blood on The Tracks my favourite Dylan albums - I bought them the week they came out and have loved them ever since . Wonderful imagery and stunning musically
Same here, Jim. Bought them when they came out. But while I instantly loved BOTT, it took quite a few listens to SL to get over my initial dislike of the flashy performance style with sax and backing vocals, etc., but I eventually came to love it every bit as much as I love BOTT. The lyrics on both albums are stunning. Thanks for your comment as always. Cheers. Jeff
Most assuredly one of Dylan's more underappreciated songs, I agree. I've always liked this song, even back when the album came out and I didn't like the album initially in 1978 due to its slick production and arrangements at the time. Even back then, I liked this song and knew it was a great lyric. Of course now I love the whole album and think it is amazing. But I've met many who dislike this song, and I can only assume it is because of the music element, because the lyrics are marvelous. Thanks for your comment, Ethan! Cheers. Jeff
I wrote about this song in my blog and I was searching for something resembling your video when I searched about it. How you unpack this is excellent. I wish I had your breakdown at my fingertips when I wrote it.
Thanks, Matthew. I've always enjoyed poetry and interpretation of poems, so it makes sense that I would enjoy doing likewise with Dylan's lyrics. Of course, I am probably completely wrong about what these songs meant to Dylan, but it is still fun to interpret them.....and re-interpret them when opinions change over time, haha!
i love when you do these lyric reviews jeff...so intelligent and thoughtful...how can you not love a line like 'murder your own vanity'...pure dylan....maybe next tie you can do 'scarlet town'...stay well my friend...rocky
Hi Rocky. I embedded a very detailed review of Scarlet Town in my review of the Tempest album. I related it to the Book Of Lamentations in the Bible. There are a lot of similarities there. But yes, such a masterpiece of a song deserves its own video for sure. Thanks for your encouraging comments. Jeff
@@calicosilver hey jeff...i do remember your brilliant assessment of the 'tempest' album...and your take on 'scarlet town'....it's just such a good piece that it can go so deep....and your the guy who can do it justice.....i hope you and your wife are o.k....keep up the brilliance...peace...rocky
Great review jeff, I have pondered this song a lot, great interpretation of an individual living a dead and meaningless life and being corroded over time. Never being able to connect with anyone. Hope you enjoy the show jeff, looking forward to seeing him in Ireland.
Another great review Jeff. Yes Street Legal contains a powerful message of yet more change. I think Bob uses human metaphor, biblical illusions and possibly his own personal experiences in order to connect the listener. We all know about vices and virtues and the possibility that we're living a lie. As you said in 'Like A Rolling Stone', "how does it feel to be on your own". Perhaps Bob is suggesting that we can only break through the superficial at the end of our own thinking and completely alone.
EXCELLENT comment, Alan!! Yes I feel so inspired and liberated by listening to and thinking about Dylan’s lyrics, for the very reasons you so excellently offer here. Spot on! Thanks again. Jeff
Great analysis, Jeff. I think the lyrics on Street-Legal often get overlooked, so it is refreshing to hear such a deep dive into one of the songs. And a song that's regarded as perhaps a weaker one at that. I haven't heard any of the 2022 shows yet, so I hope you'll do a review. I think I mentioned jandek in one of my last comments, which prompted me to check out his more recent material and write about it on my blog. So far, hardly anyone has read it. Except Jandek!
So sorry I haven't been keeping up with your blog as much as I want to, Stephen. i love your writing and your thoughts. I've had a hard time since embarking on this travelling adventure with my wife even finding time to make a video or comment on others' videos. It turns out that there are certain entities (government, financial, insurance, etc.) that are not happy when someone doesn't have a permanent address or other ways to keep their tentacles into everyone's business.....I've had to deal with a surprising number of intrusions into my life by these tyrants....including having my drivers license suspended for a completely ridiculous reason. Haha. Anyway, excuses, excuses....I will revisit your blog soon - it is excellent. Yes, the Dylan show was GREAT as always. I just make a quick video about it. Cheers! Jeff
@@calicosilver Believe me, I understand. I've had more than my fair share of dealing with ridiculous rules and regulations, and will probably have to again if I get laid-off, or retire (yeah, right) or have to go on disability, or whatever. Problems like these seem to make everything difficult. Deal with it the best you can and I hope things sort themselves out soon. All the best, Jeff.
I'm watching this video while you're probably at the concert tonight unless you backed out..lol🎸✌️. If you went I hope you had a great time brother wish I could have been there man!
Had a GREAT time, Rod. Wish you were there with me also, buddy. We would have laughed at all the typical concert-going BS, but would have enjoyed meeting other Dylan fans (always fun....and sometimes a bit weird) and just drinking in the power of Dylan's performance. I posted a "review" today. Loved it!! Jeff
@@calicosilver I'm going to go look for that review right now... I wish I could have gone but I did not get off work till 5:00 and we were slammed busy like crazy busy...lol glad you had a good time brother
"Let me think for a minute son.......yes i think it can be easily done.... i think you've done a thorough job of lyrical review here...always listened to at least a side but this album likely got played in its entirety as it is a favorite. And without my magnifying glass i usually think the subject is usually John Q or a child o f the time. No Time to Think to me just meant that Modernity (and all the side effects of such experimentation) was taking over......time to perhaps take an inward peek but...as you point out.....it's all over the place! now i need to go listen one more time ...
This will be my listening pleasure tonight! I'll be listening to original album, though the updated one sounds better. But I like this album grittier. By the way, have a great time at the concert!
Yes the remasters sound so much clearer than the original, I agree. Interesting that you prefer that original. I'm that way about certain albums too. I hear the remasters and think, "no! that is all wrong!" Haha. Yes, it was a great show last night. I wish I could travel around with Dylan (like a Deadhead) and just see him every night.
I think you did a good job with this review. This is tough song to analyze and me myself had only heard it 2 times until recently when I decided to take it to task .When he says there's no time to think itS almost like hes talking about himself and wanting to scream it. All the shit that he's seeing. 'And there's no time to think' maybe my imagination but it sounds like it's also getting louder as the songs continues
Someone requested that I try to interpret this song so I did my best.....but who knows what he really meant? I guess it doesn't matter, so long as we enjoy it. And yes, I agree he puts a lot of passion into that title line. Great song and album. Thanks!
You're a brave man, Jeff! About the only insight I might add is that Mercury is the ruling planet of Gemini, Bob's birth sign There's a lot of astrology and tarot and stuff on the albium - also, talking of Gemini, " I fought with my twin, that enemy within" on Where are You Tonight? Also, perhaps, the music that just rolls on repetitively is a mwtaphor for the sense of the being no tome to think?
Hahaha, yes I do think sometimes that I am either "brave" or stupid for daring to post any kind of analysis or commentary on material far far above my own ability to express myself. But it sure is fun, and I've learned a LOT from folks like you. Great idea you had about the repetitive nature of the song (where the sax mimics the vocal melody or vice versa) being metaphorical for the incessant thoughtless nature of the "life" presented in the lyrics. Excellent call! Thanks for sharing. Also, I am not at all in astrology so I was not aware of the Gemini and Mercury thing, but it makes great sense. Thanks! Jeff
It's among my 4 or 5 favorite albums of all time, and they're all by Bob Dylan. It's probably the one I return to most often when I play my vinyl albums. Just absolutely amazing.
Captivating tour through those lyrics Jeff, thank you. I think that entire album is worthy of analysis by you?? Please let us know how the gig went?...
Hi Mick. I did a fairly detailed review of the album a few years ago, if you want to check it out (if you haven't already), but I get what you mean - I really should eventually address each of these songs individually. They are THAT good. If I am blessed enough to still keep waking up each morning, I'll eventually get to all the great Dylan songs. Especially now that I only have just a few more Lou Reed albums to talk about, after which I don't think I have much more to say on this channel OTHER than talking about Dylan songs. Haha. Thanks as always for your great support and comments, Mick. I really appreciate it. Jeff
I really enjoyed your analysis Jeff, unfortunately, I’ve just never cared for the song, musically and melodically speaking - I do like the “Street Legal” album as a whole overall. But I remember at the time it came out, I was working with an English Lit grad student who was eight years older - and he just hated the album, he was a long time Dylan fan and he was really scathing in his comments about it. He had jumped on the Elvis Costello bandwagon at that point - I think that he mainly objected to Dylan’s “new” musical presentation at the time. I think that “No Time To Think” is probably a song that people who don’t like “Street Legal” would most likely single out. Enjoyed the video as usual..
I had a HARD time with this album when it came out, but it was primarily the new production/arrangement thing, musically. Couldn't stand the saxes and backing vocals, etc.. And the album itself sounded flat (the original release). But I listened to it over and over, and focused on the (IMO) GREAT lyrics on the album and it eventually sunk in. Marvelous album with marvelous lyrics....very powerfully expressing his need for a big change. I know that many listeners have a problem with the almost water-torture-like repetitive melody of No Time To Think, but another commenter astutely suggested that perhaps this was intentional, as a metaphor of the repetitive nature of the poorly-lived-life expressed in the lyrics...."no time to think", indeed.....haha. Thanks as always for your great comment, Thomas. I always appreciate your input. Cheers! Jeff
@@calicosilver i love , no time to think , is among my very fave songs , with changing of the guards, and we better talk this over , i love the whole album, [my very fave album, i always go to first , [i love the music too, on no time to think , as well as the backing vocals, saxes, big band , love the whole album since getting on release
@@stanedwards3731 I find there to be an unique depth to this album so that it rewards decades of re-listenings, both lyrically and musically. I think I will listen to again right now, prompted by your comment. Thanks!
I do not know whether bob dylan is telling us to take some time to think or not to think at all. Anyway as I see it myself, this song is a kind of a dream which turns out to be a complete nightmare to anyone if us. Each time I listen to this song I give it a different meaning. And all these meanings have one common link, a complete loss between life and death, no salvation, no expectations anytime,anyplace, anywhere.
Yes I agree - I hear more in this song every time I hear it. That is what great poetry is all about. I like your idea of a "complete loss between life and death"....great stuff. Cheers. Jeff
Dylan best in triple sonets (Where's third lines rhymes with sixth) That gives more colourful texture It could be interpretation of state of Israel Very good analysis thanks
I have always seen the song as Dylan narrating the story of a man on the brink of murdering his wife; much of the narrative is second person, as if addressing the reasons to her as to why he is resolved to end it violently. It’s in a stream of consciousness, as if everything is unfolding at that moment. This guy is damning the woman for her infidelity but he himself is also guilty of the same. It seems as if he’s already been to prison for violently assaulting his wife’s paramour: “Fools making laws for the breaking of jaws/And the sound of the keys as they clink/But there’s no time to think.” But the violence towards the rival isn’t enough. His conscience is troubled but he can’t let it go and experience renewal. He talks about being betrayed by a kiss, an obvious reference to Judas, especially following on from the pieces of change metaphor. His head is pounding, hence we are continually being told “there’s no time to think” though ironically, now would be the time to stop and think. Here he’s eyeing his wife up, with the thought of murder: “You glance through the mirror and there’s eyes staring clear/At the back of your head as you drink/And there’s no time to think.” The man is double-minded, as is shown by numerous scriptural allusions. He wants salvation but his inability to forgive traps him, though we are left unsure of the outcome, with no indication that the deed is was finally done. This is just my interpretation; I know that there are numerous ways of interpreting it, and that I could also find a different interpretation if I went through the song at a later date.
@@calicosilver You’re welcome. Yours was also good. I certainly agree with you about the hidden Biblical narratives. It’s interesting that throughout his whole career, Bob Dylan has had a strong Judaea-Christian input in his work; not just in his gospel albums, but from almost the beginning.
Right with you on all of that. The lyrics in this song are incredible, and at the same time the music becomes almost annoying after awhile (although it's also interesting...). This is one of those songs that Bob has *never* played in a live concert! And you have to wonder why? There must be something about it that he's not comfortable with. Anyway, it's a fascinating indictment of both his own life at the time....and the ruling system and forces all around him in society. He was clearly reaching a point of desperation, and he found a way out of it through his religious conversion shortly after. He could only cleanse himself by surrendering to something greater than himself, and something that was/is incorruptible. He'd tried everything else (political idealism, protest, fame, success, lovers, friends, wife, family) and come up empty. Only surrendering to God could release him. I wondered when I was in my 20's how the hell he could write the incredible lyrics he came up with. They were full of universal symbols which would say many things on many levels at the same time. I began to understand it by my 30's and even more by my 40's that he was writing (I think...) not by conscious calculation or plan, but by spontaneous intuition...and surrender...*to something greater than himself that was passing through him*. He didn't have to think about it. It just came through him powerfully and he let it. You can call that Spirit. Or "God". Or something else. Whatever you call it, it's real, and it's the source of everything we are and everything that Life (capitalized because it is utterly sacred!) is. That's how the lyrics become universal, and it is why they speak simultaneously on many levels and it's all true. And then you can use your *mind* to sort through those levels after the fact...and you might focus on some and miss others while you do that...and you might later discover a level or two you missed. It suddenly becomes clear. You simply have to *surrender*. And the ultimate surrender is to the source of ALL Life, from which we get everything. It's not easy for people to do that, because they are too proud, too insecure, too faithless in both themselves and everything else, too full of doubt, too "smart to do that", too "educated" to do that, too ashamed to do that, too proud! Foot of Pride. When that foot of pride comes down....ain't no goin' back! To genuinely surrender to Source is the one thing most people just can't...or won't do. They'd rather die. Or they're rather rule in their own little "hell", to put it symbolically. That's the old tale of the Fallen Angels. So...one amazing song there. If he'd done it with a different musical arrangement, it might be a lot better known. It certainly deserves to be heard not once, but many times. I wonder what Bob would have to say about it?
@@calicosilver - Thanks, Jeff! That means a lot to me. Say, I just came across this terrific cover of "No Time to Think", by a couple of young musicians.....check it out! ruclips.net/video/f2EJd4Raas0/видео.html
@@calicosilver - Thanks! One thing I'd like to do, Jeff. I'd like to send you a free copy of my one CD that I ever recorded. (I could have easily done 10 with all the songs I've written, but the money was a problem, so I did not.) I'd just enjoy having you hear a few of my own songs. I think I had figured out by my early 40's how to surrender to the intuition coming through and write in much the manner that Dylan does (in universal symbols), and I was greatly affected by the way he does music, so you'll hear the resemblances in how I do it. I can't match that voice, though! No one can. And I wouldn't try to. So I sang it my own way. Let me know how I can send you the CD, okay? You can reach me on Facebook and we can talk through private messages. Just look for "George Coventry" and you'll see my personal photo is of a Dachshund. I like Dachshunds a lot. 😄 For awhile I was using a famous photo that showed Dylan and Baez playing together at the March on Washington in 1963, but recently I changed it to the Dachshund photo.
Believe or no guys I predicted that Bob Dylan would win the Nobel prize in 1996.. and I told that to all my friends it was the time when I start to get addicted to his songs and music by the way am from Morocco and from tangier which he mentioned in one of his songs..if you see her say hello
Bob Dylan Literally sings about life. Who we are and more importantly why we are. He doesn't miss a beat he covers who we are from life to death. This is one serious man. His observations reflect his soul and his observing never stops.. What an interesting man he would be to talk with. There is no BS in this man. It's why I've been listening to what he thinks from the beginning, including why he thinks there is "no time to think'. He is the worlds 20/21 century leading poet, coupled with an observant mind that never stops. Thanks for your review Jeff. You give an indepth listeners analysis worthy of his indepth analytical writing. Great topic. Go Well.
So true, Pamela, so true! Great comment. No BS, indeed. He appeared to the world fully formed it seems. No doubt in my mind the greatest poet of his time, indeed. Thanks for your great comment and kind support. Cheers! Jeff
I agree 100%. Dylan goes "way deep", as Joan Baez has said. People either get it...or they don't. If they do get it, then they'll want to hear pretty much everything he's ever recorded, and that well never runs dry. Leonard Cohen is a lot like that too.
@@georgecoventry8441 Agreed.,including Leonard Cohen being alot like that too.
He's also a thief, clown and prankster, and writes from the profound to the mundane:
Roses are red violets are blue
And time is beginning to crawl
I just might have to come to see you
Where teardrops fall.
So I would say it is mostly the latter, but largely because I appreciate the former.
I have not listened to this song for a long time and nice to come back to
I think Dylan wrapped this song in cheerful music to soften the harsh lyrics
The song is definitely powerful and deep I love it
Thank you so much for your time and work .. jeff
Thanks so much, Shmuel!!
Hey Jeff,
I am stunned and I'll tell you why. I've always loved this song and felt a personal recognition of myself through the lyrics.
Long story short,,at the age of 33 I ran a brokerage office, was married to a beautiful woman with a teenage son and life felt disconcertingly too smooth and good. The year was 1997. Within a 6 month period, I lost my Mother, Father, oldest Brother, an older sister and my wife's teenage son died of a Fentanyl overdose on Thanksgiving day in his bedroom.
This song started to take on a different meaning for me. My life had gone from being more successful than I felt I deserved to something else completely. After some stupid things that I had done I ended up in the care of a therapist who diagnosed me with acute clinical depression ( I read The book of Job over and over). I was told that odds are that I'll have it the rest of my life but medication and therapy would help with some recovery.
Since then, I re-married, had 4 daughters, sold everything and moved to Central, SC (Pop. 2000).
I'm stunned because you nailed the song, myself and the thread between the two. Me as the walking dead looking into a mirror.
Anyway, this was always a very important song (along with Harrison's "Beware of Darkness") in recognizing the approach of debilitating depression and heading it off at the pass. And don't even get me started on "Not Dark Yet".
Wow Tony, what a comment. I read it three times just now. It certainly makes sense that you’d identify SO much with this song on a powerfully personal level. I am sorry you went through so much pain. Wow what a connection you must have with so much of Dylan’s music. He resonates with a so many people. Thanks for your comment although it must have been painful to write it. Jeff
@@calicosilver the Same thing happened to me with Like a Rolling Stone when I realized..Damn, I'm the one with no direction home. I actually couldn't listen to it for about 10 yrs.
@@calicosilver Dylan's music have always played an integral part as a kind of soundtrack to what is going on in my life (both happy or sad).
I have a 22yr old nephew that I've been close to since he he was 3. So he grew up with constantly hearing Dylan when we were hanging out.
Oddly enough, he met a girl from Ukraine while playing on his Playstation. So three years ago, he asked me if he thought that he should take the leap and fly to Kiev to meet her. I encouraged him and said that there is no better reason for adventure than to meet a pretty girl. He flew out there and stayed.
As you can imagine, I'm worried sick about him but we are able to text everyday. He told me yesterday that he's been listening to A Hard Rains a Gonna Fall over and over. I can't think of a more appropriate song for what is going on in in Ukraine right now.
@@Slothrop67 Oh my goodness, Tony! I hope your friend stays safe. It is terrible what is happening there!
@@Slothrop67 You obviously paid more attention to Dylan’s lyrics early on then I did because I did not pay attention to his lyrics until later on. So to be honest, I never grasped the depth of his brilliance until I was older.
Street Legal is along with Blood on The Tracks my favourite Dylan albums - I bought them the week they came out and have loved them ever since . Wonderful imagery and stunning musically
Same here, Jim. Bought them when they came out. But while I instantly loved BOTT, it took quite a few listens to SL to get over my initial dislike of the flashy performance style with sax and backing vocals, etc., but I eventually came to love it every bit as much as I love BOTT. The lyrics on both albums are stunning. Thanks for your comment as always. Cheers. Jeff
This is easily one of my favorite songs of all time. It's pure poetry, with great music!!!
Most assuredly one of Dylan's more underappreciated songs, I agree. I've always liked this song, even back when the album came out and I didn't like the album initially in 1978 due to its slick production and arrangements at the time. Even back then, I liked this song and knew it was a great lyric. Of course now I love the whole album and think it is amazing. But I've met many who dislike this song, and I can only assume it is because of the music element, because the lyrics are marvelous. Thanks for your comment, Ethan! Cheers. Jeff
@@calicosilver Thank you for the great detailed review!
I wrote about this song in my blog and I was searching for something resembling your video when I
searched about it. How you unpack this is excellent. I wish I had your breakdown at my fingertips when I wrote it.
Thanks, Matthew. I've always enjoyed poetry and interpretation of poems, so it makes sense that I would enjoy doing likewise with Dylan's lyrics. Of course, I am probably completely wrong about what these songs meant to Dylan, but it is still fun to interpret them.....and re-interpret them when opinions change over time, haha!
Great job Jeff....love your analysis. Fine song!
Thanks John!
i love when you do these lyric reviews jeff...so intelligent and thoughtful...how can you not love a line like 'murder your own vanity'...pure dylan....maybe next tie you can do 'scarlet town'...stay well my friend...rocky
Hi Rocky. I embedded a very detailed review of Scarlet Town in my review of the Tempest album. I related it to the Book Of Lamentations in the Bible. There are a lot of similarities there. But yes, such a masterpiece of a song deserves its own video for sure. Thanks for your encouraging comments. Jeff
@@calicosilver hey jeff...i do remember your brilliant assessment of the 'tempest' album...and your take on 'scarlet town'....it's just such a good piece that it can go so deep....and your the guy who can do it justice.....i hope you and your wife are o.k....keep up the brilliance...peace...rocky
Love your review of this great song!
Thanks!
Great review jeff, I have pondered this song a lot, great interpretation of an individual living a dead and meaningless life and being corroded over time. Never being able to connect with anyone. Hope you enjoy the show jeff, looking forward to seeing him in Ireland.
Thanks Gavin. I hope to post a short commentary about the show tomorrow. But I can predict it will be a very positive commentary indeed. Haha!
Another great review Jeff. Yes Street Legal contains a powerful message of yet more change. I think Bob uses human metaphor, biblical illusions and possibly his own personal experiences in order to connect the listener. We all know about vices and virtues and the possibility that we're living a lie. As you said in 'Like A Rolling Stone', "how does it feel to be on your own". Perhaps Bob is suggesting that we can only break through the superficial at the end of our own thinking and completely alone.
EXCELLENT comment, Alan!! Yes I feel so inspired and liberated by listening to and thinking about Dylan’s lyrics, for the very reasons you so excellently offer here. Spot on! Thanks again. Jeff
Great analysis, Jeff. I think the lyrics on Street-Legal often get overlooked, so it is refreshing to hear such a deep dive into one of the songs. And a song that's regarded as perhaps a weaker one at that. I haven't heard any of the 2022 shows yet, so I hope you'll do a review. I think I mentioned jandek in one of my last comments, which prompted me to check out his more recent material and write about it on my blog. So far, hardly anyone has read it. Except Jandek!
So sorry I haven't been keeping up with your blog as much as I want to, Stephen. i love your writing and your thoughts. I've had a hard time since embarking on this travelling adventure with my wife even finding time to make a video or comment on others' videos. It turns out that there are certain entities (government, financial, insurance, etc.) that are not happy when someone doesn't have a permanent address or other ways to keep their tentacles into everyone's business.....I've had to deal with a surprising number of intrusions into my life by these tyrants....including having my drivers license suspended for a completely ridiculous reason. Haha. Anyway, excuses, excuses....I will revisit your blog soon - it is excellent. Yes, the Dylan show was GREAT as always. I just make a quick video about it. Cheers! Jeff
@@calicosilver Believe me, I understand. I've had more than my fair share of dealing with ridiculous rules and regulations, and will probably have to again if I get laid-off, or retire (yeah, right) or have to go on disability, or whatever. Problems like these seem to make everything difficult. Deal with it the best you can and I hope things sort themselves out soon. All the best, Jeff.
Thanks for the sermon, I enjoyed it I love the song
NO TIME TO THINK indeed 😂
I'm watching this video while you're probably at the concert tonight unless you backed out..lol🎸✌️. If you went I hope you had a great time brother wish I could have been there man!
Had a GREAT time, Rod. Wish you were there with me also, buddy. We would have laughed at all the typical concert-going BS, but would have enjoyed meeting other Dylan fans (always fun....and sometimes a bit weird) and just drinking in the power of Dylan's performance. I posted a "review" today. Loved it!! Jeff
@@calicosilver I'm going to go look for that review right now... I wish I could have gone but I did not get off work till 5:00 and we were slammed busy like crazy busy...lol glad you had a good time brother
Thank you 🎉
"Let me think for a minute son.......yes i think it can be easily done.... i think you've done a thorough job of lyrical review here...always listened to at least a side but this album likely got played in its entirety as it is a favorite. And without my magnifying glass i usually think the subject is usually John Q or a child o f the time. No Time to Think to me just meant that Modernity (and all the side effects of such experimentation) was taking over......time to perhaps take an inward peek but...as you point out.....it's all over the place! now i need to go listen one more time ...
Ugh! Modernity! Don’t even get me started! Haha. (yeah I know I sound like Mr. Jones here….haha)
This will be my listening pleasure tonight! I'll be listening to original album, though the updated one sounds better. But I like this album grittier. By the way, have a great time at the concert!
Yes the remasters sound so much clearer than the original, I agree. Interesting that you prefer that original. I'm that way about certain albums too. I hear the remasters and think, "no! that is all wrong!" Haha. Yes, it was a great show last night. I wish I could travel around with Dylan (like a Deadhead) and just see him every night.
I think you did a good job with this review. This is tough song to analyze and me myself had only heard it 2 times until recently when I decided to take it to task .When he says there's no time to think itS almost like hes talking about himself and wanting to scream it. All the shit that he's seeing. 'And there's no time to think' maybe my imagination but it sounds like it's also getting louder as the songs continues
Someone requested that I try to interpret this song so I did my best.....but who knows what he really meant? I guess it doesn't matter, so long as we enjoy it. And yes, I agree he puts a lot of passion into that title line. Great song and album. Thanks!
You're a brave man, Jeff!
About the only insight I might add is that Mercury is the ruling planet of Gemini, Bob's birth sign
There's a lot of astrology and tarot and stuff on the albium - also, talking of Gemini, " I fought with my twin, that enemy within" on Where are You Tonight?
Also, perhaps, the music that just rolls on repetitively is a mwtaphor for the sense of the being no tome to think?
Hahaha, yes I do think sometimes that I am either "brave" or stupid for daring to post any kind of analysis or commentary on material far far above my own ability to express myself. But it sure is fun, and I've learned a LOT from folks like you. Great idea you had about the repetitive nature of the song (where the sax mimics the vocal melody or vice versa) being metaphorical for the incessant thoughtless nature of the "life" presented in the lyrics. Excellent call! Thanks for sharing. Also, I am not at all in astrology so I was not aware of the Gemini and Mercury thing, but it makes great sense. Thanks! Jeff
Street Legal is my favorite album of all time.
Player=Doctor
Fantastic album, indeed!
It's among my 4 or 5 favorite albums of all time, and they're all by Bob Dylan. It's probably the one I return to most often when I play my vinyl albums. Just absolutely amazing.
Captivating tour through those lyrics Jeff, thank you.
I think that entire album is worthy of analysis by you??
Please let us know how the gig went?...
Hi Mick. I did a fairly detailed review of the album a few years ago, if you want to check it out (if you haven't already), but I get what you mean - I really should eventually address each of these songs individually. They are THAT good. If I am blessed enough to still keep waking up each morning, I'll eventually get to all the great Dylan songs. Especially now that I only have just a few more Lou Reed albums to talk about, after which I don't think I have much more to say on this channel OTHER than talking about Dylan songs. Haha. Thanks as always for your great support and comments, Mick. I really appreciate it. Jeff
"I've seen all these decoys through a set of deep turquoise eyes, and I feel so depressed."
That line pretty much encapsulates the song, doesn’t it George?
@@calicosilver - Yep!
I really enjoyed your analysis Jeff, unfortunately, I’ve just never cared for the song, musically and melodically speaking - I do like the “Street Legal” album as a whole overall. But I remember at the time it came out, I was working with an English Lit grad student who was eight years older - and he just hated the album, he was a long time Dylan fan and he was really scathing in his comments about it. He had jumped on the Elvis Costello bandwagon at that point - I think that he mainly objected to Dylan’s “new” musical presentation at the time. I think that “No Time To Think” is probably a song that people who don’t like “Street Legal” would most likely single out. Enjoyed the video as usual..
I had a HARD time with this album when it came out, but it was primarily the new production/arrangement thing, musically. Couldn't stand the saxes and backing vocals, etc.. And the album itself sounded flat (the original release). But I listened to it over and over, and focused on the (IMO) GREAT lyrics on the album and it eventually sunk in. Marvelous album with marvelous lyrics....very powerfully expressing his need for a big change. I know that many listeners have a problem with the almost water-torture-like repetitive melody of No Time To Think, but another commenter astutely suggested that perhaps this was intentional, as a metaphor of the repetitive nature of the poorly-lived-life expressed in the lyrics...."no time to think", indeed.....haha. Thanks as always for your great comment, Thomas. I always appreciate your input. Cheers! Jeff
@@calicosilver i love , no time to think , is among my very fave songs , with changing of the guards, and we better talk this over , i love the whole album, [my very fave album, i always go to first , [i love the music too, on no time to think , as well as the backing vocals, saxes, big band , love the whole album since getting on release
@@stanedwards3731 I find there to be an unique depth to this album so that it rewards decades of re-listenings, both lyrically and musically. I think I will listen to again right now, prompted by your comment. Thanks!
I do not know whether bob dylan is telling us to take some time to think or not to think at all. Anyway as I see it myself, this song is a kind of a dream which turns out to be a complete nightmare to anyone if us. Each time I listen to this song I give it a different meaning. And all these meanings have one common link, a complete loss between life and death, no salvation, no expectations anytime,anyplace, anywhere.
Yes I agree - I hear more in this song every time I hear it. That is what great poetry is all about. I like your idea of a "complete loss between life and death"....great stuff. Cheers. Jeff
Dylan best in triple sonets
(Where's third lines rhymes with sixth)
That gives more colourful texture
It could be interpretation of state of Israel
Very good analysis thanks
Thanks!
I have always seen the song as Dylan narrating the story of a man on the brink of murdering his wife; much of the narrative is second person, as if addressing the reasons to her as to why he is resolved to end it violently.
It’s in a stream of consciousness, as if everything is unfolding at that moment. This guy is damning the woman for her infidelity but he himself is also guilty of the same. It seems as if he’s already been to prison for violently assaulting his wife’s paramour:
“Fools making laws for the breaking of jaws/And the sound of the keys as they clink/But there’s no time to think.”
But the violence towards the rival isn’t enough. His conscience is troubled but he can’t let it go and experience renewal. He talks about being betrayed by a kiss, an obvious reference to Judas, especially following on from the pieces of change metaphor.
His head is pounding, hence we are continually being told “there’s no time to think” though ironically, now would be the time to stop and think. Here he’s eyeing his wife up, with the thought of murder:
“You glance through the mirror and there’s eyes staring clear/At the back of your head as you drink/And there’s no time to think.”
The man is double-minded, as is shown by numerous scriptural allusions. He wants salvation but his inability to forgive traps him, though we are left unsure of the outcome, with no indication that the deed is was finally done.
This is just my interpretation; I know that there are numerous ways of interpreting it, and that I could also find a different interpretation if I went through the song at a later date.
Wow, that is a very unique and interesting interpretation, Oleg!! Thanks for sharing it! Jeff
@@calicosilver You’re welcome. Yours was also good.
I certainly agree with you about the hidden Biblical narratives. It’s interesting that throughout his whole career, Bob Dylan has had a strong Judaea-Christian input in his work; not just in his gospel albums, but from almost the beginning.
Right with you on all of that. The lyrics in this song are incredible, and at the same time the music becomes almost annoying after awhile (although it's also interesting...). This is one of those songs that Bob has *never* played in a live concert! And you have to wonder why? There must be something about it that he's not comfortable with. Anyway, it's a fascinating indictment of both his own life at the time....and the ruling system and forces all around him in society. He was clearly reaching a point of desperation, and he found a way out of it through his religious conversion shortly after. He could only cleanse himself by surrendering to something greater than himself, and something that was/is incorruptible. He'd tried everything else (political idealism, protest, fame, success, lovers, friends, wife, family) and come up empty. Only surrendering to God could release him.
I wondered when I was in my 20's how the hell he could write the incredible lyrics he came up with. They were full of universal symbols which would say many things on many levels at the same time. I began to understand it by my 30's and even more by my 40's that he was writing (I think...) not by conscious calculation or plan, but by spontaneous intuition...and surrender...*to something greater than himself that was passing through him*. He didn't have to think about it. It just came through him powerfully and he let it. You can call that Spirit. Or "God". Or something else. Whatever you call it, it's real, and it's the source of everything we are and everything that Life (capitalized because it is utterly sacred!) is. That's how the lyrics become universal, and it is why they speak simultaneously on many levels and it's all true. And then you can use your *mind* to sort through those levels after the fact...and you might focus on some and miss others while you do that...and you might later discover a level or two you missed. It suddenly becomes clear.
You simply have to *surrender*. And the ultimate surrender is to the source of ALL Life, from which we get everything. It's not easy for people to do that, because they are too proud, too insecure, too faithless in both themselves and everything else, too full of doubt, too "smart to do that", too "educated" to do that, too ashamed to do that, too proud! Foot of Pride. When that foot of pride comes down....ain't no goin' back! To genuinely surrender to Source is the one thing most people just can't...or won't do. They'd rather die. Or they're rather rule in their own little "hell", to put it symbolically. That's the old tale of the Fallen Angels.
So...one amazing song there. If he'd done it with a different musical arrangement, it might be a lot better known. It certainly deserves to be heard not once, but many times. I wonder what Bob would have to say about it?
You absolutely NAILED it, George, better than I could. You should have your own Dylan channel - I'd be your first subscriber. Haha!! Jeff
@@calicosilver - Thanks, Jeff! That means a lot to me. Say, I just came across this terrific cover of "No Time to Think", by a couple of young musicians.....check it out! ruclips.net/video/f2EJd4Raas0/видео.html
@@calicosilver - Thanks! One thing I'd like to do, Jeff. I'd like to send you a free copy of my one CD that I ever recorded. (I could have easily done 10 with all the songs I've written, but the money was a problem, so I did not.) I'd just enjoy having you hear a few of my own songs. I think I had figured out by my early 40's how to surrender to the intuition coming through and write in much the manner that Dylan does (in universal symbols), and I was greatly affected by the way he does music, so you'll hear the resemblances in how I do it. I can't match that voice, though! No one can. And I wouldn't try to. So I sang it my own way. Let me know how I can send you the CD, okay? You can reach me on Facebook and we can talk through private messages. Just look for "George Coventry" and you'll see my personal photo is of a Dachshund. I like Dachshunds a lot. 😄 For awhile I was using a famous photo that showed Dylan and Baez playing together at the March on Washington in 1963, but recently I changed it to the Dachshund photo.
Believe or no guys I predicted that Bob Dylan would win the Nobel prize in 1996.. and I told that to all my friends it was the time when I start to get addicted to his songs and music by the way am from Morocco and from tangier which he mentioned in one of his songs..if you see her say hello
Hello Franco from Tangiers! Thanks for commenting. Yes I think Dylan might very well be the greatest poet of our generations. Cheers. Jeff
It seems to be the life of Jesus. there is also a pre-definition of what his next albums would be. a phase gospel.
I agree that Street Legal was definitely pointing towards the albums which were to come, yes. Thanks for your comment.
@@calicosilver greetings from Brazil. I loved your analysis. It's difficult to find this type of work in Portuguese.