If I had to pick a 'greatest Dylan song', there are days when it would be this. Beyond the lyrics, the sound play, is the concept play, the ideas contained. Like any great art, there are levels - the driving percussive tempo, the occasional harp wail. The subtle power of it all wrapped together in a package. Great to hear young people like yourself exposing yourself to the elder masters of the art of song. Bob Dylan is foremost among any you will ever meet, or is in my experience. I actually consider him in a class of one - himself. Then the rest.
A student prepared this thesis for a PhD in literature on “ Visions Of Johanna”. He’s studied In universities poem by poem, people are starting to dissect his lyrics which is sometimes impossible to dissect. He’s so deep and mystical. Pure genius of writing songs.
Bob Dylan walks out to center stage.... Doubleday Field- Cooperstown N.Y. Crowd of around 7,000. He sits down with his guitar and sang the first verse of this masterpiece and the crowd went crazy screaming their approval that Bob stopped playing to say Thank You, then started the song over again. I was about 25 feet away and will never forget the way I felt and the crowds reaction. A Standing Ovation lasted for many minutes before Bob started doing...."Like A Rolling Stone" and that song was beyond description how everyone was blown away. A life changing event for me and my family.
Bob Dylan, like Jim Morrison of The Doors, was a poet. For more proof, check out Subterranean Homesick Blues, there is a very early video version with Dylan toss off cards with some of the key words. Allen Ginsburg, another poet, he wrote "Howl", makes a cameo appearance in the video.
Hey Bro, This is Vivian from Las Cruces. I'm 65 so I grew up with Dylan I'm from San Diego. When my brother saw him in a concert at San Diego Stat University, bro was I ever envious.
My favorite Dylan album. And one of my favorite songs of his. And he’s playing the guitar as he’s reciting all that. If you find yourself quoting Dylan in the future, don’t be surprised.
For more great lyricism, you might also want to check out Bob's songs 'Desolation Row' from 1965, 'Señor (Tales of Yankee Power)' from 1978 or 'Every Grain of Sand' from 1981.
@@lipby Yes, in 2020 he reacted to the live version from the Netflix docu. When it comes to 'A Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall', I myself also prefer the original album version. Regarding the 1975 Rolling Thunder/Netflix docu, the performance of 'Another Cup of Coffee' is the greatest, I think.
Don’t think twice and tangled up in blue are a couple of my favorites amongst the many 😁 Oh, and Hurricane. It’s a true story everyone should hear. It was made into a movie that Denzel played Hurricane in.
Everything you said sounded right on the money to me: powerful, lyrical genius, so much said in so little time. Yep. All of that and more. So many of my favorite lines and phrases of Dylan came from this song. "toy guns that spark; flesh-colored Christs that glow in the dark...it's easy to see that not much is really sacred" "them that must obey authority that they do not respect in any degree....do what they do just to be nothing more than something they invest in" Dylan himself "sings with his tongue on fire; gargles in the rat race choir" "you discover that you'd just be one more person crying" "it's alright, Ma, if I can't please him." And of course many people's favorite "money doesn't talk, it swears." The whole song is quotes.
"Bob Dylan's 115th Dream".... The funniest song about life in America ever written. You want to listen to it at least twice, much like this song. Good Day Friend.
yeah you said Wilbur! insanely good lyrics and delivery ! and it's interesting to see that the reaction to songs written so so long ago remain the same across decades and generations... I first listened to Dylan in the very late 80s and was blown away... and watching these reactions 40 years on on the same level is in fact incredible, and reminds us of the first time we heard his bobness ! thanks !
Great reaction. I always remind myself of Dylan's context in time to fully appreciate his genius. This song was released in 1965. The charts were topped by The Beatles, Herman's Hermits, and the Four Tops. This song is light years ahead of all that. These lyrics have grounded me for all my life: A question in your nerves is lit Yet you know there is no answer fit to satisfy Ensure 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.
Dylan drove a new generation early in his career with songs like this. Elvis, Dylan, The Beatles, Hendix - most of the history of late 20th century music.
I was so happy to see a reaction to Dylan again. He's been been my favorite my entire life. I always say, "there's Father, Son and Holy Ghost, and there's Bob Dylan, Miles Davis and John Coltrane". I'm looking forward to many more of these reactions. Thank You.
Dylan is one of the greatest poets that we have working in contemporary music. An artist that paints with word and music. Give his tune 'JOKERMAN' a listen. The Opening lyrics are "Standing on the water, casting your bread, while the eyes of the idol with the iron head are glowing." And it just keeps getting deeper and better throughout the entire song. Dylan sucks you into the deep and drowns your mind with the meanings of his lyrics. Great tune. Thanks for this one too Chod. This was the HIP HOP & RAP we listen to in the 1960's (laugh)!
Great reaction! Nobel Prize in Literature, multiple Grammy's (including lifetime achievement), Presidential Medal of Freedom, and even a Golden Globe...I think there has to be someone out there that he's influenced. :-)
You are dead on - Dylan, and only Dylan - deserves the title of "genius". Other great lyricists exist, of course, but none are true genius but him. That explains the Nobel Prize.
Fearless is the correct word to describe Dylan .. he not only opened the door for anyone wanting to write something besides a silly love song, he torpedoed the building! :)
There's a reason Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. My favorite song of his and probably my favorite poem by anyone is Tangled Up in Blue.
The "G" word is certainly the only one to do justice to Bob as a lyricist. Genius may not even be strong enough, possibly. 50 years+ I'm listening to this song and find new meanings every time. Thanks!
It's a topical song straight out of the headlines which we 60 years later can't draw meaning from in the immediate way listeners of 1965 could. This song was recorded the day that I was born. He was literally singing about me busy being born while everyone around me was busy dying.
I heard a Dylan interview where he despaired that in his old age he just doesn't have songs like this in him anymore. He recognizes this one in particular as his lyrical peak.
He once said it was as if a different guy wrote those early songs. He has famously been mum about his past drug use, like in his autobiography that I enjoyed reading. I’ve read from others around him that he dabbled in various items on the menu, but his main drug of choice was amphetamines. I can attest from personal experience that they do, unlike their relative, meth , put you in lofty headspace for writing. (I used to pull all nighters to write college papers.) Maybe that explains the dropping off of his massive creative surge in his younger days, besides just getting older.
@@Hexon66 That’s certainly true most of the time, but he was remarkably candid in that interview and I think he really meant it when he said this. How could anyone be expected to live up to the lofty heights he achieved so young? It’s sad how we expect and demand that artists maintain their creative peaks forever, rather than simply being grateful for whatever already they’ve given us.
I especially love “Bent out of shape by society’s pliers”. Ever saw since hearing that I’ve regularly thought of some people as “bent out of shape” or just “bent” in my personal lexicon.
Eighty and still on tour! Gotta love Bob!! Sounds and looks great in his new shows. He's not hiding on stage and has actual lighting from the floor, chatting to the fans a bit. Bobs having fun!!
OMG. I've never found a reaction to this song. My brother is 20 years older than me. When he moved out of the house when I was a baby, this is one of the albums he left behind for me. I still have it.
9:10 opened up the "Gates of Eden", you must mean. I hear everyone's suggestions about the classic Dylan songs, but I'd suggest you listen to his recent output. It is PHENOMENAL. Give it a listen!
Love your thoughtful reactions. Bob Dylan's music is timeless. Human nature hasn't changed ever. The world just keeps turning and we do the best we can to make things better.
I'm a big Dylan fan,and also play guitar so play a lot of his songs,i always have trouble remembering the lyrics to this one!😆great song though and I like your take on it young man,very nicely put,.I like the way you let the song finnish before giving your take👌😎
I'm play guitar and sing alot of his songs for about 45 years. Like Bob went through Woody, if you work hard at remembering Bob's lyrics and playing his songs. You will begin to reinvent yourself. I also like the way this guy waited until the song was done before he commented. I got into Dylan knowing Hendrix was amazed by Dylan. Morning Hendrix death I decided to get into Dylan. Best move I ever made. At 70 I consider myself as a black Dylanist.
Written more than 50 years ago, still fresh and meaninful. Could have been written yesterday. No one can begin to compare when it comes to writing lyrics. Check out Masters of War, Everything is Broken, All Along the Watchtower, Blowin' in the Wind, The Times They are a Changin', so many more.
Thank you! I love what you had to say about Bob and the way he delivers his lyrics: : "...The definition of lyrical genius, Bob Dylan should be next to it.... this man opened up the gates of delivery of lyrics. Lyricism is Bob Dylan!..." I can tell you are a true admirer of Bob Dylan. This is my first time at your channel but I see on the feed that you have also uploaded another video of Bob's "The Times They Are a 'Changin,'" (which I have yet to watch). I am sure you must know that Bob Dylan won the Nobel Peace Prize in Literature in 2016. His latest album "Rough and Rowdy Ways" will astonish you too I highly recommend. Bob turned 80 this year and went back out on tour this fall and will resume in 2022 and beyond. I also recommend that you listen to his live concerts. Particularly Rolling Thunder Review and tour concerts with Tom Petty and you will soon delve even deeper into the phenomenal nature of Bob's delivery. You will notice how in the moment his always is and changes the arrangements, phrasing, emphasis and mood of his songs. He is not a carbon copy performer at all. I am so glad you appreciate Bob are sharing his music. I am noticing more and more youth gaining interest in Bob Dylan's huge catalogue of work which includes, paintings and iron work art! There are also many bootlegs of songs that have not been released or a different version than the studio release. Bob Dylan is a poet and treasure for our world. I am going to share a copy of a reply I gave in a comment section on FB. "Bob has the same valiant heart today! A powerful spirit that might slip but never surrender to tyranny or falsehood! He became popular not because he really sought it, or placated people but because he is true and courageous and upfront. He doesn’t whisper in shadows he’s authentic and has a beautiful fierce and fiery love! 🤍 nissi
This hearkens back to when he was performing solo on street corners, with a bit of rap. He can paint remarkable pictures with his lyrics, also - case in point; BLACK DIAMOND BAY, from the Desire album - a movie plays out in my mind's eye when I hear that recording.
I think Tangled up in Blue is my favorite. It feels like the way you feel when you leave home and meet someone and then it's all gone. And life keeps moving on. I have a Dylan playlist for when I'm in my shop. There is something with his music that can hit every feeling you feel throughout the day.
He was awarded the Noble Prize because he was the words and the voice of several generations. Believe me, most vocalist and lyricists DO know of him and honor his achievements. I saw him live when I was in college in 1972, and the lousy sound system on the football field, because no where else was large enough for him to perform in, didn't matter.
Bob is still alive and still churning out the music, 60 year career, I'm very happy you are reacting to him, he is absolutely unique! I'd love to hear you react to one of my favorites, "It's all over now Baby Blue" keep up the good work
"I feel like this man invented poetry"; I laughed. A lot of us feel that way. I look to Brueghel for painting the same way. Shakespeare too. The other day I read somewhere someone say they felt like in five hundred years kids will talking about Dylan more than Shakespeare. Maybe the same. I challenge anyone to listen to any five Dylan songs, at random, and not understand how utterly unique and powerful his work is. There is even a word to deal with it, Dylanesque.
Thanks for all the Bob reactions. My life changed the first album I listened to, more than 40 years ago. It makes me happy to see it happen to someone else and to see it happen in front of me.
When you listen to early Bob Dylan you should remember the time frame in which he grew up and became a young adult in the late 50s and early 60s. post ww2, Korean war and just heading into Vietnam. The first round of Baby boomers were coming into there teen years. I was one of those teen agers sitting alone in my bedroom listening to this song and others and having my world rocked and as he said "The times they are a changing" and they were.
Yes, this song is an absolute work of genius, and you hear more in it every time you listen to it. One I would suggest you look into is "License to Kill", from the mid-80's, and have a look at this terrific video of Bob playing it in the studio with a downright legendary group of musicians from several famous bands backing him. It's enough to put tears in your eyes. Here's the link: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-HRrlFYg2QkI.html
