Dylan started his musical odyssey in 1959 when he began playing in Dinkytown, Minneapolis while attending the University of Minnesota. Shortly after starting to play he changed his stage name to Bob Dylan, after being influenced by the poetry of Dylan Thomas before legally changing his name in 1962.
Much of his best known work is from the 1960s, when he became an informal documentarian and reluctant figurehead of American unrest, promoted by Joan Baez. Some of his songs, such as "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are A-Changin'", became anthems of the anti-war and civil rights movements, with Joan Baez and Dylan singing together at the March on Washington in 1963. However he later became disenchanted with the civil liberty protest scene, feeling that he had been used by them.
His album Bringing It All Back Home marked a move away from the folk scene and a move towards rock and roll and Dylan began to consciously distance himself from his early association with civil rights. He also started to become irritated when being interviewed, often given facetious or irreverent answers to questions. Bringing It All Back Home was a controversial album as it the first on which he played electric guitar. This was seen by some of his fans as a betrayal of this folk roots, with some saying that it obscured his meaningful and poetic lyrics.
The second half of the 1960s was marked by a string of well received releases, with his song "Like a Rolling Stone", released in July of 1965, later being named "The Greatest Song of All Time" by Rolling Stone magazine in 2004, placing #1 in a list of 500 titles. It also marked the formation of Dylan's backing band The Hawks (who would later call themselves simply The Band). Dylan embarked on a world tour of Australia and Europe in 1966, during which he seemed to be under a lot of strain and pressure by both his fans, the music press and his own promoters. Dylan himself admitted that he began taking drugs seriously whilst on this tour, and found it immensely hard work. On returning to New York he crashed his motorbike, sustaining serious injuries in the process, and went into a period of withdrawal while he recuperated. During the late 1960s, Dylan again changed stylistic tradition, moving away from the psychedelic culture of the time. It was then that he recorded All Along the Watchtower, perhaps more famously recorded by Jimi Hendrix.
The 1970s were a period during which Dylan was more sporadic in his output, releasing some poorly received LPs. He rarely appeared in person until 1974, when he began touring again with his backing band The Band. He also wrote one of his most extensively covered songs, Knockin' On Heaven's Door, as well as what is now recognised as one of his best albums Blood On The Tracks. Towards the end of the 1970s, Dylan discovered Christ, and released some albums of gospel music. He started to talk to the crowd about his faith during his performances, and wouldn't play any of his early work, which alienated some of his previous fans.
Dylan today still remains an influential and popular artist; despite a period of little note between 1980-2000, his 2006 album Modern Times reached the US chart at #1, as did his 2009 album Together Through Life, in the US, Britain, France and several other countries. His 2012 album Tempest was also critically acclaimed. Since 1988, Dylan has been on the so-called Never Ending Tour, during which his performances have provoked controversy, with some critics claiming that his lyrics have become incomprehensible, an experience which is not helped by his tendency to change his set-list and vocals almost every performance.
Bob Dylan's strong influence over the past few years is becoming even more prominent amongst a growing group of younger emerging artists such as George Ellias and Devendra Banhart. Dylan's early lyrics incorporated politics, social commentary, philosophy and literary influences, defying existing pop music conventions and appealing widely to the counterculture of the time. While expanding and personalizing musical styles, Dylan has shown steadfast devotion to traditions of American song, from folk and country/blues to rock and roll and rockabilly, to Gaelic balladry, even jazz, swing and Broadway.
Dylan performs with the guitar, keyboard and harmonica. Backed by a changing lineup of musicians, he has toured steadily since the late 1980s. He has also recently performed alongside other iconic artists, such as Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Tom Petty and Eric Clapton. Although his contributions as a performer and recording artist have been central to his career, his songwriting is generally held as his highest accomplishment.
Nobel Prize for Literature (2016) - On October 13, 2016, Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature for “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition”. The prestigious award has been given annually since 1901 and previous Nobel Laureates for Literature include Harold Pinter and Samuel Beckett. Here is the speech written by Dylan, although unable to attend:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/10/arts/bob-dylan-nobel-prize-acceptance-speech.html?_r=0
: Tell Me Momma
Bob Dylan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Cold black water dog, make no tears
You say you love me with what may be love
Don't you remember makin' baby love?
Got your steam drill built and you're lookin' for some kid
To get it to work for you like your nine-pound hammer did
But I know that you know that I know that you show
Something is tearing up your mind
Tell me, momma
Tell me, momma
Tell me, momma, what is it?
What's wrong with you this time?
Get it, John, fool's gold in your teeth and cemetery hips
Hang outside of your graveyard lips
Yes everybody's wondering when your friendship's gonna end, but
Come on, baby, I'm your friend
And I know that you know that I know that you show
Something is tearing up your mind
Tell me, momma
Tell me, momma
Tell me, momma, what is it?
What's wrong with you this time?
Oh, it's sure pleasing that your face is red
Anything he can give you, he's almost dead
Everybody can see you on your window ledge
How long's it going to take you to get off the edge?
You're just gonna make everybody jump and roar
Now whatcha want to go and do that for?
I know that you know that I know that you snow
Something is tearing up your mind
Tell me, momma
Tell me, momma
Tell me, momma, what is it?
What's wrong with you this time?
In "Tell Me Momma," Bob Dylan seems to be calling out someone who is troubled and possibly self-destructive. The opening lines mention Ol' black Bascom and his ability not to break mirrors, which could be a reference to a superstition that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck. Cold black water dog is another difficult-to-decipher reference, but it could be a metaphor for something emotionless or ruthless. Dylan tells this person that they once said they loved him, but questions whether that love was genuine. He then references "baby love," which could be interpreted as a past sexual relationship.
Next, Dylan takes a more direct approach and addresses someone named John, calling out his "fool's gold" teeth and "cemetery hips." Again, these are not easily understood references, but they seem to be pointing to a man who is attempting to make himself more attractive or impressive, but ultimately failing. Dylan mentions that everyone is wondering when their friendship will end, but asserts that he is still a friend to this person. He concludes the song by asking this person why they are acting out in such a self-destructive way.
Overall, the song seems to be about someone who is struggling with inner turmoil and self-destructive tendencies. Dylan is both sympathetic and critical of this person, acknowledging their humanity while also challenging them to consider the consequences of their actions.
Line by Line Meaning
Ol' black Bascom, don't break no mirrors
This person named Ol' black Bascom is considered lucky because he's never broken a mirror.
Cold black water dog, make no tears
This is an expression that means a person should remain strong and not show any emotion.
You say you love me with what may be love
The singer is confused about whether the person who claims to love them actually loves them legitimately or not.
Don't you remember makin' baby love?
The artist is reminding the person of the intimate moment they shared, implying that it should be enough to solidify their love.
Got your steam drill built and you're lookin' for some kid
This person has acquired a new machine (a steam drill) and is now seeking a young person to operate it for them.
To get it to work for you like your nine-pound hammer did
The person wants the drill operator to work as hard and as efficiently as the person who previously operated the nine-pound hammer.
But I know that you know that I know that you show
The singer knows that the other person has been showing signs that something is wrong or bothering them.
Something is tearing up your mind
The other person is troubled and deeply affected by something.
Get it, John, fool's gold in your teeth and cemetery hips
The reference is made to John (whom we don't know) and how he bedazzles himself with false (cheap) gold and seems like a dead man walking.
Hang outside of your graveyard lips
The artist is talking to John and describing his lips as looking like tombstones.
Yes everybody's wondering when your friendship's gonna end, but
People around are worried that John's friendship with the singer will eventually end for no apparent reason.
Come on, baby, I'm your friend
The artist reassures John that they are indeed still friends.
Oh, it's sure pleasing that your face is red
The singer is sarcastic when mocking John for his inauthentic expressions (like blushing).
Anything he can give you, he's almost dead
The woman that John is with is taking advantage of him because he is old and close to death.
Everybody can see you on your window ledge
The woman is putting on a show and attracting attention with her risky behavior.
How long's it going to take you to get off the edge?
The artist implores the woman to get down from the window ledge before she harms herself.
You're just gonna make everybody jump and roar
The woman's behavior is reckless, and it is causing quite a commotion among the people watching her.
Now whatcha want to go and do that for?
The singer is wondering why the woman is taking such a risk in the first place.
I know that you know that I know that you snow
The singer knows that the woman is hiding something or isn't truthful.
Something is tearing up your mind
The woman is troubled and deeply affected by something.
Tell me, momma
The artist calls out to his mother, who symbolizes someone who is wise or all-knowing.
Tell me, momma
The artist calls out to his mother a second time for guidance and wisdom.
Tell me, momma, what is it?
The singer is still calling out to his imagined mother to provide some insight or clarity.
What's wrong with you this time?
The artist is asking the other person (who represents society) what is bothering them.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, AUDIAM, INC
Written by: BOB DYLAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@oliveeisner8964
Cold black glass don't make no mirror
Cold black water don't make no tears
You say you love me with what may be love
Don't you remember makin' baby love?
Yes, you got your steam drill,
now you're lookin' for some kid
To get it to work for you
like your nine-pound hammer did
But I know that you know that I know that you show
Something is tearing up your mind.
Tell me, momma,
Tell me, momma,
Tell me, momma, what is it?
What's wrong with you this time?
Black sun-glass [came here, pony run] *)
Tombstone babes, y'all can get it done
Fool's gold in your teeth and cementary hips
Get outside of your graveyard lips
Yes, everybody's wonderin'
when your friendship's gonna end
But come on, baby, I'm your friend!
And I know that you know that I know that you show
Something is tearing up your mind. **)
Tell me, momma,
Tell me, momma,
Tell me, momma, what is it?
What's wrong with you this time?
[Solo (without capo):]
Ohh, [you're pleasing?] but your face is red
That ain't he can't get it, he's almost dead.
Everybody sees you on your window ledge
How long's it gonna take for your to get off the edge
You just gonna make everybody jump and roar
Now, whatcha wanna go and do that for?
For I know that you know that I know that you know
Something is tearing up your mind.
Ah, tell me, momma,
Tell me, momma,
Tell me, momma, what is it?
What's wrong with you this time?
@edlispartiesgatherings7163
Was this version of this song on the Internet for years?
>All of the 60s recordings are in intertnet for years!
Ignorance is so trendy! ;-)
Previously unreleased soundboards, 8 new soundboards not previously in public circulation, specifically:
Belfast (1 song previously released)
Birmingham (1 song previously released)
Bristol
Cardiff
Edinburgh
Leicester
Newcastle
Paris
URLs from past years please?
Or were you just displaying?
@nissi.k
Tell Me Momma
Bob Dylan
0l' black Bascom, don't break no mirrors
Cold black water dog, make no tears
You say you love me with what may be love
Don't you remember makin' baby love?
Got your steam drill built and you're lookin' for some kid
To get it to work for you like your nine-pound hammer did
But I know that you know that I know that you show
Something is tearing up your mind.
Tell me, momma,
Tell me, momma,
Tell me, momma, what is it?
What's wrong with you this time?
Hey, John, come and get me some candy goods
Shucks, it sure feels like it's in the woods
Spend some time on your January trips
You got tombstone moose up and your brave-yard whips
If you're anxious to find out when your friendship's gonna end
Come on, baby, I'm your friend!
And I know that you know that I know that you show
Something is tearing up your mind.
Tell me, momma,
Tell me, momma,
Tell me, momma, what is it?
What's wrong with you this time?
Oh, we bone the editor, can't get read
But his painted sled, instead it's a bed
Yes, I see you on your window ledge
But I can't tell just how far away you are from the edge
And, anyway, you're just gonna make people jump and roar
Whatcha want to go and do that for?
For I know that you know that I know that you know
Something is tearing up your mind.
Ah, tell me, momma,
Tell me, momma,
Tell me, momma, what is it?
What's wrong with you this time?
@krycklund
I love how bombastically in your face this opening track is, this live album in particular is great because the entire time you can feel the ''I don't give a fuck'' energy coming from Bob and the band about how so many people would not accept change.
@SwinginPig
Well put, my friend.
@doncahooti
there's video of this with all his arm gestures that is totally revealing of his inner deservedly grandiose ( in the most positive sense) and majestic and in command attitude .
@SwinginPig
Such an underrated song of his! Probably my favorite rocker of his. I just get goosebumps from Robertson's solo at 2:50.
@harvey1954
You're right about Robbie's solo. The second part, especially, is a like a coming attraction of what he would do with The Band.
@nissi.k
Thanks Swingin' for pointing out that it was R.R. playing those killer guitar riffs! This song is great Rock!
@kanjiwooowooo3202
Yes! this song doesn't get as much credit as it should
@lhasa7
Discovering this song on 1966 tour bootlegs in the mid-1980s was indescribably exciting.
@Cityboy.84____________________
I found this yesterday and I can't stop playing it again and again. When I'm not playing it, I can't stop replaying it in my head. "Tell me mommaaaa!!! Ol Bob got himself a new 36 year old fan. This is the best thing I've ever heard from him.
@azzyinthebrambles5649
Dylan, in 66', the Band behind him, with THAT sound. Absolutely sizzling one the greatest live sounds anyone ever put together. So much energy in the music.