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
Crossing the Rubicon
Bob Dylan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of the most dangerous month of the year
At the worst time, at the worst place
That's all I seem to hear
I got up early
So I could greet the goddess of the dawn
I painted my wagon, abandoned all hope
And I crossed the Rubicon
Well, the Rubicon is a red river
Goin' gently as she flows
Redder than your ruby lips
And the blood that flows from the rose
Three miles north of purgatory
One step from the great beyond
I prayed to the cross, I kissed the girls
And I crossed the Rubicon
What are these dark days I see?
In this world so badly bent
I cannot redeem the time
The time so idly spent
How much longer can it last?
How long can it go on?
I embrace my love
Put down my hair
And I crossed the Rubicon
I can feel the bones beneath my skin
And they're tremblin' with rage
I'll make your wife a widow
You'll never see old age
Show me one good man in sight
That the sun shines down upon
I pawned my watch, I paid my debts
And I crossed the Rubicon
Put my hide up on a hill
Where some happiness I'll find
If I survive, then let me love
Let the hour be mine
Take the high road, take the low
Take any one you're on
I poured the cup, I passed it along
And I crossed the Rubicon
Well, you defiled the most lovely flowers
In all her womanhood
Others can be tolerant
Others can be good
I'll cut you up with a crooked knife
Lord, and I'll miss you when you're gone
I stood between heaven and earth
And I crossed the Rubicon
You won't find any happiness here
No happiness or joy
Go back to the gutter, try your luck
Find you some nice pretty boy
Tell me how many men I need
And who can I count upon
I strapped my belt, I buttoned my coat
And I crossed the Rubicon
I feel the holy spirit inside
See the light that freedom gives
I believe it's in the reach of
Every man who lives
Keep as far away as possible
It's darkest 'fore the dawn (oh, Lord)
I turned the key, I broke it off
And I crossed the Rubicon
Mornin' baby, I used to look my mind
I truly believe that you are
Couldn't be anybody else but you
Who's come with me this far
The killing frost is on the ground
And the autumn leaves are gone
I lit the torch, I looked to the east
And I crossed the Rubicon
"Crossing the Rubicon" is a song by Bob Dylan, which was released in 2009. The song is named after the phrase "crossing the Rubicon," which means to take a decisive action that can't be undone. The song is about a journey the singer takes across a river, which is referred to as the Rubicon. The river is described as red and dangerous, and the journey is perilous. The lyrics suggest that the singer is taking a journey that will change his life and is aware that he might not come back from it.
The song is full of religious imagery, with references to prayer, the cross, salvation, and the holy spirit. The singer is searching for meaning and redemption and is willing to take risks to find them. He is willing to abandon hope, pawn his watch, and pay his debts to cross this river. He asks questions about the state of the world and the meaning of life, and he seeks answers in this journey.
The song is a reflection on the human condition, mortality, and the search for meaning. Dylan uses vivid imagery, religious allusions, and metaphorical language to create a sense of a journey into the unknown. The song is both introspective and universal, and it speaks to the human need for answers.
Line by Line Meaning
I crossed the Rubicon on the fourteenth day
I made a significant and irreversible decision on a specific day in history.
Of the most dangerous month of the year
I chose to proceed with my decision in a time of high risk and danger.
At the worst time, at the worst place
My decision was made in unfavorable circumstances and conditions.
That's all I seem to hear
I keep hearing negative remarks or doubts regarding my decision.
I got up early
I woke up before dawn to accomplish my task.
So I could greet the goddess of the dawn
I wanted to pay homage to the divine deity of dawn with my action.
I painted my wagon, abandoned all hope
I prepared myself and let go of any doubts or fears related to my decision.
And I crossed the Rubicon
I ultimately carried out my decision to cross a point of no return, a metaphorical Rubicon.
Well, the Rubicon is a red river
The Rubicon is symbolic of a dangerous and consequential river, marked by the color red.
Goin' gently as she flows
Despite its danger, the Rubicon looks peaceful on the surface.
Redder than your ruby lips
The river is even more vividly red than a person's lips or the blood of a rose.
And the blood that flows from the rose
The river seems to be associated with the blood that flows from a rose if it's destroyed.
Three miles north of purgatory
The Rubicon is positioned near a location that signifies the transition between life and afterlife.
One step from the great beyond
The Rubicon is just one step away from the edge of despair and ending.
I prayed to the cross, I kissed the girls
I sought divine blessings and worldly pleasures before embarking on my decision.
And I crossed the Rubicon
I committed myself to my decision despite being aware of its potentially negative outcomes.
What are these dark days I see?
I am surrounded by troubled times and uncertainty.
In this world so badly bent
The world is filled with wickedness and corruption.
I cannot redeem the time
I have lost the opportunity to change or improve the present situation.
The time so idly spent
The time that could have been used for better things was not utilized properly.
How much longer can it last?
I am wondering how long the adversity and troubles will continue.
How long can it go on?
I am doubtful about the duration of the current difficulties.
I embrace my love
I hold on to the love that I have in my life despite the struggles.
Put down my hair
I am willing to be vulnerable and let down my guard.
And I crossed the Rubicon
I made a significant and irreversible decision in the midst of difficult circumstances.
I can feel the bones beneath my skin
I am very aware of my mortality and that death is nearby.
And they're tremblin' with rage
I am feeling intense anger, and my body is reacting to it.
I'll make your wife a widow
I am willing to take extreme measures and have no mercy towards my enemy.
You'll never see old age
I am determined to destroy my enemy beyond the possibility of living long.
Show me one good man in sight
I am cynical and question whether there are any honest and virtuous people around me.
That the sun shines down upon
I am looking for a person that will bring positivity and light into my life.
I pawned my watch, I paid my debts
I gave up my most valuable items and finally took care of my obligations before my decision.
And I crossed the Rubicon
I went ahead with my decision even though it didn't change the grim circumstances and the consequences of it.
Put my hide up on a hill
I will go to any extent to save myself from pervasive danger.
Where some happiness I'll find
I am looking for a place where I can find solace and happiness despite difficult circumstances.
If I survive, then let me love
I am willing to accept love and live it to the fullest if I come out of this whole experience alive.
Let the hour be mine
I am seizing the present moment with all the power I have left.
Take the high road, take the low
I am ready to take any path and face obstacles that come my way to dig myself out of the current rut.
Take any one you're on
I will take whichever route is presented to me, blind or not.
I poured the cup, I passed it along
I poured my liquor and passed it along to continue bonding and sharing stories even in the worst of times.
And I crossed the Rubicon
I pushed through with my decision even though I couldn't see the endpoint or if it was worth it.
Well, you defiled the most lovely flowers
You destroyed the most beautiful and innocent things.
In all her womanhood
You violated her femininity and dishonored her as a woman.
Others can be tolerant
Some people can be forgiving and accepting of wrongdoings.
Others can be good
Some people can do good deeds and offer kindness to others.
I'll cut you up with a crooked knife
I will do whatever it takes to avenge what you have done to others maliciously.
Lord, and I'll miss you when you're gone
I am going to take your death personally and will be impacted by it.
I stood between heaven and earth
I am living in this world but feeling the influence of a higher power or spiritual realm.
And I crossed the Rubicon
I have made a substantial and irreversible decision to progress even when faced with dark and dangerous circumstances.
You won't find any happiness here
This is not a place or time where you will find happiness and joy.
No happiness or joy
This place and time are devoid of feelings of joy and happiness.
Go back to the gutter, try your luck
Go back to the difficult and undesirable circumstances you came from and try to do better with what you were given.
Find you some nice pretty boy
Find someone that will treat you well and make you happy.
Tell me how many men I need
I am asking how many people do I need to rely on or get help from.
And who can I count upon
I am unsure of who I can trust and depend on in difficult times.
I strapped my belt, I buttoned my coat
I am ready to face the unknown and take on whatever comes head-on.
And I crossed the Rubicon
I went ahead with my decision despite the circumstances and the possible negative impact it could have.
I feel the holy spirit inside
I sense the divine presence within me, giving me strength to carry on.
See the light that freedom gives
I see the possibilities that come with freeing oneself from limitations and restrictions.
I believe it's in the reach of
I have faith that everyone has the capacity and potential to experience freedom.
Every man who lives
Every living being can experience freedom and liberation.
Keep as far away as possible
Stay clear of the darkness and negative entities.
It's darkest 'fore the dawn (oh, Lord)
Things always appear to be worse before the situation improves.
I turned the key, I broke it off
I am choosing to break away from the current situation and the ties that no longer serve me.
And I crossed the Rubicon
I made a bold and irreversible decision to leave the old behind and embrace the new.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@gregsilsby6884
I feel the holy spirit inside
See the light that freedom gives
I believe it's in the reach of
Every man who lives
Keep as far away as possible
It's darkest 'fore the dawn (Oh Lord)
I turned the key, I broke it off
And I crossed the Rubicon
He’s still preaching and always has been. The world is too absorbed to listen.
@gregsilsby6884
I feel the holy spirit inside
See the light that freedom gives
I believe it's in the reach of
Every man who lives
Keep as far away as possible
It's darkest 'fore the dawn (Oh Lord)
I turned the key, I broke it off
And I crossed the Rubicon
He’s still preaching and always has been. The world is too absorbed to listen.
@jurgenweber236
Thank's for posting
@foreveryoungbobsaidthat1999
Listening to Bob for 50 years and he never ceases to amaze with his unique storytelling and use of words at nearly 80 years of age
@ronandlili
He amazes me. We are lucky to have him in our midst. Live just as long as you can and want Sir!
@lukeallan8876
My brother started listening to dylan , I used to think I cant understand a word of what hes saying or singing , but then I heard blood on the tracks , I've been a fan for 10yrs
@ferociousgumby
He has crossed THAT Rubicon, too. Happy 80th, Bob.🤎
@thirdman27
"I prayed to the cross. I kissed the girls. And I crossed the Rubicon." Classic Dylan.
@carmelo4896
' three miles from purgatory,one step from the great beyond" more classic Dylan
@davidwarren9761
In an interview with Ed Bradley, Bob Dylan admits selling his soul to Satan.
@adandap
@@davidwarren9761 And Bob Dylan famously never makes stuff up or tells tall stories in interviews.