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
Lonesome Day Blues
Bob Dylan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, today has been a sad ol' lonesome day
I'm just sittin' here thinking
With my mind a million miles away
Well, they're doing the double shuffle, throwin' sand on the floor
They're doing the double shuffle, they're throwin' sand on the floor
When I left my long-time darlin'
Well, my pa he died and left me, my brother got killed in the war
Well, my pa he died and left me, my brother got killed in the war
My sister, she ran off and got married
Never was heard of any more
Samantha Brown lived in my house for about four or five months
Samantha Brown lived in my house for about four or five months
Don't know how it looked to other people
I never slept with her even once
Well, the road's washed out, weather not fit for man or beast
Yeah the road's washed out, weather not fit for man or beast
Funny, how the things you have the hardest time parting with
Are the things you need the least
And I'm forty miles from the mill I'm droppin' it into overdrive
I'm forty miles from the mill I'm droppin' it into overdrive
Settin' my dial on the radio
I wish my mother was still alive
I see your lover-man comin', comin' 'cross the barren field
I see your lover-man comin', comin' 'cross the barren field
He's not a gentleman at all, he's rotten to the core
He's a coward and he steals
Well my captain he's decorated, he's well-schooled and he's skilled
My captain, he's decorated, he's well-schooled and he's skilled
He's not sentimental, don't bother him at all
How many of his pals have been killed
Last night the wind was whisperin', I was trying to make out what it was
Last night the wind was whisperin', somethin' I was trying to make out what it was
I tell myself something's comin'
But it never does
I'm gonna spare the defeated, I'm gonna speak to the crowd
I'm gonna spare the defeated, boys, I'm going to speak to the crowd
I am goin' to teach peace to the conquered
I'm gonna tame the proud
Well, the leaves are rustlin' in the wood, things are fallin' off of the shelf
Leaves are rustlin' in the wood, things are fallin' off the shelf
You gonna need my help, sweetheart
You can't make love all by yourself
Bob Dylan's song "Lonesome Day Blues" is a masterful concoction of blues, rock and folk. It's a commentary on a bleak world where sorrow and disappointment are commonplace. The track begins with an admission of melancholy: "Well, today has been a sad ol' lonesome day" - a line that's typical of the song's style. Throughout the song, there's a pattern of repetition, such as "they're doing the double shuffle" and "my captain he's decorated." These two lines stand in sharp contrast to one another. One talks about the frivolity of dancers at a club, while the other mentions the seriousness of war.
The song is an amalgamation of various themes - Dylan talks about lost loves, the death of family members, soldiers dying in war, and disillusionment with a world that doesn't live up to expectations. Yet, there's a sense of acceptance in the song. Dylan seems to be saying that life is hard, but we have to find a way to deal with it. He wants to teach peace to the conquered and tame the proud. The final line, "you can't make love all by yourself," is a reminder that we're all human, and we all need someone else at some point.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, today has been a sad ol' lonesome day
Today has been a difficult day filled with loneliness and sadness.
Yeah, today has been a sad ol' lonesome day
Yes, today has truly been a day filled with a great deal of sadness and loneliness.
I'm just sittin' here thinking
I am spending time alone, lost in thought and deep contemplation of my situation.
With my mind a million miles away
My thoughts and emotions are so overwhelming that I feel as though I am disconnected from the present moment and existing in a far-off place.
They're doing the double shuffle, throwin' sand on the floor
People are doing a certain type of dance called the double shuffle, throwing sand on the floor for effect.
They're doing the double shuffle, they're throwin' sand on the floor
The same dance as before is still being done, and they are still throwing sand for the desired effect.
When I left my long-time darlin'
When I left my significant other who I had been with for a long time.
She was standing in the door
She was saying goodbye to me while standing in the doorway.
Well, my pa he died and left me, my brother got killed in the war
My father passed away, and my brother was killed while serving in the military.
My sister, she ran off and got married
My sister left and got married to someone unknown to me.
Never was heard of any more
I have not heard from her or seen her since she got married.
Samantha Brown lived in my house for about four or five months
Samantha Brown resided in my home for roughly 4 or 5 months.
Don't know how it looked to other people
I cannot say how the situation with Samantha Brown might have appeared to anyone else.
I never slept with her even once
I did not have any sexual relations with Samantha Brown during the time she lived with me.
Yeah the road's washed out, weather not fit for man or beast
The poor weather and road conditions are unsuitable and hazardous for both man and beast.
Funny, how the things you have the hardest time parting with
It is interesting and curious how the things that are most difficult to let go of are often the things we need the least.
Are the things you need the least
The things that we struggle to let go of are often those that are not necessary for our survival or well-being.
I'm forty miles from the mill I'm droppin' it into overdrive
I am driving quickly towards the mill and accelerating my vehicle to move faster.
Settin' my dial on the radio
I am adjusting the radio channel to find the music or program I want to listen to.
I wish my mother was still alive
I long for the presence of my deceased mother and wish she was still alive.
I see your lover-man comin', comin' 'cross the barren field
I have observed your male companion approaching, crossing the open field ahead of me.
He's not a gentleman at all, he's rotten to the core
Your companion lacks good manners and is a morally corrupt individual.
He's a coward and he steals
He is afraid and dishonest, taking things that do not belong to him.
My captain, he's decorated, he's well-schooled and he's skilled
The captain who leads me has earned many honors, is highly educated, and very competent.
He's not sentimental, don't bother him at all
He is not influenced by emotions and is unperturbed by most things.
How many of his pals have been killed
He has lost many of his friends throughout his career.
Last night the wind was whisperin', somethin' I was trying to make out what it was
Last night, the wind was speaking in hushed tones, and I was struggling to comprehend what it was saying.
I tell myself something's comin'
I am anticipating that something significant will happen soon.
But it never does
Despite my expectations, nothing significant ever happens.
I'm gonna spare the defeated, boys, I'm going to speak to the crowd
I will show mercy to those who have lost, and I will address the larger group of people.
I am goin' to teach peace to the conquered
I will attempt to educate and promote peace to those who have been defeated.
I'm gonna tame the proud
I will attempt to humble those who are overly self-confident or arrogant.
Leaves are rustlin' in the wood, things are fallin' off the shelf
The leaves are making a rustling sound, and objects are falling from the shelves in the nearby woods.
You gonna need my help, sweetheart
You are going to need my assistance or support, darling.
You can't make love all by yourself
You cannot engage in intimate acts alone or without a partner.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@SafetyMentalst
From "LONESOME DAY BLUES" by
@bobdylan
:
I'm forty miles from the mill - I'm droppin' it into overdrive
I'm forty miles from the mill - I'm droppin' it into overdrive
Settin' my dial on the radio
I wish my mother was still alive
via
@SafetyMentalst
🤠💝is💯% #REALITY
#rt
@juancamacho5746
Well, today has been a sad and lonesome day
Yeah, today has been a sad and lonesome day
I'm just sitting here thinking with my mind a million miles away
Well, they're doing the double shuffle, throwing sand on the floor
They're doing the double shuffle, they're throwing sand on the floor
When I left my longtime darling, she was standing in the door
Well, my pa he died and left me, my brother got killed in the war
Well, my pa he died and left me, my brother got killed in the war
My sister, she ran off and got married, never was heard of anymore
Samantha Brown lived in my house for 'bout four or five months
Samantha Brown lived in my house for 'bout four or five months
Don't know how it looked to other people, I never slept with her even once
Well the road washed out, weather not fit for man or beast
Well the road's washed out, weather not fit for man or beast
Funny, the things you have the hardest time parting with are the things you need the least
Well, I'm forty miles from the mill, I'm dropping it into overdrive
I'm forty miles from the mill, I'm dropping it into overdrive
Set my dial on the radio I wish my mother was still alive
I seen your lover man comin', comin' across the barren fields
I see your lover man comin', comin' 'cross the barren fields
He not a gentleman at all, he's rotten to the core, he's a coward and he steals
Well my captain, he's decorated, he's well-schooled and he's skilled
My captain, he's decorated, he's well-schooled and skilled
He's not sentimental, don't bother him at all; how many of his pals have been killed
Last night the wind was whispering, I was trying to make out what it was
Last night the wind was whispering something, I was trying to make out what it was
Yeah I tell myself something's coming, but it never does
I'm going to spare the defeated, I'm going to speak to the crowd
I'm going to spare the defeated, 'cause I'm going to speak to the crowd
I'm going to teach peace to the conquered, I'm going to tame the proud
Well, the leaves are rustling in the wood, things are falling off of the shelf
Leaves are rustling in the wood, things are falling off the shelf
You're gonna need my help sweetheart, you can't make love all by yourself
@p1b1harper
Well, today has been a sad ol’ lonesome day
Yeah, today has been a sad ol’ lonesome day
I’m just sittin’ here thinking
With my mind a million miles away
Well, they’re doing the double shuffle, throwin’ sand on the floor
They’re doing the double shuffle, they’re throwin’ sand on the floor
When I left my long-time darlin’
She was standing in the door
Well, my pa he died and left me, my brother got killed in the war
Well, my pa he died and left me, my brother got killed in the war
My sister, she ran off and got married
Never was heard of any more
Samantha Brown lived in my house for about four or five months
Samantha Brown lived in my house for about four or five months
Don’t know how it looked to other people
I never slept with her even once
The road’s washed out—weather not fit for man or beast
Yeah, the road’s washed out—weather not fit for man or beast
Funny how the things you have the hardest time parting with
Are the things you need the least
I’m forty miles from the mill—I’m droppin’ it into overdrive
I’m forty miles from the mill—I’m droppin’ it into overdrive
Got my dial set on the radio
I’m telling myself I’m still alive
I see your lover-man comin’—comin’ ’cross the barren field
I see your lover-man comin’—comin’ ’cross the barren field
He’s not a gentleman at all—he’s rotten to the core
He’s a coward and he steals
Well my captain he’s decorated—he’s well schooled and he’s skilled
My captain, he’s decorated—he’s well schooled and he’s skilled
He’s not sentimental—don’t bother him at all
How many of his pals have been killed
Last night the wind was whisperin’, I was trying to make out what it was
Last night the wind was whisperin’ somethin’—I was trying to make out what it was I tell myself something’s comin’
But it never does
I’m gonna spare the defeated—I’m gonna speak to the crowd
I’m gonna spare the defeated, boys, I’m going to speak to the crowd I am goin’ to teach peace to the conquered
I’m gonna tame the proud
Well the leaves are rustlin’ in the wood—things are fallin’ off of the shelf Leaves are rustlin’ in the wood—things are fallin’ off the shelf
You gonna need my help, sweetheart
You can’t make love all by yourself
Copyright
© 2001 by Special Rider Music
@robertecker9503
Great driving blues cut by Dylan and this extraordinary band!
@carnolasluggs5417
The swaggery cadence to his delivery of "Well my captain he’s decorated—he’s well schooled and he’s skilled" matching the momentum of the rhythm of the music is SO badass. I'd say that about lots of deliveries of lyrics in this song, the way he paces out the words comes off so cool. How he repeats that "Boys I'm going to speak to the crowd." is another awesome example.
@johansterk354
Couldn't have done this better myself!!
@Extirpo
The older the voice, the better blues.
@openeverydoor
Mississippi is where it all started for me❤ and yes, I upvote my own comment because it's true😊
@ivanpotic3865
Love & Theft, the best produced Dylan's album, truly a masterpiece.
@MarcoZucchi81
His record by 1997 are his best
@ivanpotic3865
@@MarcoZucchi81 Talking about production, not quality. My favorites are Blood on the Tracks, Desire, Slow Train Coming, Oh, Mercy and Time Out of Mind.
@MarcoZucchi81
@@ivanpotic3865 Great records indeed!
@ivanpotic3865
@@MarcoZucchi81 All of his records are great, maybe production of his albums from the eighties is not so good, but he is a giant, the GOAT.