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
Rita May
Bob Dylan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You got your body in the way.
You're so damn nonchalant
But it's your mind that I want.
You got me huffin' and a-puffin',
Next to you I feel like nothin',
Rita May.
How'd you ever get that way?
When do you ever see the light?
Don't you ever feel a fright?
You got me burnin' and I'm turnin'
But I know I must be learnin',
Rita May.
All my friends have told me
If I hang around with you
That I'll go blind
But I know that when you hold me
That there really must be somethin'
On your mind.
Rita May, Rita May,
Laying in a stack of hay,
Do you remember where you been?
What's that crazy place you're in?
I'm gonna have to go to college
'Cause you are the book of knowledge,
Rita May.
The lyrics of Bob Dylan's "Rita May" is a love song that primarily deals with the physical and intellectual attraction of the singer towards a woman named Rita May. The first stanza describes Rita May as being physically attractive and nonchalant, but it's her mind that the singer desires. He feels inferior or insignificant next to her, which makes him try harder to impress her. The repeated sounds of "huffin' and a-puffin'" within the verse emphasizes the singer's physical arousal and increased heart rate.
The second stanza describes the singer's curiosity about Rita May's thoughts and feelings. He wonders if she ever feels afraid, uncertain or doubtful about her life decisions. Despite his confusion, he feels a strong attraction to her, which seems to suggest that there is something mysterious, interesting and enchanting about her that draws him in.
The final stanza contains a bit of folksy humor and innuendo. It suggests that Rita May is a wild and adventurous spirit who may not remember all her adventures. The singer hopes to learn more about her by going to college and studying the "book of knowledge" that is Rita May.
Overall, "Rita May" is a bit of a departure from Dylan's more political and protest-oriented songs. It has a playful, romantic and almost innocent quality that reflects the early stages of a relationship or crush.
Line by Line Meaning
Rita May, Rita May,
Addressing the person, Rita May
You got your body in the way.
You are using your physical attractiveness to distract from your intellect
You're so damn nonchalant
You appear to be indifferent or unconcerned with everything
But it's your mind that I want.
I am interested in your thoughts and ideas
You got me huffin' and a-puffin',
You are making me work hard to keep up with you mentally
Next to you I feel like nothin',
You make me feel inferior in your presence
Rita May.
Reinforcing the identity of the person being addressed
How'd you ever get that way?
What experiences led to your current personality?
When do you ever see the light?
When do you become aware of the consequences of your actions?
Don't you ever feel a fright?
Do you never feel afraid of the consequences of your actions?
You got me burnin' and I'm turnin'
You're making me struggle to handle my emotions
But I know I must be learnin',
I am aware that being around you is helping me grow in some way
Rita May.
Reinforcing the identity of the person being addressed
All my friends have told me
Others have warned me about being around you
If I hang around with you
If I spend time with you
That I'll go blind
That being near you will harm me in some way
But I know that when you hold me
Despite the warnings, I feel comfort when I'm with you
That there really must be somethin'
There must be a reason I am drawn to you
On your mind.
Reinforcing that the person being addressed does have inner thoughts and feelings
Laying in a stack of hay,
Referencing a specific memory or scenario
Do you remember where you been?
Asking if the person remembers specific details of their past
What's that crazy place you're in?
Asking about the person's current mental state or emotional turmoil
I'm gonna have to go to college
I will need to continue to learn and grow due to being around you
'Cause you are the book of knowledge,
You have a great deal of knowledge and information to share
Rita May.
Reinforcing the identity of the person being addressed
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Olga Tee
So typical the Dylan sound with the violin and grand Band💥🌻❣️🌺🌹💃🕺thanks neverending Bf
LYRICS: “Rita May”
WRITTEN BY: BOB DYLAN AND JACQUES LEVY
Rita May, Rita May
You got your body in the way
You’re so damn nonchalant
But it’s your mind that I want
You got me huffin’ and a-puffin’
Next to you I feel like nothin’
Rita May
Rita May, Rita May
How’d you ever get that way?
When do you ever see the light?
Don’t you ever feel a fright?
You got me burnin’ and I’m turnin’
But I know I must be learnin’
Rita May
All my friends have told me
If I hang around with you
That I’ll go blind
But I know that when you hold me
That there really must be somethin’
On your mind
Rita May, Rita May
Laying in a stack of hay
Do you remember where you been?
What’s that crazy place you’re in?
I’m gonna have to go to college
’Cause you are the book of knowledge
Rita May
Copyright © 1975 by Ram's Horn Music; renewed 2003 by Ram’s Horn Music
Remington Riders
What a great performance. This video is pure gold.
Carlo Marx
one of his most beautiful songs
punagurl8
Nice little gem from our ever-surprising song and dance man. ❤️
Olga Tee
So typical the Dylan sound with the violin and grand Band💥🌻❣️🌺🌹💃🕺thanks neverending Bf
LYRICS: “Rita May”
WRITTEN BY: BOB DYLAN AND JACQUES LEVY
Rita May, Rita May
You got your body in the way
You’re so damn nonchalant
But it’s your mind that I want
You got me huffin’ and a-puffin’
Next to you I feel like nothin’
Rita May
Rita May, Rita May
How’d you ever get that way?
When do you ever see the light?
Don’t you ever feel a fright?
You got me burnin’ and I’m turnin’
But I know I must be learnin’
Rita May
All my friends have told me
If I hang around with you
That I’ll go blind
But I know that when you hold me
That there really must be somethin’
On your mind
Rita May, Rita May
Laying in a stack of hay
Do you remember where you been?
What’s that crazy place you’re in?
I’m gonna have to go to college
’Cause you are the book of knowledge
Rita May
Copyright © 1975 by Ram's Horn Music; renewed 2003 by Ram’s Horn Music
neverending Bobfan
Thanks for adding the lyrics Olga 👍
KEZ RK MAYALL
Why they didn't put this on Side Tracks, i have no Idea. I've always loved this song.
andy massingham
Jerry Lee Lewis did a pretty solid version of this on his first Electra Album in ‘79
Michael Bradley
There is a really clean studio version of this song in great hi fi sound should one seek to find it, it's a fantastic version in studio quality.
Johan Marais
Listening to Dylan since 1970 but have never heard this beaut, thank you - Johan Marais South Africa
James
I think it was on the other side of the single George Jackson.