The members of The Band first worked together as The Hawks, the backing band of rockabilly singer Ronnie Hawkins from 1959 until 1963. Shortly afterwards, Bob Dylan recruited the quintet for his history-making 1965/1966 world tour. The Band also worked with Dylan on the initial Blonde On Blonde sessions which, bar two tracks, were ultimately abandoned in favor of versions recorded with Nashville session musicians.
After a motorcycle accident in mid-1966, Dylan retreated from the public eye to his country house near Woodstock, New York. He was joined by the Band for some informal jam sessions starting in the autumn of 1967, nearly all of which were recorded. After being heavily bootleged, Columbia Records finally released the Basement Tapes in 1975, a selection of the better tracks recorded during the sessions.
Bob Dylan & The Band were reunited in 1974, recording Planet Waves for Asylum Records (Dylan's first album recorded for a record label other than Columbia) although the album was released under Dylan's name alone. To promote the album, The Band joined Dylan for his first tour in eight years with some of the material recorded and released on the 1975 concert record Before the Flood.
I Shall Be Released
Bob Dylan & The Band Lyrics
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They say every distance is not near
So I remember every face
Of every man who put me here
I see my light come shining
From the west down to the east
Any day now, any day now
They say every man needs protection
They say that every man must fall
Yet I swear I see my reflection
Somewhere so high above this wall
I see my light come shining
From the west down to the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
Now, yonder stands a man in this lonely crowd
A man who swears he's not to blame
All day long I hear him shouting so loud
Just crying out that he was framed
I see my light come shining
From the west down to the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
Bob Dylan's song, I Shall Be Released, was written during his time with The Band and marks the end of an era and the beginning of another. The song has a powerful message of hope and freedom, and it speaks to the universal human desire to be free from suffering and oppression. The song is an anthem for all those who have been wronged, oppressed, and imprisoned, and it speaks of the hope and optimism that comes with the promise of release.
Throughout the song, Dylan uses powerful imagery to capture the feeling of being trapped and the longing for freedom. The lyrics "They say everything can be replaced, They say every distance is not near, So I remember every face, Of every man who put me here" capture the sense of loss and betrayal that comes with being imprisoned or oppressed. The images of "light come shining, From the west down to the east" provide hope that freedom is on the horizon and that release is imminent.
One of the most compelling aspects of the song is its universality. While Dylan wrote the song during a time of political and social upheaval, the message of the song transcends any particular time or place. The song speaks to the fundamental desire for freedom that is inherent in all of us, regardless of our race, culture, or background. It is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and move people around the world.
Line by Line Meaning
They say everything can be replaced
It is said that anything can be substituted or exchanged.
They say every distance is not near
It is said that not all journeys are short or close in proximity.
So I remember every face
As a result, I recall the countenances of each person who played a role in my present predicament.
Of every man who put me here
In particular, those who were instrumental in causing me to be in this state are the ones I recollect vividly.
I see my light come shining
I am viewing my radiant illumination beginning to emanate outwardly.
From the west down to the east
This light is illuminating all areas from the Atlantic coast to Pacific coast.
Any day now, any day now
It is possible that my current situation may be resolved at any moment, at any specific day or time.
I shall be released
I will eventually be set free from whatever is holding me captive or detained.
They say every man needs protection
It is believed by some that every individual requires safeguarding, either from physical harm or emotional damage.
They say that every man must fall
Others assert that every human being is destined to experience a temporary decline or misfortune.
Yet I swear I see my reflection
Despite these views, I firmly attest that I observe my own likeness, reflecting something greater than myself.
Somewhere so high above this wall
This reflection or greater entity is located somewhere on high, beyond the confines of this barrier.
Now, yonder stands a man in this lonely crowd
As it happens, a man is standing in that distant group, feeling forlorn and isolated among many people.
A man who swears he's not to blame
That individual asserts that he is not responsible or culpable for whatever wrongdoing or mistake is being attributed to him.
All day long I hear him shouting so loud
Throughout the day, I hear his voice repeatedly and vehemently protesting his innocence.
Just crying out that he was framed
His outcry concerning being accused or implicated falsely is the reason behind his loud lamenting.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BOB DYLAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
sumo
I Shall Be Released by Bob Dylan
They say everything can be replaced
They say every distance is not near
So I remember every face
Of every man who put me here
I see my light come shining
From the west down to the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
They say every man needs protection
They say that every man must fall
Yet I swear I see my reflection
Somewhere so high above this wall
I see my light come shining
From the west down to the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
Now, yonder stands a man in this lonely crowd
A man who swears he's not to blame
All day long I hear him shouting so loud
Just crying out that he was framed
I see my light come shining
From the west down to the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
Chamberfield
OMG the amount of talent on that stage.... just imagine being at that show!
Judy Weinstock
Yeah, and they served dinner!
Daryl Mixan
There were 8,000 fans there, and I met at least 9,000 of em
Andy Snadden
Incredible
Alma
I have been a Dylan fanatic for nearly 60 years now, but in my opinion Richard Manuel steals this performance with the second verse, I just love his voice
lionel bastos
Was about to ask who that was. Brilliant vocal
Lewis C
off topic
Max Ragno
Actually if I recall correctly Richard was supposed to sing the first verse but was very fucked up and missed the start. Bob picked it up and started the song for him to finish it
Freddie Coen
wow! literal chills . Not only a star studded line up but a truly iconic gathering of legends, to see the like of ronnie hawks besides joni mitchell is like watching poseidon brush shoulders with athena herself. The end of a great band (if you will pun the pardon) but much more than that, the end of an era, or in the words of the great robbie robertson the beginning of the end of the beginning of the end. This is not the funeral for an era of music, nor music itself. Its a celebration of the start of everything great to be strummed, drummed, blown or sung.
Peter Iacontino
WOW ! What a band ! I love Richard Manual's voice . Beautiful !