Like A Rolling Stone
Jimi Hendrix Experience Lyrics


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Once upon a time you dressed so fine
Threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn't you
Peopled called you, said 'beware the doll, you're bound to fall',
You thought they were all kidding you
You used to laugh about
Everybody else that was hanging out
Now you don't talk so loud
Now you don't seem so proud
About having to be scrounging around for your next meal

How does it feel
How does it feel
To be on your own
In no direction home




Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone

Overall Meaning

In Jimi Hendrix Experience's song "Like A Rolling Stone," the lyrics offer a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the ups and downs that can come along with it. The song tells the story of a woman who was once wealthy and highly regarded, but has now fallen from grace and is struggling to survive. The opening verse sets the stage, with the singer recounting this woman's past extravagances and social standing. He notes that she used to dismiss others who were less fortunate, but with money and status no longer on her side, she finds herself in a similar position.


The chorus of the song repeats the question "how does it feel?" several times, highlighting the bitterness and loneliness of the woman's current situation. The idea of being "like a rolling stone" references the concept of constantly moving and never settling down, a theme that runs throughout the song. The woman in the song is directionless and lost, with no clear path or purpose to guide her forward.


Line by Line Meaning

Once upon a time you dressed so fine
There was a time when you used to be fashionable and well-dressed.


Threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn't you
When you were at your best, you used to give money to the homeless.


Peopled called you, said 'beware the doll, you're bound to fall'
Your friends warned you that you could end up in a bad situation if you continue to act recklessly.


You thought they were all kidding you
You believed that your friends were just joking and everything would be fine.


You used to laugh about everybody else that was hanging out
Before, you used to laugh at those who were not as successful as you.


Now you don't talk so loud
Presently, you have lost your confidence and do not speak as confidently as before.


Now you don't seem so proud
You do not seem as proud of your accomplishments as you used to be.


About having to be scrounging around for your next meal
You are forced to look for food anywhere you can because you don't have money anymore.


How does it feel
How do you feel now that you have lost everything?


How does it feel
How do you feel now that everything you had is gone?


To be on your own
To be alone, on your own, without anyone to rely on.


In no direction home
To not have a destination, to be lost and directionless.


Like a complete unknown
To be anonymous, to be completely forgotten.


Like a rolling stone
To be constantly moving, without a purpose or destination.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BOB DYLAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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