Like A Rolling Stone
Spirit Lyrics
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You threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn't you ?
People'd call, say : 'Beware doll, you're bound to fall'
You thought they were all kiddin' you
You used to be so proud
About everybody that was hangin' out
Now you don't talk so loud
Now you don't seem so proud
How does it feel
How does it feel
To be without a home
With no direction home
Like a complete unknown
Just like a rolling stone ?
You've gone to the finest school, all right Miss Lonely
But you know you only used to get juiced in it
Nobody has ever taught you how to live on the street
And now you find out you're gonna have to get used to it
You said you'd never compromise
With the mystery tramp but even in his eyes
Into the vacuum of his eyes
As you stare into the vacuum of his eyes
And say : 'Would you like to, come on now, would you like to come on to make a deal ?
How does it feel
How does it feel
To be without a home
Like a complete unknown
With no direction home
Like a rolling stone ?
Princess .... on the steeple and all them pretty people
They're drinkin', thinkin' that they got it made
Exchanging all the precious gifts and things
But you'd better lift your diamond ring down, you'd better pawn it babe
You used to be so amused
At Napoleon in rags and the language that he used
Go to him now, he calls you, you can't refuse
When you ain't got nothing got, you got nothing to lose
You're invisible now, you got no secrets to conceal.
How does it feel
How does it feel
To be without a home
With no direction home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone ?
Like a rolling stone ?
Like a rolling stone ?
The first verse of "Like A Rolling Stone" by Spirit portrays the so-called fall from grace of a former high society woman. The singer was once well-dressed, philanthropic, and well-respected amongst the different social classes. However, she now seems to be struggling in life, with no clear direction or home. The song implies the woman did not appreciate the warnings given to her about her behavior, and now she is reaping the consequences.
Bob Dylan, the original writer of "Like A Rolling Stone" wrote the song about a socialite who lost her wealth and status, but the themes are much more profound. The lyrics talk of the sense of loss, alienation, and indignity one can feel when they have 'fallen from grace' as in the case of the singer. The song doesn't only address her specific circumstances but her inner turmoil over her lost privilege.
Spirit's performance of "Like A Rolling Stone" is particularly remarkable for Jay Ferguson's interpretation of the song's lyrics. He sang with great emotional range, bringing out the rebellious spirit in Dylan's original song. By adding more lyrics to the chorus, he added emphasis to its messages of loss and desperation. The song's mournful tone, with its blunt lyrics and pop-infused blues vibes, touched the hearts of many and catapulted it to its classic status.
Line by Line Meaning
Once upon a time you dressed so fine
Back in the day, you dressed in fancy clothing
You threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn't you ?
You were generous to beggars when you had money
People'd call, say : 'Beware doll, you're bound to fall'
People warned you that bad things would happen if you kept acting recklessly
You thought they were all kiddin' you
You didn't take their warnings seriously
You used to be so proud
You used to be confident and self-assured
About everybody that was hangin' out
You were proud of the people you associated with
Now you don't talk so loud
Now you are quieter and more reserved
Now you don't seem so proud
Now you are not as confident and self-assured
About having to be scrounging around, scrouging around for your next meal.
You are no longer proud of having to beg or search for food.
How does it feel
The singer is asking how it feels to be in this situation
To be without a home
The singer is highlighting the experience of homelessness
With no direction home
The singer is illustrating the feeling of being aimless and lost
Like a complete unknown
The singer is expressing the feeling of being disconnected from society
Just like a rolling stone ?
The singer is comparing the feeling to the experience of a rolling stone, always moving and without roots.
You've gone to the finest school, all right Miss Lonely
You have gone to the best school, but have ended up lonely and destitute.
But you know you only used to get juiced in it
While you went to the best school, you only enjoyed the parties and socializing.
Nobody has ever taught you how to live on the street
You were never taught how to survive without money or shelter
And now you find out you're gonna have to get used to it
You are forced to become accustomed to living a life of poverty and uncertainty
You said you'd never compromise
You made a promise to never lower your standards or give up your morals
With the mystery tramp but even in his eyes
Even when confronted with a vagabond, you refuse to compromise on your standards
Into the vacuum of his eyes
You are looking into his empty eyes and feeling lost and empty as well.
As you stare into the vacuum of his eyes
You are staring into his empty eyes and feeling like there is no hope.
And say : 'Would you like to, come on now, would you like to come on to make a deal ?
Nevertheless, you attempt to make a deal to better your situation
Princess .... on the steeple and all them pretty people
Referring to people of high social status on high pedestals, looking down on others
They're drinkin', thinkin' that they got it made
They are drinking and believe they are set for life
Exchanging all the precious gifts and things
Exchanging valuable items as a show of wealth and generosity
But you'd better lift your diamond ring down, you'd better pawn it babe
The singer is warning someone to give up their wealthy items before they lose everything.
You used to be so amused
In the past, you found humor in things you no longer do
At Napoleon in rags and the language that he used
You found amusement in the way some street people dressed and spoke
Go to him now, he calls you, you can't refuse
When you have lost everything, the only person who will take you in is that street person
When you ain't got nothing got, you got nothing to lose
When you have nothing, you need to take risks to get by
You're invisible now, you got no secrets to conceal.
You are now invisible and have no more secrets to try and hide.
Like a rolling stone ?
The singer repeats the question, driving home the comparison between the experience and a rolling stone.
Contributed by Levi C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@smittysmith3170
I'm an old dude now but 45 years ago I was living in a van in the San Francisco area with a beautiful girlfriend and as we traveled the West, an 8 track of Spirit was in the player, belting out this one!
Memories are the real gems we take with us into old age if we're blessed and lucky!
@SisterDogmata
When we get older we realise memories are the most important things in our lives not all the crap and baggage we carry around with us.
@Payneduplex
I just desperately want it back. Don't you?
@WilliamHBaird-eq2hp
Without question The greatest version of this Dylan Song ever!
@macgraham4810
William H. Baird without question, including the man himself and Hendrix. This one moves me every time I hear it, which is a lot at the moment.
@WilliamHBaird-eq2hp
@Mac Graham Agreed, I loved it from the very first spin on my turntable back in the day. It's a great track to play when friends are visiting. So fun to turn others onto it!
@iggystuffmore537
Oui effectivement, cette version représente les années 70 , alors qu'elle fut créé dans les années 60, par Dylan , que Jimi Hendrix reste surement un des meilleurs a avoir su interpréter le génie de Bob, et Randy le createur de Spirit ...était le guitariste de Jimi Hendrix, j'aime quand les mathématique décrivent l'Art :), vous avez de la chance d'écouter cette musique !
@WilliamHBaird-eq2hp
@IggyStuff More Exactement
@iggystuffmore537
@William H. Baird si vite, ici , bravo à vous !
@richardrobbins7949
Just Beautiful - Randys guitars on this are fantastic - kind of jazzy - spacey!!! made this old hippie happy - there is still good music in the world.