It's hard to stress how important this song was historically. In the mid 60s, there were no 6-minute songs on the radio, and absolutely nobody was writing lyrics like this, singing with a voice like that, with music that down and dirty. This is what inspired The Beatles to take their music seriously and change the landscape of pop music in the upcoming years. This also pretty much singlehandedly inspired the entire singer-songwriter genre. Before Dylan, most singers sang songs from others, and after him artists starting taking pride in writing their own stuff. Even today this song just oozes attitude, and that's what's amazing about Dylan, how he can tell a story and inject such meaning into how he writes and sings the lyrics. People criticize his voice, but the thing is that Dylan showed that convincing people you were telling the truth with what you said was just as important as how beautiful you sang it. I can't imagine this song, eg, being sung by a voice that did nothing but sound beautiful. You need that edge, and Dylan had it in spades, and he still has it 60 years later. American's original and greatest musical prophet.
@Jonathan Henderson Thanks for the great comments. As you mention this was a ground breaking song and is considered one of the most influential and one of the best rock songs of all times. His voice was perfect for these invective lyrics. I remember when I first heard this song and how it was unlike what came before. So happy we had these songs when we were growing up. It certainly stands the test of time as a classic.
Just a slight correction: many others before Dylan were already singing their own songs and words, in both white folk music and black music. Dylan would be the first to tell you he's a heir of their legacy. Woody Guthrie, Hank Williams, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry, among many others.
@@ramiladrianfarinas9768 If you want to be really technical it was for poetry. The nobel prize in literature is not for writing music, it's for literature. He won "for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition" I would argue that poetry and song writing is all within the same "Lyrical" sphere though. Classical Greek poetry came from an oral tradition and was most often meant to be sung. Most western poetry up until the modern era were supposed to be sung, or at least followed a rhyme scheme or poetic meter that added a musical aspect to it.
The Rolling Stone Magazine deemed this song as the number one song of all time, definitely one my favorite Dylan songs. Check out “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall”
I am sometimes cynical about so-called music aficionados who have not heard the classics in their life. It almost seems like they are playing us along...
Um...I can guarantee you that none of sisters' kids. Who are a similar age to Alex, have no idea who Bob Dylan is. I have friends who don't know who Bob Dylan is. The world is much wider than the narrow scope of most people's perspective. Most people in fact fall outside the scope of our perspective.
This song hits me hard. I was riding high in the mortgage biz (400k per year) and had (admittedly and regrettably) turned in to something that I was not. Concerned all the time with who, what, where, and most importantly... How much. I bought a big house, had the nice car, yada yada. Within a year after the crash in 08 my properties that I had invested in were gone, my income was next to nothing and my mother passed. I had a year of depression after which I became so much more aware of what it is to be human. Not how much you can buy, show off, or prove to others, but what you can BE is the important thing. I learned the lesson the hard way, but I am glad to have learned it. I wasn't much of a Dylan fan until then, and this song came on when I was at the lowest of the low and it felt like he was singing it directly to me. Like he was saying to me "you thought you were a big shot, but you found out you were nothing". I have since regained my 'sanity' and have a good life now, but every time I hear this song I am reminded not to be a 'big shot' because it can all go away tomorrow. So good.
Bob Dylan is an entire genre unto himself. His catalogue is enormous ranging from the early days of acoustic folk to electric rock to modern blues. A good way to start getting into Dylan is to sample one or two from each decade from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 20s, and present day. Only then will you get to experience the evolution of Dylan. Many have covered his songs, no one has been able to duplicate him.
This line in particular makes me think of a certain person now. I won’t say the name because I don’t want to talk politics here but I’m sure you can infer from that who I mean..
In the Rolling Stone magazine's original list for " 500 greatest songs of all time" Bob Dylan's Like a Rolling Stone was listed as #1. And to be honest, it is a very good choice.
Times they are changing album is great. "The lonesome death of hattie carrol", "with God on our side", "Times they are changing", "boots of spanish leather", "when the ships come in", "only a pawn in their game", "restless farewell" etc OMG so great.
Bob Dylan is from Hibbing, MN, up in the Iron Range. First big gig was playing keys with some group whose name I don't remember. They eventually let him go. Before he was 21, he popped up on the Folk circuit, playing acoustic guitar and a harmonica in a shoulder harness and singing (more like just chanting) antiwar and other protest songs, and got signed to Columbia Records. His early songs (aside from the humorous or bizarre ones) included "Blowin' In the Wind," "Masters of War," "With God On Our Side", "A Hard Rain's a'Gonna Fall," "The Times They Are a'Changin' ", etc. Some of those songs were covered by groups such as Peter, Paul and Mary and then re-covered endlessly. In the mid-Sixties, he started playing electric guitar too (as in the song you just reviewed). Alienated some folk purists, but picked up some new fans. Many of his singles and his album cuts, including "Mr. Tambourine Man," "All I Really Want to Do," "Chimes of Freedom," and "My Back Pages," were turned into rock hits by The Byrds. His album cut "All Along the Watchtower" was of course covered into a monster hit by Jimi Hendrix. In 1969 he released the album Nashville Skyline where he took on a Country vibe and actually sang with his full voice. Starting in the Seventies, he released a lot of Gospel material. He basically does whatever he feels. And people still cover him. Both Adele and Garth Brooks covered "Make You Feel My Love." He's a Nobel Prize winner. You want to hear him really cut it up with the harmonica, try this song, also from the mid-Sixties. "Just Like a Woman." ua-cam.com/video/dRLXZVojdhQ/v-deo.html
As good as this song makes you feel, the lyrics are anything but feel good. He's laying it on pretty damn thick to the gal he's singing to/about. Giving her the business.
For real, lol! I THINK he grocked the words, but can't be sure with his fixation on the harmonica and going on about how he couldn't stop bobbin' his head, lol!
Bob is my all time fav. This was the first Bob song I ever heard as a child; my dad had it on a mix tape when I was very young... & I just fell in love with him and his music genius. I listen to all types of music too...seriously ALL types, but I could never live without Bob dominantly in my mix.
I was 15 when this song came out in 1965 and it blew me away and I became a lifelong Dylan fan.You are right the Beatles had Help out and the Stones had Satisfaction out that year. We were so lucky to have all this wonderful music thrown at us!! You have about another 300 Dylan songs to listen to!!
I Might Be as Old As Your Uncle...... I Remember , by Cracky, I Was 10 Years Old in 1965 a pretty hip ten year old , I Heard This Song On the so called 'Hit Parade' when it was #1 at the time ! Totally changed my Life .....Been a Dylan Fan (hardcore) ever sense ....! Never Turned Back ! Now Ya Gotta See 'Don't Look Back' ! It Will Change Your Life ! Serious. Keep Listening to Bob ! He's A Hero ! Been Uplifted Ever Since .......As Bob Says "What Else Can Music Do But Inspire You !???? He's THE BEST !
I had a hard time getting in dylan until I watched martin Scorsese's two vol documentary on him. I watched it because I'll watch anything that is Scorsese. Now I'll listen to anything dylan touches. It's the kind of art that adds value to my life.
Still love this album after all these years, my brother peter( passed). Got me into this when we were about 17, I’m 73 this year. All time great artist
Bob Dylan and his songs are poetry as well as music that reflect an entire generation,, He came before, and inspired all the rock, punk rock, folk musicians u mentioned,, He is an enormous cut above all, and will be taught and remembered for all the ages,
The song is a brutal take down, the ultimate diss track The line ,"you're invisible now, you have no secrets to conceal" is one of the most savage lines. When Dylan is in full invective mode he is unholy, would not like to be on the receiving end, see also idiot wind
I don't read it as savage at all. Quite the opposite. It's a release, no longer having to be in the spotlight, a freedom in anonymity. A silver lining perhaps in a downfall. And you mention Idiot Wind. Again, a kind of realization at the end, changing pronouns from 2nd person singular accusatory, to 1st person plural, the narrator admitting his own culpability. Dylan's songs are more complex than something as frivolous as a "diss track". Okay, okay.... Positively 4th Street is straight up diss.
BTW......dude.......The harmonica was a large part of the folk and blues scene....from the 1930’s onward ....and Dylan brought it forward in the sixties. It made me chuckle a bit when you acted surprised to hear him play it, as he is so closely associated with his guitar and harmonica. It was also a big part of blues and the blues/rock movement....Robert Plant did and does play great harmonica.....Ever review When the Levee Breaks by Zeppelin? Great harmonica in there. . And other rock artists used it as well. You never hear it anymore....I guess it sounds too dated for young folk these days..too associated with the folk music of the sixties. But I love it...a very soulful instrument.
Bob Dylan is one of those artists who's almost a genre unto himself. Nobody else sounds like him. This is such a beautiful song. Also I'll second the people saying you should listen to The Wallflowers, which is fronted by Bob's son Jakob and also Blues Traveler for some Grade-A harmonica shredding.
Dylan is without a doubt a national treasure. I fell in love with him and his music in the mid 60's. There is absolutely none that can compare in regard to his poetry and lyrics. He will go down in history as one of the greats. When I am looking for music to sooth my soul, I turn to Dylan.
This was the soundtrack to my life when it came out. I had left college and was striking out on my own for the first time. My first job was an amazing gig drawing caricatures of people at Pacific Ocean Park. I had to drive to the beach every day and this is what was blasting on my stereo. So good to see young people discovering the music we loved back in the day.
The thing about great lyrics and great music is they are so good, it gives words and emotions to what most people can’t express for themselves so perfectly.
Summer of 1964....,driving with my friends into the Cascade Mountains out of Seattle with the windows down and this song on the radio blasting.....longest song the radio gods had ever played.....and we knew EVERY WORD and sang along. It was a matter of social cred to know all the words to Dylan’s songs.....same as with The Beatles.....
1. you have kind eyes 2. Honest legit curious question: how can you have never listened to Bob Dylan?, you are not that young! I'm 27 and I think I first listened to him purposely when I was like 12 or 13 cause I was getting more into The Beatles. :) 3. Yes! that harmonica is soo good. Very soothing
Dylan is the first person I had seen to play guitar and harmonica at the same time. But, when you ain't got nothin' you got nothin' to lose...just had to throw that in.
So, Bob looks to be about your age Alex when this picture was taken in the mid 60's...now 55 some years later you're digging his music from that time, so great to see! Bob was a huge folk music star at the time he released this and faced major backlash from his fan base when he "went electric" on this album. He just shrugged it off and made what he wanted to, and the rest is history.
Bc u gave Dylan this reaction, I've subscribed! I was 15, summer of '65, when he released this. That summer, was the greatest summer of music EVER! Bob Dylan also had songs put out by other artists that summer, such as ALL I EVER WANT TO DO IS, BABY, BE FRIENDS WITH YOU & Mr. TAMBOURINE MAN by the Byrds, IT AIN'T ME, BABE by the Turtles, also written by Dylan. HELP & A HARD DAY'S NIGHT by the Beatles came out that summer. Also, An unknown duet, Sonny&Cher released their 1st single, I'VE GOT YOU, BABE! But, that summer was awesome, as far as music went. I'm 70 now, but, still hang on to those memories thru these songs of the '60's! Glad u enjoyed one of his greatest! Dylan's BLOOD ON THE TRACKS is an album loaded with songs you'll appreciate, bc I can tell u like CLEVER LYRICS...and, harmonica! Lol!
React to the Velvet Underground! Their lead writer/vocalist, Lou Reed always looked up to Bob Dylan. I really suggest checking out their songs Heroin or Venus in Furs for a first time.
he, I'd almost forgotten how gnarly Bob Dylan sounds... There's an amazing story to this song: Up until then, he'd been known as a folk singer who only played acoustic instruments, until in a concert he pulled out the e-guitar and let loose with this mamoth 6 minute song. Suffice it to say, he was roundly booed for it, even called 'judas', to which he replied with 'liar'. All of this was captured live, even. It's worth checking out, if only for historical interest.
I really enjoy seeing folks discovering new music. I am 66 and still like my music loud and hard. spend some time checking out the lyrics to his songs. his storytelling is masterful. there is great music out there. we just have to look for it. enjoy your channel.
On one hand, this can sound like one of the most bitter burns ever written. On the other hand, I believe it goes out on an open-ended note - "You're invisible now / You got no secrets to conceal. / How does it feel , ah how does it feel? / To be on your own, with no direction home?" It's an opportunity in one's life where you can change direction. She's off the treadmill and has a future in front of her. Clearly not the only possible meaning, but it's a good example of the depth in what sounds otherwise straight forward.
The first time anyone put real venom into song lyrics. And huge moment in song writing history. The medium would never be the same again. Simply the greatest song ever written by anyone.
Funny thing about this song is that the organ player was off time by one note the whole song because he couldn't keep up and was new to the instrument. But Dylan liked it so much that he said to turn up the organ lol. And they kept it that way.
Yes, this was THE song back then. Interestingly, the Rolling Stones eventually made a video of this song, which portrays what the song is all about, Well worth a reaction.
I got to see him when I was either in high school or right out of high school, I can't remember the exact year, but his tour came through my city and I'm pretty sure my friend and I were the youngest people there haha He was pretty old by this time, but still sounded great.
Bob spent years actually just travelling from town to town. His folk music is so authentic because he spent years on the streets learning the local music of different places around America. Famously he was even arrested for vagrancy even after having multiple hit records. He did the research needed to write truthful Well experiences songs like this and it shows.
It's odd to me that younger people have never heard this before. It's so normal to me - and easy to play on guitar also! I play harmonica to this song - it's fun! Every time we have a party we crank this song and sing and play along - good times!
It's hard to stress how important this song was historically. In the mid 60s, there were no 6-minute songs on the radio, and absolutely nobody was writing lyrics like this, singing with a voice like that, with music that down and dirty. This is what inspired The Beatles to take their music seriously and change the landscape of pop music in the upcoming years. This also pretty much singlehandedly inspired the entire singer-songwriter genre. Before Dylan, most singers sang songs from others, and after him artists starting taking pride in writing their own stuff. Even today this song just oozes attitude, and that's what's amazing about Dylan, how he can tell a story and inject such meaning into how he writes and sings the lyrics. People criticize his voice, but the thing is that Dylan showed that convincing people you were telling the truth with what you said was just as important as how beautiful you sang it. I can't imagine this song, eg, being sung by a voice that did nothing but sound beautiful. You need that edge, and Dylan had it in spades, and he still has it 60 years later. American's original and greatest musical prophet.
As Dylan said - I am a poet and I know it, hope I don’t blow it
@Jonathan Henderson Thanks for the great comments. As you mention this was a ground breaking song and is considered one of the most influential and one of the best rock songs of all times. His voice was perfect for these invective lyrics. I remember when I first heard this song and how it was unlike what came before. So happy we had these songs when we were growing up. It certainly stands the test of time as a classic.
Just a slight correction: many others before Dylan were already singing their own songs and words, in both white folk music and black music. Dylan would be the first to tell you he's a heir of their legacy. Woody Guthrie, Hank Williams, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry, among many others.
And Lennon told Dylan, "Get a fookin' band!"
Jonathan Henderson as a huge Dylan fan and someone whose played his songs live: yes to everything you wrote.
Bob Dylan has a Nobel Prize for Literature for his poetry.
Technically, it is for his songwriting, which is itself so great-it is poetry.
@@ramiladrianfarinas9768 If you want to be really technical it was for poetry. The nobel prize in literature is not for writing music, it's for literature. He won "for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition"
I would argue that poetry and song writing is all within the same "Lyrical" sphere though. Classical Greek poetry came from an oral tradition and was most often meant to be sung. Most western poetry up until the modern era were supposed to be sung, or at least followed a rhyme scheme or poetic meter that added a musical aspect to it.
The Rolling Stone Magazine deemed this song as the number one song of all time, definitely one my favorite Dylan songs. Check out “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall”
How can you not know this song by this lyrical genuis? Bob Dylan is an American national treasure.
Greetings from Ireland. ☘☘☘
I am sometimes cynical about so-called music aficionados who have not heard the classics in their life. It almost seems like they are playing us along...
Yeah, this is NOT possible. Lying for clicks. Most of these "first time hearing" people do this. It does seem to work. People are SOOOO gullible.
Um...I can guarantee you that none of sisters' kids. Who are a similar age to Alex, have no idea who Bob Dylan is. I have friends who don't know who Bob Dylan is. The world is much wider than the narrow scope of most people's perspective. Most people in fact fall outside the scope of our perspective.
This song hits me hard. I was riding high in the mortgage biz (400k per year) and had (admittedly and regrettably) turned in to something that I was not. Concerned all the time with who, what, where, and most importantly... How much. I bought a big house, had the nice car, yada yada. Within a year after the crash in 08 my properties that I had invested in were gone, my income was next to nothing and my mother passed. I had a year of depression after which I became so much more aware of what it is to be human. Not how much you can buy, show off, or prove to others, but what you can BE is the important thing. I learned the lesson the hard way, but I am glad to have learned it. I wasn't much of a Dylan fan until then, and this song came on when I was at the lowest of the low and it felt like he was singing it directly to me. Like he was saying to me "you thought you were a big shot, but you found out you were nothing". I have since regained my 'sanity' and have a good life now, but every time I hear this song I am reminded not to be a 'big shot' because it can all go away tomorrow. So good.
Bob Dylan is an entire genre unto himself. His catalogue is enormous ranging from the early days of acoustic folk to electric rock to modern blues. A good way to start getting into Dylan is to sample one or two from each decade from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 20s, and present day. Only then will you get to experience the evolution of Dylan. Many have covered his songs, no one has been able to duplicate him.
Dito
Except Hendrix
Fans turned on him when he went electric lol.
"You never turned around to see the frowns on the jugglers and the clowns when they all did tricks for you". So many amazing lines from Dylan.
When you got nothing, you got nothing to lose!!
Your invisible now, you got no secrets to conceal.
My favorite line from a Dylan song is from Visions of Johanna "The ghost of electricty howls in the bones of her face"
This line in particular makes me think of a certain person now. I won’t say the name because I don’t want to talk politics here but I’m sure you can infer from that who I mean..
@@johnrobb8435 my fav as well.
Bob Dylan - Times they are a changin! As true today as it was when he wrote it!
One of the greatest songs ever written
For a more modern take, see Chris Ray Gun's version.
Nowadays it could just as easily be renamed to The Climes They Are A Changin
You should give a listen to Flogging Molly's version - ua-cam.com/video/NV51gU00oqc/v-deo.html
My favorite Dylan song!
In the Rolling Stone magazine's original list for " 500 greatest songs of all time" Bob Dylan's Like a Rolling Stone was listed as #1. And to be honest, it is a very good choice.
Agree ! If i HAD to pick 2. Suite Judy Blue Eyes would follow. Both are friggin Masterpieces ! Never get tired of either.
Yeah, before wokeism arrived.
This might have been the first "Bitch Slap" song.
Don't Think Twice, It's Alright by Bob Dylan is amazing!!!
Probably my favorite dylan tunes also song to woody is a great one as well
Claptons version at Dylan’s 30th anniversary concert was truly amazing!
My all-time favorite.
"Tangled up in blue." So fucking good. And for peak rock lyric writing, "A Hard Rains a-going Fall." This album, by the way, is peak hipster.
I immediately went to the comments to see if anyone had recommended Tangled up in Blue. A masterpiece in storytelling
At least 100 masterpieces. Tangled up in blue is my favorite except of course for another 20.
Times they are changing album is great. "The lonesome death of hattie carrol", "with God on our side", "Times they are changing", "boots of spanish leather", "when the ships come in", "only a pawn in their game", "restless farewell" etc
OMG so great.
Bob Dylan is from Hibbing, MN, up in the Iron Range. First big gig was playing keys with some group whose name I don't remember. They eventually let him go. Before he was 21, he popped up on the Folk circuit, playing acoustic guitar and a harmonica in a shoulder harness and singing (more like just chanting) antiwar and other protest songs, and got signed to Columbia Records. His early songs (aside from the humorous or bizarre ones) included "Blowin' In the Wind," "Masters of War," "With God On Our Side", "A Hard Rain's a'Gonna Fall," "The Times They Are a'Changin' ", etc. Some of those songs were covered by groups such as Peter, Paul and Mary and then re-covered endlessly.
In the mid-Sixties, he started playing electric guitar too (as in the song you just reviewed). Alienated some folk purists, but picked up some new fans. Many of his singles and his album cuts, including "Mr. Tambourine Man," "All I Really Want to Do," "Chimes of Freedom," and "My Back Pages," were turned into rock hits by The Byrds. His album cut "All Along the Watchtower" was of course covered into a monster hit by Jimi Hendrix.
In 1969 he released the album Nashville Skyline where he took on a Country vibe and actually sang with his full voice. Starting in the Seventies, he released a lot of Gospel material. He basically does whatever he feels. And people still cover him. Both Adele and Garth Brooks covered "Make You Feel My Love."
He's a Nobel Prize winner.
You want to hear him really cut it up with the harmonica, try this song, also from the mid-Sixties. "Just Like a Woman."
ua-cam.com/video/dRLXZVojdhQ/v-deo.html
As good as this song makes you feel, the lyrics are anything but feel good. He's laying it on pretty damn thick to the gal he's singing to/about. Giving her the business.
For real, lol! I THINK he grocked the words, but can't be sure with his fixation on the harmonica and going on about how he couldn't stop bobbin' his head, lol!
This song is over 50 years old. Wow. Trendsetter Bob.
Forever young, tangled up in blue, hurricane, so many classics from Bob Dylan
Thank goodness someone is reacting to Dylan, he's the goat
Bob is my all time fav. This was the first Bob song I ever heard as a child; my dad had it on a mix tape when I was very young... & I just fell in love with him and his music genius. I listen to all types of music too...seriously ALL types, but I could never live without Bob dominantly in my mix.
Bob Dylan - folk musician, he sings plays guitar and harmonica. One of My favorites is " Tangled up in blue ".
Subterranean homesick blues, is an eye-opener, in Dylan's catalogue!
Bob Dillion was awarded the NOBEL PRIZE. Let that sink in for a minute 💚💚💚
It helps to have the lyrics to read- he’s one of our greatest poets
I was 15 when this song came out in 1965 and it blew me away and I became a lifelong Dylan fan.You are right the Beatles had Help out and the Stones had Satisfaction out that year. We were so lucky to have all this wonderful music thrown at us!! You have about another 300 Dylan songs to listen to!!
Need to listen to Positively 4th street the greatest f.u. song ever written when Bob has something to say you listen
Idiot Wind is right there with it. You definitely don’t wanna be on Bob’s bad side.
Both are classic . I always add Bitch after numerous lines in Positively 4th Street. They fit.
Don't Think Twice it's Alright too.
@@MrNegative57 In Idiot Wind at least he includes himself at the end.
Dylan is the greatest lyricist ever. I 2nd the Tangled Up In Blue suggestion
Yes!
Greg Graffin > Dylan
@@oisinduggan8944 link me gaffin's best song
@@justenbenally522 epiphany or punk rock song
@@oisinduggan8944 ill check out both, thanks 😊
The greatest songwriter of all time. A song for every person at every stage in their life feeling any emotion possible.
The greatest songwriter apart from Phil Ochs - the 'journalist' that Bob once threw out of a taxicab in New York. But, respect to Mr Zimmermann anyway
Love the classic Hammond organ that backs this track, icon of 60s folk / rock. Thanks Alex!
I Might Be as Old As Your Uncle...... I Remember , by Cracky, I Was 10 Years Old in 1965 a pretty hip ten year old , I Heard This Song On the so called 'Hit Parade' when it was #1 at the time ! Totally changed my Life .....Been a Dylan Fan (hardcore) ever sense ....! Never Turned Back ! Now Ya Gotta See 'Don't Look Back' ! It Will Change Your Life ! Serious. Keep Listening to Bob ! He's A Hero ! Been Uplifted Ever Since .......As Bob Says "What Else Can Music Do But Inspire You !???? He's THE BEST !
I had a hard time getting in dylan until I watched martin Scorsese's two vol documentary on him. I watched it because I'll watch anything that is Scorsese. Now I'll listen to anything dylan touches. It's the kind of art that adds value to my life.
Still love this album after all these years, my brother peter( passed). Got me into this when we were about 17, I’m 73 this year. All time great artist
Bob Dylan and his songs are poetry as well as music that reflect an entire generation,, He came before, and inspired all the rock, punk rock, folk musicians u mentioned,, He is an enormous cut above all, and will be taught and remembered for all the ages,
The song is a brutal take down, the ultimate diss track
The line ,"you're invisible now, you have no secrets to conceal" is one of the most savage lines.
When Dylan is in full invective mode he is unholy, would not like to be on the receiving end, see also idiot wind
Positively 4th Street as well. Savage from beginning to end
I don't read it as savage at all. Quite the opposite. It's a release, no longer having to be in the spotlight, a freedom in anonymity. A silver lining perhaps in a downfall. And you mention Idiot Wind. Again, a kind of realization at the end, changing pronouns from 2nd person singular accusatory, to 1st person plural, the narrator admitting his own culpability. Dylan's songs are more complex than something as frivolous as a "diss track". Okay, okay.... Positively 4th Street is straight up diss.
BTW......dude.......The harmonica was a large part of the folk and blues scene....from the 1930’s onward ....and Dylan brought it forward in the sixties. It made me chuckle a bit when you acted surprised to hear him play it, as he is so closely associated with his guitar and harmonica. It was also a big part of blues and the blues/rock movement....Robert Plant did and does play great harmonica.....Ever review When the Levee Breaks by Zeppelin? Great harmonica in there. . And other rock artists used it as well. You never hear it anymore....I guess it sounds too dated for young folk these days..too associated with the folk music of the sixties. But I love it...a very soulful instrument.
Bob Dylan is one of those artists who's almost a genre unto himself. Nobody else sounds like him. This is such a beautiful song.
Also I'll second the people saying you should listen to The Wallflowers, which is fronted by Bob's son Jakob and also Blues Traveler for some Grade-A harmonica shredding.
Dylan is without a doubt a national treasure. I fell in love with him and his music in the mid 60's. There is absolutely none that can compare in regard to his poetry and lyrics. He will go down in history as one of the greats. When I am looking for music to sooth my soul, I turn to Dylan.
The magic of that song starts at the opening and never stops
"The man in the long black coat" is one off my all time fav.
Genius he is . Love him ❤ story telling music is whats missing now .
You've got to the Bard. He is a bad ass. The water is so deep here but try It's alright ma (I'm only bleeding)
Our Bob...he means so much to so many of us who grew up with him...
This was the soundtrack to my life when it came out. I had left college and was striking out on my own for the first time. My first job was an amazing gig drawing caricatures of people at Pacific Ocean Park. I had to drive to the beach every day and this is what was blasting on my stereo. So good to see young people discovering the music we loved back in the day.
The thing about great lyrics and great music is they are so good, it gives words and emotions to what most people can’t express for themselves so perfectly.
I remember when I first got into Dylan, it changed my life!
So great the youngsters are finding out…….. Long Live Bob Dylan
If you’re digging the harmonica, you gotta check out Neil Young “Heart Of Gold”
I second this
How about Blues Traveler? John Popper is a hell of a harmonica player and pretty good singer.
And it was Bob Dylan who wrote Heart of Gold. I tell ya, that man was a song writer's song writer.
Neil Young wrote Heart of Gold. Not Bob Dylan.
UP
Bob Dylan, the greatest of all time. True Nobel Laureate. With me all my life got me thru the best and worst. Long Live Bob Dylan !
Summer of 1964....,driving with my friends into the Cascade Mountains out of Seattle with the windows down and this song on the radio blasting.....longest song the radio gods had ever played.....and we knew EVERY WORD and sang along. It was a matter of social cred to know all the words to Dylan’s songs.....same as with The Beatles.....
Dylan is an American Icon, and, a national treasure. Just the best.
1. you have kind eyes
2. Honest legit curious question: how can you have never listened to Bob Dylan?, you are not that young! I'm 27 and I think I first listened to him purposely when I was like 12 or 13 cause I was getting more into The Beatles. :)
3. Yes! that harmonica is soo good. Very soothing
"I got nothing to say" heh Bob might appreciate that comment. Thanks for sharing, good job!
Bob Dylan brought the lyrics to the forefront in Rock and Roll, maybe most prominently in this song. Great reaction
So glad you love Bob Dylan as I do. Check out more of his music, especially. Positively 4 th Street. Love you vibe and appreciation of my era ! Love
Dylan is a REALLY deep rabbit hole to start going down. If you want hear him at his most fun, react to "Rainy Day Women #12 and 35".
Or "All I Really Want to Do".
You should definitely check out "Ballad of a thin man" - it's got the craziest lyrics
Tax.
Deductible.
Charity.
Organizations.
Give me some milk or else go home!
Slim chance you’ll react to it but Mr. Tambourine Man is one of Dylan’s most beautiful songs
Dylan is the first person I had seen to play guitar and harmonica at the same time. But, when you ain't got nothin' you got nothin' to lose...just had to throw that in.
Absolute lyrical genius. In fact a Nobel Prize winner. Yep.
Perfect reaction to a perfect song. So great seeing someone hear a classic for the first time
So, Bob looks to be about your age Alex when this picture was taken in the mid 60's...now 55 some years later you're digging his music from that time, so great to see! Bob was a huge folk music star at the time he released this and faced major backlash from his fan base when he "went electric" on this album. He just shrugged it off and made what he wanted to, and the rest is history.
Bc u gave Dylan this reaction, I've subscribed! I was 15, summer of '65, when he released this. That summer, was the greatest summer of music EVER! Bob Dylan also had songs put out by other artists that summer, such as ALL I EVER WANT TO DO IS, BABY, BE FRIENDS WITH YOU & Mr. TAMBOURINE MAN by the Byrds, IT AIN'T ME, BABE by the Turtles, also written by Dylan. HELP & A HARD DAY'S NIGHT by the Beatles came out that summer. Also, An unknown duet, Sonny&Cher released their 1st single, I'VE GOT YOU, BABE! But, that summer was awesome, as far as music went. I'm 70 now, but, still hang on to those memories thru these songs of the '60's! Glad u enjoyed one of his greatest! Dylan's BLOOD ON THE TRACKS is an album loaded with songs you'll appreciate, bc I can tell u like CLEVER LYRICS...and, harmonica! Lol!
Love Bob. Favorite songs are "Tangled Up in Blue" and "Thunder On The Mountain".
The man who introduced me to punk rock...bob dylan man... He gets it.
Bob Dylan - “Hurricane” is something you would love
100% yes
Wicked track!
“Hurricane” was Dylan, “Like a Hurricane” was Neil Young. But I agree either way.
You mean, "Hurricane"
Shit yeah I mean hurricane lol
Is a reflection of anybody in life , it could also be you . Thank you Bob for that song. That this can't only happen to me but all of us.
Bob had a harmonica on a wire frame around his neck and played it in some of his songs. It was the first time I had ever seen that.
"ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm" ✌️♥️
Oh yes I'd love for him to do both versions Dylan & Rage Against the Machine !🤘🤘
Ya talked over the best line..."...you better pawn it, babe!".
Classic.
A poet!
Times they are a changin - Bob Dylan... Listen with the lyrics... It's such a great song
Bob Dylan a one off, unique, irreplaceable, the likes of whom we will never see again
React to the Velvet Underground! Their lead writer/vocalist, Lou Reed always looked up to Bob Dylan. I really suggest checking out their songs Heroin or Venus in Furs for a first time.
I'm Waiting For The Man, Sweet Jane
All Tomorrow's Parties, Pale Blue Eyes...
Thank you for your positive attitude ♥️
he, I'd almost forgotten how gnarly Bob Dylan sounds... There's an amazing story to this song: Up until then, he'd been known as a folk singer who only played acoustic instruments, until in a concert he pulled out the e-guitar and let loose with this mamoth 6 minute song. Suffice it to say, he was roundly booed for it, even called 'judas', to which he replied with 'liar'. All of this was captured live, even. It's worth checking out, if only for historical interest.
Bob Dylan - Don't Think Twice , It's Alright ;)
Nobel Prize!!! These lyrics demonstrate!!!!
Good luck listening to Bob Dylan, it will be an amazing experience!!!
Stuck inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again, A hard rains a gonna fall , positivity 4th Street , just like a woman and a few thousand more
"Positively 4th Street" by Bob Dylan is one i highly recommend you react to.
A lot of big-name lists have this as the greatest song of all time. Not just greatest (insert genre) song. Greatest song period.
I really enjoy seeing folks discovering new music. I am 66 and still like my music loud and hard. spend some time checking out the lyrics to his songs. his storytelling is masterful. there is great music out there. we just have to look for it. enjoy your channel.
I love how happy he looks while listening to the song. Totally relatable!
His first reaction was the best, a pause, and an admission that nothing need be said.
His music catalog does not take a back seat too anyone , watching his play the harmonica and the guitar at the same time is epic.
On one hand, this can sound like one of the most bitter burns ever written. On the other hand, I believe it goes out on an open-ended note - "You're invisible now / You got no secrets to conceal. / How does it feel , ah how does it feel? / To be on your own, with no direction home?" It's an opportunity in one's life where you can change direction. She's off the treadmill and has a future in front of her. Clearly not the only possible meaning, but it's a good example of the depth in what sounds otherwise straight forward.
Love your reaction at first pause..."yeah, there's nothing to be said!" Dylan will suck you in if you're not watching!
The first time anyone put real venom into song lyrics. And huge moment in song writing history. The medium would never be the same again. Simply the greatest song ever written by anyone.
Dylan himself played the harp, as well as guitar, he was the person who did the deal with the devil at the crossroads !! (or so the story goes)..
Bob Dylan is the Greatest Singer-Songwriter of the 20th Century
That´s why he was awarded the Nobel Prize for LITERATURE.
I agree with songwriting, but he is a mediocre singer and guitar player. Sorry.
American poet. National gem. Never be another.
Probably the best comment ever re. a Dylan song: "....pause...actually nothing needs to be said".
The opening snare drum "kicks open the door to your mind."
Funny thing about this song is that the organ player was off time by one note the whole song because he couldn't keep up and was new to the instrument. But Dylan liked it so much that he said to turn up the organ lol. And they kept it that way.
Yes, this was THE song back then. Interestingly, the Rolling Stones eventually made a video of this song, which portrays what the song is all about, Well worth a reaction.
I got to see him when I was either in high school or right out of high school, I can't remember the exact year, but his tour came through my city and I'm pretty sure my friend and I were the youngest people there haha He was pretty old by this time, but still sounded great.
Bob spent years actually just travelling from town to town. His folk music is so authentic because he spent years on the streets learning the local music of different places around America.
Famously he was even arrested for vagrancy even after having multiple hit records. He did the research needed to write truthful Well experiences songs like this and it shows.
Keep in mind, that's Bob singing, playing guitar, and harmonica.
It's odd to me that younger people have never heard this before. It's so normal to me - and easy to play on guitar also! I play harmonica to this song - it's fun! Every time we have a party we crank this song and sing and play along - good times!
Now you have every other song/album that Dylan did to look forward to. The most amazing body of work you can find.
Oh! And he was one of the soloists in We Are the World!
one of my fav tracks of all time
He actually won a Nobel prize for his writing, and he wrote the song To Make You Feel My Love that both Adele and Garth Brooks recorded.