# Post your favorite Bob Dylan lyric here **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [October 13, 2016, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-favorite-bob-dylan-lyric-here/768472 "2016-10-13T23:01:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Mixolydian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/da6949/32.png) [@Mixolydian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mixolydian)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2016, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-favorite-bob-dylan-lyric-here/768472/41 "2016-10-14T18:02:16Z")
Some more obscure: From “Tough Mama”, on Planet Waves \*Silver angel With the badge of the lonesome road written on your sleeve I’d be grateful if this golden ring you would receive Today on the countryside it was a hotter than a crotch I stood alone upon the ridge and all I did was watch Sweet Goddess It must be time to carve another notch. I’m crestfallen The world of illusion is at my door I ain’t a-haulin’ any of my lambs to the marketplace anymore The prison walls are crumbling, there is no end in sight I’ve gained some recognition but I lost my appetite Sweet beauty Meet me at the border late tonight.\* The lyric writing of “Hurricane” is mind-blowing; although the song can drag on upon listening, Dylan’s ability to tell that entire story with that level of artistry given the constraints of the melody is beyond comparison: _Meanwhile, far away in another part of town Rubin Carter and a couple of friends are drivin’ around Number one contender for the middleweight crown Had no idea what kinda shit was about to go down When a cop pulled him over to the side of the road Just like the time before and the time before that In Paterson that’s just the way things go If you’re black you might as well not show up on the street ‘Less you want to draw the heat" . . . Four months later, the ghettos are in flame Rubin’s in South America, fightin’ for his name While Arthur Dexter Bradley’s still in the robbery game And the cops are puttin’ the screws to him, lookin’ for somebody to blame Remember that murder that happened in a bar Remember you said you saw the getaway car You think you’d like to play ball with the law Think it might-a been that fighter that you saw runnin’ that night Don’t forget that you are white_ ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2016, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-favorite-bob-dylan-lyric-here/768472/42 "2016-10-14T18:05:50Z")
> [@Mixolydian](#): > > The lyric writing of “Hurricane” is mind-blowing; although the song can drag on upon listening Not for me, I find it incredibly gripping. Not clear on how much of it is Dylan and how much is Jacques Levy, though. Same with “Isis,” another big favorite of mine. ---
**Author:** ![Mixolydian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/da6949/32.png) [@Mixolydian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mixolydian)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2016, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-favorite-bob-dylan-lyric-here/768472/43 "2016-10-14T18:08:41Z")
> [@SantaMan](#): > > It’s Alright Ma: > “For them that must obey authority > That they do not respect in any degree > Who despise their jobs, their destinies > Speak jealously of them that are free > Cultivate their flowers to be > Nothing more than something they invest in” > I could have sworn it was “to do what they do just to be something else they invest in” > Huh. From the same tune: \*While one who sings with his tongue on fire Gargles in the rat race choir Bent out of shape from society’s pliers Cares not to come up any higher But rather get you down in the hole that he’s in But I mean no harm nor put fault On anyone that lives in a vault But it’s alright, Ma, if I can’t please him . . While them that defend what they cannot see With a killer’s pride, security It blows the minds most bitterly For them that think death’s honesty Won’t fall upon them naturally Life sometimes must get lonely\* ---
**Author:** ![NeonMadman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/58f4c7/32.png) [@NeonMadman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NeonMadman)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2016, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-favorite-bob-dylan-lyric-here/768472/44 "2016-10-14T20:03:10Z")
From “Highlands” on _Time Out of Mind_: The sun is beginnin’ to shine on me But it’s not like the sun that used to be The party’s over and there’s less and less to say I got new eyes, everything looks far away Well my heart’s in The Highlands at the break of day Over the hills and far away There’s a way to get there, and I’ll figure it out somehow Well I’m already there in my mind and that’s good enough for now ---
**Author:** ![NeonMadman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/58f4c7/32.png) [@NeonMadman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NeonMadman)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2016, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-favorite-bob-dylan-lyric-here/768472/45 "2016-10-14T20:06:06Z")
And from “Changing of the Guards” on _Street Legal_: Gentlemen, he said I don’t need your organization, I’ve shined your shoes I’ve moved your mountains and marked your cards But Eden is burning, either getting ready for elimination Or else your hearts must have the courage for the changing of the guards And from “Where Are You Tonight” on the same album: The truth was obscure, too profound and too pure, to live it you have to explode. In that last hour of need, we entirely agreed, sacrifice was the code of the road. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2016, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-favorite-bob-dylan-lyric-here/768472/46 "2016-10-14T20:55:51Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > You are allowed to post more than once. Please, let 'er rip! > > Something more recent (from Thunder on the Mountain): > > Gonna raise me an army, some tough sons of bitches > I’ll recruit my army from the orphanages > I been to St. Herman’s church, said my religious vows > I’ve sucked the milk out of a thousand cows This is what I was coming to post! Too many great songs with great lyrics. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![astorian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ad7895/32.png) [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2016, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-favorite-bob-dylan-lyric-here/768472/47 "2016-10-14T21:00:46Z")
I rapped upon a house with a U.S. flag upon display. I said, “Could you help me out? I got some friends down the way.” The man says, “Get out of here! I’ll tear you limb from limb!” I said, “You know, they refused Jesus, too.” He said, “You’re not Him!” ---
**Author:** ![koeeoaddi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/koeeoaddi/32/408_2.png) [@koeeoaddi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/koeeoaddi)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2016, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-favorite-bob-dylan-lyric-here/768472/48 "2016-10-14T22:16:26Z")
One more. This got me coming and going. As a kid, then later as a parent and now once again as an old fart. ☹ Come mothers and fathers Throughout the land And don’t criticize What you can’t understand Your sons and your daughters Are beyond your command Your old road is rapidly aging Please get out of the new one if you can’t lend your hand Cause the times they are a-changing ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2016, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-favorite-bob-dylan-lyric-here/768472/49 "2016-10-14T22:36:02Z")
I’ll go with one that hasn’t been mentioned yet: “But I would not feel so all alone. EVERYBODY must get stoned!” ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2016, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-favorite-bob-dylan-lyric-here/768472/50 "2016-10-14T23:35:07Z")
This entire thread is giving me chills. A couple to lighten the mood. From **Highwater - For Charlie Patton** : I got a cravin’ love for blazin’ speed I got a hopped up Mustang Ford Jump into the wagon, love Throw your panties overboard From **Po’ Boy** : Time and love has branded me with its claws Had to go to Florida, dodgin’ them Georgia laws Po’ boy in the hotel called the Palace of Gloom Called down to room service, said ‘send up a room’ and Knockin’ on the door, I say ‘who is it, where you from?’ Man say ‘Freddie’, I say ‘Freddie who?’ He say ‘Freddie or not, here I come’ Po’ boy ‘neath the stars that shine Washin’ them dishes, feedin’ them swine ---
**Author:** ![Ignotus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ecc23a/32.png) [@Ignotus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ignotus)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2016, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-favorite-bob-dylan-lyric-here/768472/51 "2016-10-14T23:57:37Z")
So many of my favorites are mentioned already. Not this one though: > [@](#): > > Oh the time will come up > When the winds will stop > And the breeze will cease to be breathin’ > Like the stillness in the wind > ’Fore the hurricane begins > The hour when the ship comes in > > Oh the seas will split > And the ship will hit > And the sands on the shoreline will be shaking > Then the tide will sound > And the wind will pound > And the morning will be breaking ---
**Author:** ![Tinker\_Grey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tinker_grey/32/8136_2.png) [@Tinker\_Grey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tinker_Grey)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2016, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-favorite-bob-dylan-lyric-here/768472/52 "2016-10-15T00:14:18Z")
See them big plantations burning Hear the cracking of the whips Smell that sweet magnolia blooming (And) see the ghosts of slavery ships I can hear them tribes a-moaning (I can) hear the undertaker’s bell (Yeah), nobody can sing the blues Like Blind Willie McTell ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2016, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-favorite-bob-dylan-lyric-here/768472/53 "2016-10-15T01:42:04Z")
I just noticed that we haven’t had very much from his, well, protest days yet. So here’s a stanza I’ve always liked very much, just because I despise the target for his anger just as much as he did. The spite… It’s scathing, but appropriate: Masters Of War: _And I hope that you die And your death’ll come soon I will follow your casket In the pale afternoon And I’ll watch while you’re lowered Down to your deathbed And I’ll stand o’er your grave ’Til I’m sure that you’re dead_ ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2016, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-favorite-bob-dylan-lyric-here/768472/54 "2016-10-15T02:26:59Z")
This one shuffled up on the iPod tonight… Sweet Melinda, the peasants call her the goddess of gloom She speaks good English and she invites you up into her room And you’re so kind and careful not to go to her too soon And she takes your voice and leaves you howling at the moon … I started out on burgundy but soon hit the harder stuff Everybody said they’d stand behind me when the game got rough But the joke was on me, there was nobody even there to bluff I’m going back to New York City, I do believe I’ve had enough. ---
**Author:** ![Ukulele\_Ike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/df788c/32.png) [@Ukulele\_Ike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ukulele_Ike)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2016, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-favorite-bob-dylan-lyric-here/768472/55 "2016-10-15T02:52:26Z")
Love his New York songs, 'specially “Hard Times in New York Town.” Favorite stanza: \*It’s a mighty long way from the Golden Gate To Rockefeller Plaza and the Empire State. Mister Empire sits up as high as a bird And old Mister Rockefeller never says a word. And it’s hard times in the city Livin’ down in New York town.\* ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2016, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-favorite-bob-dylan-lyric-here/768472/56 "2016-10-15T02:57:59Z")
> [@Ukulele\_Ike](#): > > Love his New York songs A lot of people don’t have much food on their table But they got a lot of forks and knives And they gotta cut something. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2016, 10:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-favorite-bob-dylan-lyric-here/768472/57 "2016-10-15T10:30:56Z")
**Sara** : I can still hear the sounds of those Methodist bells I’d taken the cure and had just gotten through Staying up for days in the Chelsea Hotel Writing “Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands” for you. **Tangled Up in Blue** : She lit a burner on the stove and offered me a pipe “I thought you’d never say hello” she said “You look like the silent type” Then she opened up a book of poems And handed it to me Written by an Italian poet From the fifteenth century And every one of them words rang true And glowed like burning coal Pouring off of every page Like it was written in my soul from me to you Tangled up in blue ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [October 15, 2016, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-favorite-bob-dylan-lyric-here/768472/58 "2016-10-15T16:08:44Z")
**Tombstone Blues** \*Well, John the Baptist after torturing a thief Looks up at his hero the Commander-in-Chief Saying, “Tell me great hero, but please make it brief Is there a hole for me to get sick in?” The Commander-in-Chief answers him while chasing a fly Saying, “Death to all those who would whimper and cry” And dropping a barbell he points to the sky Saying, “The sun’s not yellow it’s chicken”\* ---
**Author:** ![Mixolydian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/da6949/32.png) [@Mixolydian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mixolydian)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2016, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-favorite-bob-dylan-lyric-here/768472/59 "2016-10-16T06:28:19Z")
\*\*When I Paint My Masterpiece \*\* \*Oh, the streets of Rome are filled with rubble, Ancient footprints are everywhere. You can almost think that you’re seein’ double On a cold, dark night on the Spanish Stairs. Got to hurry on back to my hotel room, Where I’ve got me a date with pretty little girl from Greece She promised she’d be there with me When I paint my masterpiece. \* \*\*If You See Her, Say Hello * * * I see a lot of people as I make the rounds And I hear her name here and there as I go from town to town And I’ve never gotten used to it, I’ve just learned to turn it off Either I’m too sensitive or else I’m gettin’ soft. Sundown, yellow moon, I replay the past I know every scene by heart, they all went by so fast If she’s passin’ back this way, I’m not that hard to find Tell her she can look me up if she’s got the time\* > [@scabpicker](#): > > **Tombstone Blues** > > \*Well, John the Baptist after torturing a thief > Looks up at his hero the Commander-in-Chief > Saying, “Tell me great hero, but please make it brief > Is there a hole for me to get sick in?” > > The Commander-in-Chief answers him while chasing a fly > Saying, “Death to all those who would whimper and cry” > And dropping a barbell he points to the sky > Saying, “The sun’s not yellow it’s chicken”\* _Now the medicine man comes and he shuffles inside He walks with a swagger and he says to the bride “Stop all this weeping, swallow your pride You will not die, it’s not poison”_ ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2016, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-favorite-bob-dylan-lyric-here/768472/60 "2016-10-16T13:51:51Z")
A couple of more obscure entries: from **Dirge** : I can’t recall a useful thing you ever did for me 'Cept pat me on the back one time when I was on my knees We stared into each other’s eyes 'till one of us would break No use to apologize, what difference would it make? from **Political World** : We live in a political world Turning and trashing about As soon as you’re awake You’re trained to take What looks like the easy way out [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-favorite-bob-dylan-lyric-here/768472.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/post-your-favorite-bob-dylan-lyric-here/768472.md?page=4)