Bob Dylan — Visions of Johanna
Album: Blonde on BlondeAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 3197
Length: 7:26
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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Ain't it just like the night to play tricks when you're tryin' to be so quiet?
We sit here stranded, though we're all doin' our best to deny it
And Louise holds a handful of rain, temptin' you to defy it
Lights flicker from the opposite loft
In this room the heat pipes just cough
The country music station plays soft
But there's nothing, really nothing to turn off
Just Louise and her lover so entwined
And these visions of Johanna that conquer my mind
In the empty lot where the ladies play blindman's bluff with the key chain
And the all-night girls they whisper of escapades out on the "D" train
We can hear the night watchman click his flashlight
Ask himself if it's him or them that's really insane
Louise, she's all right, she's just near
She's delicate and seems like the mirror
But she just makes it all too concise and too clear
That Johanna's not here
The ghost of 'lectricity howls in the bones of her face
Where these visions of Johanna have now taken my place
Now, little boy lost, he takes himself so seriously
He brags of his misery, he likes to live dangerously
And when bringing her name up
He speaks of a farewell kiss to me
He's sure got a lotta gall to be so useless and all
Muttering small talk at the wall while I'm in the hall
How can I explain?
Oh, it's so hard to get on
And these visions of Johanna, they kept me up past the dawn
Inside the museums, Infinity goes up on trial
Voices echo this is what salvation must be like after a while
But Mona Lisa musta had the highway blues
You can tell by the way she smiles
See the primitive wallflower freeze
When the jelly-faced women all sneeze
Hear the one with the mustache say, "Jeeze
I can't find my knees"
Oh, jewels and binoculars hang from the head of the mule
But these visions of Johanna, they make it all seem so cruel
The peddler now speaks to the countess who's pretending to care for him
Sayin', "Name me someone that's not a parasite and I'll go out and say a prayer for him"
But like Louise always says
"Ya can't look at much, can ya man?"
As she, herself, prepares for him
And Madonna, she still has not showed
We see this empty cage now corrode
Where her cape of the stage once had flowed
The fiddler, he now steps to the road
He writes ev'rything's been returned which was owed
On the back of the fish truck that loads
While my conscience explodes
The harmonicas play the skeleton keys and the rain
And these visions of Johanna are now all that remain
We sit here stranded, though we're all doin' our best to deny it
And Louise holds a handful of rain, temptin' you to defy it
Lights flicker from the opposite loft
In this room the heat pipes just cough
The country music station plays soft
But there's nothing, really nothing to turn off
Just Louise and her lover so entwined
And these visions of Johanna that conquer my mind
In the empty lot where the ladies play blindman's bluff with the key chain
And the all-night girls they whisper of escapades out on the "D" train
We can hear the night watchman click his flashlight
Ask himself if it's him or them that's really insane
Louise, she's all right, she's just near
She's delicate and seems like the mirror
But she just makes it all too concise and too clear
That Johanna's not here
The ghost of 'lectricity howls in the bones of her face
Where these visions of Johanna have now taken my place
Now, little boy lost, he takes himself so seriously
He brags of his misery, he likes to live dangerously
And when bringing her name up
He speaks of a farewell kiss to me
He's sure got a lotta gall to be so useless and all
Muttering small talk at the wall while I'm in the hall
How can I explain?
Oh, it's so hard to get on
And these visions of Johanna, they kept me up past the dawn
Inside the museums, Infinity goes up on trial
Voices echo this is what salvation must be like after a while
But Mona Lisa musta had the highway blues
You can tell by the way she smiles
See the primitive wallflower freeze
When the jelly-faced women all sneeze
Hear the one with the mustache say, "Jeeze
I can't find my knees"
Oh, jewels and binoculars hang from the head of the mule
But these visions of Johanna, they make it all seem so cruel
The peddler now speaks to the countess who's pretending to care for him
Sayin', "Name me someone that's not a parasite and I'll go out and say a prayer for him"
But like Louise always says
"Ya can't look at much, can ya man?"
As she, herself, prepares for him
And Madonna, she still has not showed
We see this empty cage now corrode
Where her cape of the stage once had flowed
The fiddler, he now steps to the road
He writes ev'rything's been returned which was owed
On the back of the fish truck that loads
While my conscience explodes
The harmonicas play the skeleton keys and the rain
And these visions of Johanna are now all that remain
Comments (487)add comment
Roguewarer wrote:
Despite having experienced a powerful love for a Johanna, I confess this is one of my least favorite Dylan songs. "Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands" is another epic droner.
Hey, no one hits a home run every time. Remember that Bob had recently recovered from a broken neck and "Blonde on Blonde" was a double album so it was bound to have some slow spots.
But for all that griping, I still say the man's a genius and that you can't have a serious conversation about post-war American music without talkin' 'bout Bob.
I like BD. I do. But only as a friend.
He's written some beautiful music.
But Ugh! I just cant STAND the droning. I had to mute this.
Despite having experienced a powerful love for a Johanna, I confess this is one of my least favorite Dylan songs. "Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands" is another epic droner.
Hey, no one hits a home run every time. Remember that Bob had recently recovered from a broken neck and "Blonde on Blonde" was a double album so it was bound to have some slow spots.
But for all that griping, I still say the man's a genius and that you can't have a serious conversation about post-war American music without talkin' 'bout Bob.
Not very familiar with this song, but reading the lyrics along with the song reminds me how that guy could write songs like nobody else.
Well, it's a lot of words and people have yet to make any sense of it all. Still, it's also a great work of art and takes you on a trip... somewhere?.. nowhere?
idiot_wind wrote:
You lucky son of a gun!!
Blow the great man a kiss from me.
I have visions 0f Bob.
will see two shows in Oct . Maybe a 3rd.
On the road to see brother Bob in Oct 2023.
You lucky son of a gun!!
Blow the great man a kiss from me.
I have visions 0f Bob.
will see two shows in Oct . Maybe a 3rd.
On the road to see brother Bob in Oct 2023.
will see two shows in Oct . Maybe a 3rd.
On the road to see brother Bob in Oct 2023.
Had I not been a child of the 60s I'm sure I would not like listening to his music today. You just had to be there, as they say.
I am mixed on Dylan's voice. Suffice it to say It's an acquired taste. I think his brilliance and influence as a songwriter is inarguable however. The man is a genius.
I like BD. I do. But only as a friend.
He's written some beautiful music.
But Ugh! I just cant STAND the droning. I had to mute this.
He's written some beautiful music.
But Ugh! I just cant STAND the droning. I had to mute this.
jelgator wrote:
Me too,
I tried Bill, nope this is still horrible.
Me too,
I tried Bill, nope this is still horrible.
theirongiant wrote:
I guess brother bob needs to be more responsive to what people think of his music
Some people REALLY hate Bob Dylan. Look at the score distribution...
I guess brother bob needs to be more responsive to what people think of his music
Some people REALLY hate Bob Dylan. Look at the score distribution...
TC1 wrote:
If you've ever walked the Versaille Palace in France, the beauty seems to go on forever. Kind of what salvation must be like after a while...
"Inside the museums, Infinity goes up on trial..."
Either it resonates with you, or it doesn't.
There's a reason he won the Nobel Prize.
If you like more straightforward lyrics then that's what the PSD button is for.
If you've ever walked the Versaille Palace in France, the beauty seems to go on forever. Kind of what salvation must be like after a while...
'AIn't it just like the night to play tricks...."
Is that a reference to Dylan Thomas's "Do Not Go Gentle into that good night"?
Is that a reference to Dylan Thomas's "Do Not Go Gentle into that good night"?
Sorry Bill. How hard I try, and I tried hard ... I cannot appreciate Bob Dylan. Wailing, complaining, talking, harmonica-ing. I gets on my nerves. I prefer Tom Waits, he wails much better!
"Inside the museums, Infinity goes up on trial..."
Either it resonates with you, or it doesn't.
There's a reason he won the Nobel Prize.
If you like more straightforward lyrics then that's what the PSD button is for.
Either it resonates with you, or it doesn't.
There's a reason he won the Nobel Prize.
If you like more straightforward lyrics then that's what the PSD button is for.
Bob has always had a story to tell. For those expecting 'Boy meets girl' kind of thing he is not easy to grasp.
idiot_wind wrote:
It's in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Sing on brother Bob.
Who cares what people think.
Just remember to occasionally dust off the Nobel prize, where ever it is.
Ha!
It's in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
flyboy wrote:
It's because his admirers are so over the top, that it elicits an equally strong reaction from the detractors. I mean they gave him a Nobel Prize. What's the anti-Nobel Prize? That's what I would propose we award him for this drivel. The voice is atrocious; the music plodding, repetitive, and boring; and the "poetry" banal. It literally has no redeeming qualities that I can observe.
Well said.
It's because his admirers are so over the top, that it elicits an equally strong reaction from the detractors. I mean they gave him a Nobel Prize. What's the anti-Nobel Prize? That's what I would propose we award him for this drivel. The voice is atrocious; the music plodding, repetitive, and boring; and the "poetry" banal. It literally has no redeeming qualities that I can observe.
Well said.
Why is Bob Dylan such a lightning rod on RP? Some object to his voice, some don't like his social commentary. He followed Woody Guthrie around in his youth and was at his bedside when Woody died. His early work is very consistent working in this tradition. Plus, there is the Nobel Prize for Literature. But his voice is not polished and better for it.
Ein grossartiger Song
sunward wrote:
Well written, and I agree 100%
thais wrote:
I think more and more that "Hating Bob Dylan" is an undying sport... IĀ“ve given up trying understand why people have to express their hatred so vehemently about something that is just Art (not Science / Phylosophy / Politics). Of course I know his songs have a little bit (sometimes quite a bit) of each of these things, but not so deep that they stop being Art. If you donĀ“t like it why canĀ“t you just ignore it?
OK, maybe IĀ“m kind of naive, and I know that a good and polite debate is always welcome, but rating "0"??
Why does anyone care what others rate a song? Obviously only a fraction of these people are even commenting. I think a "zero" rating is very polite if they would never like to hear it again (my camp). Anyway, Bill plays what Bill wants to play and more power to him!
Webfoot, you make a good point. However, you must admit that some (many?) of the negative comments tend to the ad hominem rather than critique. Should they really go unremarked?
Dylan is surely an acquired taste. I know when I first heard him in the 60's, I couldn't understand why some of my friends were so knocked out by him. One of my friends, a poet himself, introduced me to his special genius. He would play a clip of Dylan's music and then discuss it with me. It wasn't long before the light came on. By the time "Visions of Johanna" came along I was into Dylan big time. Blonde on Blonde was an amazing work and a departure from what he had done previously. I loved it! Yet, legions of his fans resented the fact that he had gone electric, departing from his acoustic, folk music roots. They booed him relentlessly.
Dylan was, and is, imo, a brilliant artist and a trailblazer. For those that aren't impressed, I suggest that he is worth getting to know better. After all, he has won Nobel and Pulitzer Awards, received the highest honours of several countries, and is on Time's list of 100 Important People of the [20th] Century, and Rolling Stone's list of 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time.
A quote from Mike Marqusee in Wikipedia captures Dylan's genius well:
"Between late 1964 and the middle of 1966, Dylan created a body of work that remains unique. Drawing on folk, blues, country, R&B, rock'n'roll, gospel, British beat, symbolist, modernist and Beat poetry, surrealism and Dada, advertising jargon and social commentary, Fellini and Mad magazine, he forged a coherent and original artistic voice and vision. The beauty of these albums retains the power to shock and console,"
So I think the choice is either: a) PSD, or b) relax and listen. In the latter case, you may discover something worthwhile. Either way, how about laying off the personal (ad hominem) comments?
I think more and more that "Hating Bob Dylan" is an undying sport... IĀ“ve given up trying understand why people have to express their hatred so vehemently about something that is just Art (not Science / Phylosophy / Politics). Of course I know his songs have a little bit (sometimes quite a bit) of each of these things, but not so deep that they stop being Art. If you donĀ“t like it why canĀ“t you just ignore it?
OK, maybe IĀ“m kind of naive, and I know that a good and polite debate is always welcome, but rating "0"??
Why does anyone care what others rate a song? Obviously only a fraction of these people are even commenting. I think a "zero" rating is very polite if they would never like to hear it again (my camp). Anyway, Bill plays what Bill wants to play and more power to him!
Webfoot, you make a good point. However, you must admit that some (many?) of the negative comments tend to the ad hominem rather than critique. Should they really go unremarked?
Dylan is surely an acquired taste. I know when I first heard him in the 60's, I couldn't understand why some of my friends were so knocked out by him. One of my friends, a poet himself, introduced me to his special genius. He would play a clip of Dylan's music and then discuss it with me. It wasn't long before the light came on. By the time "Visions of Johanna" came along I was into Dylan big time. Blonde on Blonde was an amazing work and a departure from what he had done previously. I loved it! Yet, legions of his fans resented the fact that he had gone electric, departing from his acoustic, folk music roots. They booed him relentlessly.
Dylan was, and is, imo, a brilliant artist and a trailblazer. For those that aren't impressed, I suggest that he is worth getting to know better. After all, he has won Nobel and Pulitzer Awards, received the highest honours of several countries, and is on Time's list of 100 Important People of the [20th] Century, and Rolling Stone's list of 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time.
A quote from Mike Marqusee in Wikipedia captures Dylan's genius well:
"Between late 1964 and the middle of 1966, Dylan created a body of work that remains unique. Drawing on folk, blues, country, R&B, rock'n'roll, gospel, British beat, symbolist, modernist and Beat poetry, surrealism and Dada, advertising jargon and social commentary, Fellini and Mad magazine, he forged a coherent and original artistic voice and vision. The beauty of these albums retains the power to shock and console,"
So I think the choice is either: a) PSD, or b) relax and listen. In the latter case, you may discover something worthwhile. Either way, how about laying off the personal (ad hominem) comments?
Well written, and I agree 100%
thais wrote:
I think more and more that "Hating Bob Dylan" is an undying sport... IĀ“ve given up trying understand why people have to express their hatred so vehemently about something that is just Art (not Science / Phylosophy / Politics). Of course I know his songs have a little bit (sometimes quite a bit) of each of these things, but not so deep that they stop being Art. If you donĀ“t like it why canĀ“t you just ignore it?
OK, maybe IĀ“m kind of naive, and I know that a good and polite debate is always welcome, but rating "0"??
Webfoot wrote:
Why does anyone care what others rate a song? Obviously only a fraction of these people are even commenting. I think a "zero" rating is very polite if they would never like to hear it again (my camp). Anyway, Bill plays what Bill wants to play and more power to him!
Webfoot, you make a good point. However, you must admit that some (many?) of the negative comments tend to the ad hominem rather than critique. Should they really go unremarked?
Dylan is surely an acquired taste. I know when I first heard him in the 60's, I couldn't understand why some of my friends were so knocked out by him. One of my friends, a poet himself, introduced me to his special genius. He would play a clip of Dylan's music and then discuss it with me. It wasn't long before the light came on. By the time "Visions of Johanna" came along I was into Dylan big time. Blonde on Blonde was an amazing work and a departure from what he had done previously. I loved it! Yet, legions of his fans resented the fact that he had gone electric, departing from his acoustic, folk music roots. They booed him relentlessly.
Dylan was, and is, imo, a brilliant artist and a trailblazer. For those who aren't impressed, I suggest that he is worth getting to know better. After all, he has won Nobel and Pulitzer Awards, received the highest honours of several countries, and is on Time's list of 100 Important People of the [20th] Century, and Rolling Stone's list of 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time.
A quote from Mike Marqusee in Wikipedia captures Dylan's genius well:
"Between late 1964 and the middle of 1966, Dylan created a body of work that remains unique. Drawing on folk, blues, country, R&B, rock'n'roll, gospel, British beat, symbolist, modernist and Beat poetry, surrealism and Dada, advertising jargon and social commentary, Fellini and Mad magazine, he forged a coherent and original artistic voice and vision. The beauty of these albums retains the power to shock and console,"
So I think the choice is either: a) PSD, or b) relax and listen. In the latter case, you may discover something worthwhile. Either way, how about laying off the personal (ad hominem) comments?
I think more and more that "Hating Bob Dylan" is an undying sport... IĀ“ve given up trying understand why people have to express their hatred so vehemently about something that is just Art (not Science / Phylosophy / Politics). Of course I know his songs have a little bit (sometimes quite a bit) of each of these things, but not so deep that they stop being Art. If you donĀ“t like it why canĀ“t you just ignore it?
OK, maybe IĀ“m kind of naive, and I know that a good and polite debate is always welcome, but rating "0"??
Webfoot wrote:
Why does anyone care what others rate a song? Obviously only a fraction of these people are even commenting. I think a "zero" rating is very polite if they would never like to hear it again (my camp). Anyway, Bill plays what Bill wants to play and more power to him!
Webfoot, you make a good point. However, you must admit that some (many?) of the negative comments tend to the ad hominem rather than critique. Should they really go unremarked?
Dylan is surely an acquired taste. I know when I first heard him in the 60's, I couldn't understand why some of my friends were so knocked out by him. One of my friends, a poet himself, introduced me to his special genius. He would play a clip of Dylan's music and then discuss it with me. It wasn't long before the light came on. By the time "Visions of Johanna" came along I was into Dylan big time. Blonde on Blonde was an amazing work and a departure from what he had done previously. I loved it! Yet, legions of his fans resented the fact that he had gone electric, departing from his acoustic, folk music roots. They booed him relentlessly.
Dylan was, and is, imo, a brilliant artist and a trailblazer. For those who aren't impressed, I suggest that he is worth getting to know better. After all, he has won Nobel and Pulitzer Awards, received the highest honours of several countries, and is on Time's list of 100 Important People of the [20th] Century, and Rolling Stone's list of 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time.
A quote from Mike Marqusee in Wikipedia captures Dylan's genius well:
"Between late 1964 and the middle of 1966, Dylan created a body of work that remains unique. Drawing on folk, blues, country, R&B, rock'n'roll, gospel, British beat, symbolist, modernist and Beat poetry, surrealism and Dada, advertising jargon and social commentary, Fellini and Mad magazine, he forged a coherent and original artistic voice and vision. The beauty of these albums retains the power to shock and console,"
So I think the choice is either: a) PSD, or b) relax and listen. In the latter case, you may discover something worthwhile. Either way, how about laying off the personal (ad hominem) comments?
brother bob is touring in spring 2022
i think if I cash in my bottle and cans, i get enough doe for the road
i think if I cash in my bottle and cans, i get enough doe for the road
idiot_wind wrote:
Constipated crap shoot?
great song...but its always a crapshoot with him doing this live in concerts
Constipated crap shoot?
Great lyrics and tune. The Old Crow Medicine Band brings unbridled energy with their cover
Back in the ā70s the DJs on WNEW NYC , like Rosco and Jonathan Schwartz used to play this quite a bit. Oh I miss those days.
mrfohr wrote:
One wonders how you know what constipated singing sounds like. What is a constipated listener like? What would such a person hear? Any personal insights to share?
Why does Dylan always sound like he's constipated when he is singing?
One wonders how you know what constipated singing sounds like. What is a constipated listener like? What would such a person hear? Any personal insights to share?
great song...but its always a crapshoot with him doing this live in concerts
thais wrote:
Why does anyone care what others rate a song? Obviously only a fraction of these people are even commenting. I think a "zero" rating is very polite if they would never like to hear it again (my camp). Anyway, Bill plays what Bill wants to play and more power to him!
I think more and more that "Hating Bob Dylan" is an undying sport...
IĀ“ve given up trying understand why people have to express their hatred so vehemently about something that is just Art (not Science / Phylosophy / Politics).
Of course I know his songs have a little bit (sometimes quite a bit) of each of these things, but not so deep that they stop being Art.
If you donĀ“t like it why canĀ“t you just ignore it?
OK, maybe IĀ“m kind of naive, and I know that a good and polite debate is always welcome, but rating "0"???
Why does anyone care what others rate a song? Obviously only a fraction of these people are even commenting. I think a "zero" rating is very polite if they would never like to hear it again (my camp). Anyway, Bill plays what Bill wants to play and more power to him!
Why does Dylan always sound like he's constipated when he is singing?
Sweet_Virginia wrote:
Their is two sides to a coin.
6.6 Really!!! This is great poetry set to great music. Haters gotta hate I guess.
Their is two sides to a coin.
6.6 Really!!! This is great poetry set to great music. Haters gotta hate I guess.
tm wrote:
Kinda like All Along the Watchtower
Bill G - Not one his better known songs?? Every deadhead worth their salt has seen at least one version of this song and heard countless. Love this tune.
Kinda like All Along the Watchtower
thais wrote:
It's because his admirers are so over the top, that it elicits an equally strong reaction from the detractors. I mean they gave him a Nobel Prize. What's the anti-Nobel Prize? That's what I would propose we award him for this drivel. The voice is atrocious; the music plodding, repetitive, and boring; and the "poetry" banal. It literally has no redeeming qualities that I can observe.
I think more and more that "Hating Bob Dylan" is an undying sport...
IĀ“ve given up trying understand why people have to express their hatred so vehemently about something that is just Art (not Science / Phylosophy / Politics).
Of course I know his songs have a little bit (sometimes quite a bit) of each of these things, but not so deep that they stop being Art.
If you donĀ“t like it why canĀ“t you just ignore it?
OK, maybe IĀ“m kind of naive, and I know that a good and polite debate is always welcome, but rating "0"???
It's because his admirers are so over the top, that it elicits an equally strong reaction from the detractors. I mean they gave him a Nobel Prize. What's the anti-Nobel Prize? That's what I would propose we award him for this drivel. The voice is atrocious; the music plodding, repetitive, and boring; and the "poetry" banal. It literally has no redeeming qualities that I can observe.
Bill G - Not one his better known songs?? Every deadhead worth their salt has seen at least one version of this song and heard countless. Love this tune.
Dylan has written so many great songs, but this is up with his best.
Wow!
Maybe Brother Bob needs to start explaining himself to people!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Maybe Brother Bob needs to start explaining himself to people!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha!
I don't know about these people who rate this a 1.... this is super fine!
I cannot stand this guys music. It drones and whines into my sub conscious when I'm working. What is that disturbing racket? my brain says. I look at RP and sure enough, its Bob, again..... If only RP had a switch that prevented Bob, Morrison (uurrrggghhh), Robert Plant and any country/western music from playing....... it would be perfect
carrigman wrote:
agree 100%
An easy 10.
agree 100%
With this song, i remember all the past loves I have lost....
More Bob!
NYC - 1972
Whatever you feel about Dylan's voice's qualities, ya gotta admit:
His voice is truly unmistakeable...
His voice is truly unmistakeable...
Thanks for this Bill,... again
sing along like bob! good fun
thais wrote:
Wholeheartedly agree...this is music; not worth the vehemence. Go get a drink, have a pee, turn the volume down or something else while a track you don't like is on...there is a life to be lived and music is there to help us enjoy it even more...and occasionally think about it a bit more too. Cheers
I think more and more that "Hating Bob Dylan" is an undying sport...
IĀ“ve given up trying understand why people have to express their hatred so vehemently about something that is just Art (not Science / Phylosophy / Politics).
Of course I know his songs have a little bit (sometimes quite a bit) of each of these things, but not so deep that they stop being Art.
If you donĀ“t like it why canĀ“t you just ignore it?
OK, maybe IĀ“m kind of naive, and I know that a good and polite debate is always welcome, but rating "0"???
IĀ“ve given up trying understand why people have to express their hatred so vehemently about something that is just Art (not Science / Phylosophy / Politics).
Of course I know his songs have a little bit (sometimes quite a bit) of each of these things, but not so deep that they stop being Art.
If you donĀ“t like it why canĀ“t you just ignore it?
OK, maybe IĀ“m kind of naive, and I know that a good and polite debate is always welcome, but rating "0"???
Wholeheartedly agree...this is music; not worth the vehemence. Go get a drink, have a pee, turn the volume down or something else while a track you don't like is on...there is a life to be lived and music is there to help us enjoy it even more...and occasionally think about it a bit more too. Cheers
I think it would behoove the haters to see these films for some perspective on the man.
No Direction Home
Rolling Thunder Review
No Direction Home
Rolling Thunder Review
YEAH.
lizardking wrote:
Can I submit"Lay Lady Lay" and at least get a +1 to 2 outta ya?
And I'd add "Tonight I'll be Staying Here with You" to the crowned Lizard's offing. This implies Dylan could sing notes in tune but chose mostly not to. Some guy named Picasso also could paint, analogously, "in tune", but expressed himself out of tune....
Artists, they are just so artful....
Can I submit"Lay Lady Lay" and at least get a +1 to 2 outta ya?
And I'd add "Tonight I'll be Staying Here with You" to the crowned Lizard's offing. This implies Dylan could sing notes in tune but chose mostly not to. Some guy named Picasso also could paint, analogously, "in tune", but expressed himself out of tune....
Artists, they are just so artful....
Alastair wrote:
... I recognise the near genius of Dylan's lyrics (Cohen is still better) but he has never deliberatley sung a correct note in his life and some of us find that impossible to like or forgive....
Can I submit"Lay Lady Lay" and at least get a +1 to 2 outta ya?
... I recognise the near genius of Dylan's lyrics (Cohen is still better) but he has never deliberatley sung a correct note in his life and some of us find that impossible to like or forgive....
Can I submit"Lay Lady Lay" and at least get a +1 to 2 outta ya?
DunstanBurke wrote:
"Jewels and binoculars hang from the head of the mule". The list of amazing sentences goes on and on. What sense do they make? I don't know. But I never get tired of hearing them, for some strange reason I cannot fathom.
I believe he's in the Louvre and watching fat tourists at this point.
"Jewels and binoculars hang from the head of the mule". The list of amazing sentences goes on and on. What sense do they make? I don't know. But I never get tired of hearing them, for some strange reason I cannot fathom.
I believe he's in the Louvre and watching fat tourists at this point.
On_The_Beach wrote:
"Jewels and binoculars hang from the head of the mule". The list of amazing sentences goes on and on. What sense do they make? I don't know. But I never get tired of hearing them, for some strange reason I cannot fathom.
The ghost of electricity howls in the bones of her face
Gotta love his Bobness.
Gotta love his Bobness.
"Jewels and binoculars hang from the head of the mule". The list of amazing sentences goes on and on. What sense do they make? I don't know. But I never get tired of hearing them, for some strange reason I cannot fathom.
Shipp wrote:
We're here because we have a wide range of musical tastes which is different from liking everything. I recognise the near genius of Dylan's lyrics (Cohen is still better) but he has never deliberatley sung a correct note in his life and some of us find that impossible to like or forgive. The only ignorance being displayed on here is those who think Dylan should be adored simply because he exists.
Stunned by some quite ignorant comments. What are those people doing here? Godalmighty!
We're here because we have a wide range of musical tastes which is different from liking everything. I recognise the near genius of Dylan's lyrics (Cohen is still better) but he has never deliberatley sung a correct note in his life and some of us find that impossible to like or forgive. The only ignorance being displayed on here is those who think Dylan should be adored simply because he exists.
"Visions of Johanna" Ć© uma canĆ§Ć£o escrita pelo mĆŗsico norte-americano Bob Dylan e lanƧada em seu Ć”lbum Blonde on Blonde, de 1966. VĆ”rios crĆticos aclamaram a mĆŗsica como uma de suas maiores realizaƧƵes como compositor, elogiando a alusividade e a sutileza da linguagem. A revista Rolling Stone a incluiu em sua lista das 500 Maiores CanƧƵes de Todos os Tempos. Em 1999, Sir Andrew Motion, poeta laureado do Reino Unido, listou como sua candidata para a maior letra de mĆŗsica jĆ” escrita. MĆ£e DE ĆPOCA ace-marc wrote:
I know right?
Slamming Dylan just makes you look like a musical idiot.
Not a musical idiot, more like a cultural idiot. As a classically-trained musician, who went to the dark side (rock), on the surface I find Dylan musically dull and predictable; the same limited palette of chords and progressions, with little or no ornamentation, exploration or non-standard harmony. But he writes amazing songs.
I know right?
Slamming Dylan just makes you look like a musical idiot.
Not a musical idiot, more like a cultural idiot. As a classically-trained musician, who went to the dark side (rock), on the surface I find Dylan musically dull and predictable; the same limited palette of chords and progressions, with little or no ornamentation, exploration or non-standard harmony. But he writes amazing songs.
ace-marc wrote:
I know right?
Slamming Dylan just makes you look like a musical idiot.
I dunno, man. Just the way he sings grates on me for some reason. There are very few artists whose work I actively dislike. Dylan and Drake come to mind.
Edited to add: I freely admit I may just be a musical idiot, since I'm not a musician and have no musical training. Maybe if I had more education about the technical details, I'd appreciate him more. All I know is some music makes me want to turn it up, some makes me want to turn it down, and some makes me want to turn it off. The last category is very small for me, but does include Dylan, Drake, and probably a few others that aren't coming to mind right now.
Edited again: Just in case anyone is wondering, I know Dylan and Drake are VERY different. I didn't mean to equate them in any way, other than not caring for them. It's like someone saying they hate disco and rap, or that they hate anchovies and strawberries.
I know right?
Slamming Dylan just makes you look like a musical idiot.
I dunno, man. Just the way he sings grates on me for some reason. There are very few artists whose work I actively dislike. Dylan and Drake come to mind.
Edited to add: I freely admit I may just be a musical idiot, since I'm not a musician and have no musical training. Maybe if I had more education about the technical details, I'd appreciate him more. All I know is some music makes me want to turn it up, some makes me want to turn it down, and some makes me want to turn it off. The last category is very small for me, but does include Dylan, Drake, and probably a few others that aren't coming to mind right now.
Edited again: Just in case anyone is wondering, I know Dylan and Drake are VERY different. I didn't mean to equate them in any way, other than not caring for them. It's like someone saying they hate disco and rap, or that they hate anchovies and strawberries.
Speechless. No praise is too high.
Shipp wrote:
I know right?
Slamming Dylan just makes you look like a musical idiot.
Stunned by some quite ignorant comments. What are those people doing here? Godalmighty!
I know right?
Slamming Dylan just makes you look like a musical idiot.
perfect.
Was gonna name my child Johanna, but had to settle for Stevland.
patrick_larson wrote:
you can't help it, least you're self aware
so damn boring. Sorry guys.
you can't help it, least you're self aware
What do you mean about all this hatred for Dylan? Just add up
all the votes rated 7-10 vs 1-4, seems like way more listeners
love him
all the votes rated 7-10 vs 1-4, seems like way more listeners
love him
All of this informed opinion states if you don't like Bob there must be something wrong with you. Well, try this for size, I think if you do like Bob there must be something wrong with you. Opinions opinions, bloody great. Unlike Bob Dylan, who is bloody awful. 
Well said!! Thank you! āļø thais wrote:
I think more and more that "Hating Bob Dylan" is an undying sport...
IĀ“ve given up trying understand why people have to express their hatred so vehemently about something that is just Art (not Science / Phylosophy / Politics).
Of course I know his songs have a little bit (sometimes quite a bit) of each of these things, but not so deep that they stop being Art.
If you donĀ“t like it why canĀ“t you just ignore it?
OK, maybe IĀ“m kind of naive, and I know that a good and polite debate is always welcome, but rating "0"???
IĀ“ve given up trying understand why people have to express their hatred so vehemently about something that is just Art (not Science / Phylosophy / Politics).
Of course I know his songs have a little bit (sometimes quite a bit) of each of these things, but not so deep that they stop being Art.
If you donĀ“t like it why canĀ“t you just ignore it?
OK, maybe IĀ“m kind of naive, and I know that a good and polite debate is always welcome, but rating "0"???
thais wrote:
Great set of questions, and ultimately, I think that's what Bob's music/art is most important for is that it raises questions! Maybe the '0'raters (i.e. the haters) just don't like having to think for themselves? I dunno...I'll go +1 on this from 11 to 12...LLRP!!
I think more and more that "Hating Bob Dylan" is an undying sport...
IĀ“ve given up trying understand why people have to express their hatred so vehemently about something that is just Art (not Science / Phylosophy / Politics).
Of course I know his songs have a little bit (sometimes quite a bit) of each of these things, but not so deep that they stop being Art.
If you donĀ“t like it why canĀ“t you just ignore it?
OK, maybe IĀ“m kind of naive, and I know that a good and polite debate is always welcome, but rating "0"???
IĀ“ve given up trying understand why people have to express their hatred so vehemently about something that is just Art (not Science / Phylosophy / Politics).
Of course I know his songs have a little bit (sometimes quite a bit) of each of these things, but not so deep that they stop being Art.
If you donĀ“t like it why canĀ“t you just ignore it?
OK, maybe IĀ“m kind of naive, and I know that a good and polite debate is always welcome, but rating "0"???
Great set of questions, and ultimately, I think that's what Bob's music/art is most important for is that it raises questions! Maybe the '0'raters (i.e. the haters) just don't like having to think for themselves? I dunno...I'll go +1 on this from 11 to 12...LLRP!!
I think more and more that "Hating Bob Dylan" is an undying sport...
IĀ“ve given up trying understand why people have to express their hatred so vehemently about something that is just Art (not Science / Phylosophy / Politics).
Of course I know his songs have a little bit (sometimes quite a bit) of each of these things, but not so deep that they stop being Art.
If you donĀ“t like it why canĀ“t you just ignore it?
OK, maybe IĀ“m kind of naive, and I know that a good and polite debate is always welcome, but rating "0"???
IĀ“ve given up trying understand why people have to express their hatred so vehemently about something that is just Art (not Science / Phylosophy / Politics).
Of course I know his songs have a little bit (sometimes quite a bit) of each of these things, but not so deep that they stop being Art.
If you donĀ“t like it why canĀ“t you just ignore it?
OK, maybe IĀ“m kind of naive, and I know that a good and polite debate is always welcome, but rating "0"???
Uh oh.
Some listeners don't like this song, its sucks.
Better let Bob know, he's always wanting to please his critics.
Some listeners don't like this song, its sucks.
Better let Bob know, he's always wanting to please his critics.
An easy 10.
Even the poetry sucks.
Mind numbingly horrible..
Mind numbingly horrible..
Stunned by some quite ignorant comments. What are those people doing here? Godalmighty!
Bass and guitar is pure art. Goes all the way in. Thanks, Bob. And Bill g!
Going to hit the next button bob SUCKS
I made the statement the other night to my daughter, "I like Paul Simon's writing and delivery and overall catalogue better than I do Bob's." She was shocked. I should have played her this and then just about anything of Simon's from the sixties.
I know, I know, this is so 'deeeeeep'. Argh.
I know, I know, this is so 'deeeeeep'. Argh.
I can appreciate the man as a poet, but not a musician...
Is this someone imitating Bob?
The ghost of electricity howls in the bones of her face
Gotta love his Bobness.
Gotta love his Bobness.
I've heard that after he started to hit it big, Dylan would buy up records imitating his sound and style and laugh at their crappiness while listening at home. Unfortunately some of them must have rubbed off on Bob because this is a droning parody of his better stuff.
so damn boring. Sorry guys.
Sing on brother Bob.
Who cares what people think.
Just remember to occasionally dust off the Nobel prize, where ever it is.
Ha!
Who cares what people think.
Just remember to occasionally dust off the Nobel prize, where ever it is.
Ha!
stalfnzo wrote:
That's the only way to understand what the hell he's saying. Too bad that makes it worse.
LOL, well said. I think I like Dylan for whatever reason but then again, I don't. His voice is horrid. Music and lyrics make up for it I suppose.
That's the only way to understand what the hell he's saying. Too bad that makes it worse.
LOL, well said. I think I like Dylan for whatever reason but then again, I don't. His voice is horrid. Music and lyrics make up for it I suppose.
RazzCat wrote:
That's the only way to understand what the hell he's saying. Too bad that makes it worse.
First time I've been reading the lyrics while hearing Dylan sing them!
This is a 15, at minimum...
This is a 15, at minimum...
That's the only way to understand what the hell he's saying. Too bad that makes it worse.
Wardleader wrote:
Well we can all certainly hope that's true, Wardleader! And I'm with you in 100% in sentiment, and hope that I will be able to recognize this new Ginsberg/Dylan pair when it comes. Long Live RP!!
Out there today is another Ginsberg and Dylan, maybe Jason Isbell and some Black dude I don't listen to at all, but out there somewhere kids listen to music with the intensity of souls unchained by rock critics pronouncements anxiety filled waiting for that moment the past is erased by the promise of technology and start-ups building their world on their terms overturning all that came before that beats them down depressed undignified with hovering death drones watching their every thought and text.
Well we can all certainly hope that's true, Wardleader! And I'm with you in 100% in sentiment, and hope that I will be able to recognize this new Ginsberg/Dylan pair when it comes. Long Live RP!!
Time for the Please Stop Dylan button. What an excellent feature that is.
Rapmaster Bob ! Love it ~
Gehenna (from Wikipedia)
is a small valley in Jerusalem. In the Hebrew Bible, Gehenna was initially where some of the kings of Judah sacrificed their children by fire.[1] Thereafter it was deemed to be cursed (Jer. 7:31, 19:2-6).[2]
In Rabbinic literature and Christian and Islamic scripture, Gehenna is a destination of the wicked.[3] This is different from the more neutral Sheol/Hades, the abode of the dead, although the King James Versionof the Bible usually translates both with the Anglo-Saxon word Hell.
First time I've been reading the lyrics while hearing Dylan sing them!
This is a 15, at minimum...
This is a 15, at minimum...
When I hear the lyric "See the primitive Wallflower freeze" I wonder if Jakob was influenced by it in naming his band. Maybe I'll have to do the Googling to figure that one out...unless someone else knows....
Out there today is another Ginsberg and Dylan, maybe Jason Isbell and some Black dude I don't listen to at all, but out there somewhere kids listen to music with the intensity of souls unchained by rock critics pronouncements anxiety filled waiting for that moment the past is erased by the promise of technology and start-ups building their world on their terms overturning all that came before that beats them down depressed undignified with hovering death drones watching their every thought and text.
h8rhater wrote:
Thirded. This track is well worth an 11. 10 will have to suffice.
Fourthed!
Thirded. This track is well worth an 11. 10 will have to suffice.
Fourthed!
nobody knew what they were playing
because no one had played this sound before
because no one had played this sound before
live long heyjoe!!! (and all you fab folks) Outstanding poetry on this rainy afternoon : )
thanks Bill
just thanks
just thanks
heyjoe3577 wrote:
Thirded. This track is well worth an 11. 10 will have to suffice.
Wow, I'm honestly surprised at the low avg rating of this track. Other than the harmonica, I would have thought this would have an average of at least 7.5. Oh well, I suppose different strokes for different folks.
This is one of my 11s, of which I have 11 (11 happens to be my number)
When Bob dies, assuming I'm still kicking, his funeral will be the only celebrity funeral I'll want to attend. Long live BobD, BillG and RebeccaG!
lizardking wrote:
exactly! THIS is my favorite Bob song, in fact it just might be the song that when I truly heard it, my ears were opened forever to Bob's music. His Nobel prize is well earned (even if he did sell his soul to the devil.)
**EDIT** I'm rating this an 11 right now....and kinda wishing for a "repeat" button on RP...I LOVE this song!Thirded. This track is well worth an 11. 10 will have to suffice.
Geeez, RP does not play enough Dylan. Ha!
heyjoe3577 wrote:
Wow, I'm honestly surprised at the low avg rating of this track. Other than the harmonica, I would have thought this would have an average of at least 7.5. Oh well, I suppose different strokes for different folks.
This is one of my 11s, of which I have 11 (11 happens to be my number)
When Bob dies, assuming I'm still kicking, his funeral will be the only celebrity funeral I'll want to attend. Long live BobD, BillG and RebeccaG!
exactly! THIS is my favorite Bob song, in fact it just might be the song that when I truly heard it, my ears were opened forever to Bob's music. His Nobel prize is well earned (even if he did sell his soul to the devil.)
**EDIT** I'm rating this an 11 right now....and kinda wishing for a "repeat" button on RP...I LOVE this song!Wow, given the number of ratings, the distribution is all over the map on this one. Usually, there's a much more bell-shaped curve by 1000+ ratings. Guess this is a 'love it or hate it' kind of song.
One of the reasons that I love Phish is that their songs go on forever.
One of the reasons that I hate Dylan is that his songs go on forever.
One of the reasons that I hate Dylan is that his songs go on forever.
Gawd, can this guy sing or what!!! No. PSD>> for me...... And got "A New Day Yesterday"
Love, love, love. 
Wow, I'm honestly surprised at the low avg rating of this track. Other than the harmonica, I would have thought this would have an average of at least 7.5. Oh well, I suppose different strokes for different folks.
This is one of my 11s, of which I have 11 (11 happens to be my number)
When Bob dies, assuming I'm still kicking, his funeral will be the only celebrity funeral I'll want to attend. Long live BobD, BillG and RebeccaG!
From time to time, I think Bobby does these kinds of songs just to piss people off. To wake them up.
Besides, his photos is pretty cool looking. And he's a Nobel prize winner.
Besides, his photos is pretty cool looking. And he's a Nobel prize winner.
Proclivities wrote:
Understandable. No doubt this is one of the more "challenging" (read long) tunes in Bob's canon, especially for the uninitiated.
Still, good to hear once in a while.
I still like this song, especially the lyrics. However, years ago I used to play a lot of open-mike and jam nights around NYC. Since I was usually the only person who brought a bass with me, I would often play bass with several different guitarists (of whom there was no shortage) in succession. There was one guy who wanted to do this song and have me accompany him on bass. The first time was okay, the second week was irritating. Before the third time, I talked him into picking another (shorter) Dylan tune.
Understandable. No doubt this is one of the more "challenging" (read long) tunes in Bob's canon, especially for the uninitiated.
Still, good to hear once in a while.
A bit on the long side, don't you think? For those of us who aren't fans of this particular iteration of Dylan,* is there any way we can rig the PSD button to play The Waterboys' "Long Strange Golden Road" in place of this? It'll save a few dozen mouse clicks.
*Full disclosure: I like his shorter works like "You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome" and "If You See Her" from Blood on the Tracks, but this and the other "Subterranean Homesick Rainy Day Women & the Jack of Hearts Who's Only Bleeding" long form word salads just do not appeal to me.
*Full disclosure: I like his shorter works like "You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome" and "If You See Her" from Blood on the Tracks, but this and the other "Subterranean Homesick Rainy Day Women & the Jack of Hearts Who's Only Bleeding" long form word salads just do not appeal to me.
On_The_Beach wrote:
I still like this song, especially the lyrics. However, years ago I used to play a lot of open-mike and jam nights around NYC. Since I was usually the only person who brought a bass with me, I would often play bass with several different guitarists (of whom there was no shortage) in succession. There was one guy who wanted to do this song and have me accompany him on bass. The first time was okay, the second week was irritating. Before the third time, I talked him into picking another (shorter) Dylan tune.
Bill, thanks for continuing to play great music like Dylan, despite the incessant whining of the haters.
I still like this song, especially the lyrics. However, years ago I used to play a lot of open-mike and jam nights around NYC. Since I was usually the only person who brought a bass with me, I would often play bass with several different guitarists (of whom there was no shortage) in succession. There was one guy who wanted to do this song and have me accompany him on bass. The first time was okay, the second week was irritating. Before the third time, I talked him into picking another (shorter) Dylan tune.
I dont' know. He's a genius no doubt, did more for contemporary music than 80% of all other musicians combined, will be forever remembered as one of the lighthouses of 20/21st century music and culture in general.
Yet I never got it. I mean "Blowing in the wind" was great with a joint in my hand, thinking how now I got it, really got it... but really there's nothing, no resonance here. Just saying, no judgement. Just wondering how sometimes even great things don't mean much to some and everything to others.
Yet I never got it. I mean "Blowing in the wind" was great with a joint in my hand, thinking how now I got it, really got it... but really there's nothing, no resonance here. Just saying, no judgement. Just wondering how sometimes even great things don't mean much to some and everything to others.
Been listening to this one since it came out. Still brilliant - never gets old. Didn't need a prize. "Jewels and binoculars hang form the head of the mule..."
agd3 wrote:
You know, people don't get mad at Eminem or Jay-Z or Kanye when they drop incredible lyrics over great music. BD writes the music and the lyrics and sings (?) it too. Let's pay tribute to the genius he was and is. He changed the trajectory of modern music.
Dude just got awarded a Nobel Prize. Being underrated isn't something Dylan needs to be worried about.
«Inside the museums, Infinity goes up on trial»
When I was a teenager and in my early twenties I always read that as related to ancient art, but...today for the first time I was thinking about contemporary art, and how it won't resist time. Not because of what I might think if it but because of its volatility, even if it lasts in its form for some of it. Infinity is dead, isn't it?
When I was a teenager and in my early twenties I always read that as related to ancient art, but...today for the first time I was thinking about contemporary art, and how it won't resist time. Not because of what I might think if it but because of its volatility, even if it lasts in its form for some of it. Infinity is dead, isn't it?
You know, people don't get mad at Eminem or Jay-Z or Kanye when they drop incredible lyrics over great music. BD writes the music and the lyrics and sings (?) it too. Let's pay tribute to the genius he was and is. He changed the trajectory of modern music.
Chris Smither does a great version of this song, as a waltz!
Man, I try sitting through this every time it plays, and it never fails that I start wishing it were over.
Thank you, PSD, for turning this up for me today!
SOOOOOOOOOI GOOD on a sunning morning drinking coffee. SO loud. SO good
+1.
kanga311 wrote:
May I join your "not-liking-Dylan" club? That singing voice…
kanga311 wrote:
May I join your "not-liking-Dylan" club? That singing voice…
This song is a solid -1. š¤£