[ ]   [ ]   [ ]                        [ ]      [ ]   [ ]
Bob Dylan — Most of the Time
Album: Oh Mercy
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1449









Released: 1989
Length: 4:55
Plays (last 30 days): 1
Most of the time
I'm clear focused all around
Most of the time
I can keep both feet on the ground
I can follow the path
I can read the signs
Stay right with it
When the road unwinds
I can handle whatever
I stumble upon
I don't even notice
She's gone
Most of the time Most of the time
It's well understood
Most of the time
I wouldn't change it if I could
I can't make it all match up
I can hold my own
I can deal with the situation
Right down to the bone
I can survive,
And I can endure
And I don't even think
About her
Most of the time Most of the time
My head is on straight
Most of the time
I'm strong enough not to hate
I don't build up illusion
'till it makes me sick
I ain't afraid of confusion
No matter how thick
I can smile in the face
Of mankind
Don't even remember
What her lips felt like on mine
Most of the timeMost of the time
She ain't even in my mind
I wouldn't know her if I saw her
She's that far behind
Most of the time
I can't even be sure
If she was ever with me
Or if I was ever with her Most of the time
I'm halfway content
Most of the time
I know exactly where it all went
I don't cheat on myself
I don't run and hide
Hide from the feelings
That are buried inside
I don't compromise
And I don't pretend
I don't even care
If I ever see her again
Most of the time
Comments (137)add comment
 idiot_wind wrote:

The anticipation grows. 

Today is Friday. Going tent camping and then leaving Monday to get on the road and catch two Dylan shows in KC and STL.  Maybe, just maybe...add a Chicago show.  

And then get lost somewhere among the gold corn and soybean fields in the Midwest, while jotting down notes for some yet to be named essay.  



Sounds delightful!
Love him, love him, love him.
 idiot_wind wrote:

that guitar...

velvet underground...heroin



Lanois
that guitar...

velvet underground...heroin
The anticipation grows. 

Today is Friday. Going tent camping and then leaving Monday to get on the road and catch two Dylan shows in KC and STL.  Maybe, just maybe...add a Chicago show.  

And then get lost somewhere among the gold corn and soybean fields in the Midwest, while jotting down notes for some yet to be named essay.  
Mr Zimmerman is always welcome in these ears except for when “I feel “something” about it” - and yeah thats on me and I push the PTSD button. It comes down to me and if you were a thinking person you would realize that it’s on you the listener not the art, artist, musician.
Dylan + Lanois = the best! 10!!!
Years ago I started hearing Cartman's voice singing this. This song has never been the same since...
Oh Mercy - A transition to the new Dylan of  "Time Out of Mind" to now. Love It
Thanx, Mr, Dylan
Master of lyrics He always makes it sound right Still enjoy his music after all these years
 Solanus wrote:
Two Dylan songs (What Was It You Wanted, this one) in the last hour, both off the same album. I can appreciate most of his stuff, especially covers of his music, but that is a little bit overkill. I don't see any reason why this would need to happen (that said, if it was 16 days from now on 5/24, a birthday celebration would make some sense).
 
Nah for me.....BillG can play all the BD he wants to and I'll be OK with that...this one's an 8...Long Live RP!!

Daniel Lanois
production, mixing, Dobro, lap steel guitar, guitar, omnichord, bass guitar (performs on all tracks except "Disease of Conceit")
 Rooney wrote:
I had to write a commentary on this song.  It's taken from one of my favorite Dylan albums.  When I listened to all of the words, it quite nearly moved me to tears, and  he rarely does that to me.  I've been where he was at.  "Most of the Time", indeed.

 
Cheers Rooney!  Great Artist imo
Two Dylan songs (What Was It You Wanted, this one) in the last hour, both off the same album. I can appreciate most of his stuff, especially covers of his music, but that is a little bit overkill. I don't see any reason why this would need to happen (that said, if it was 16 days from now on 5/24, a birthday celebration would make some sense).
{#Devil_pimp}so zesty ! what a bonus two songs from the same record today ! and this being my favorite from this release

WORSE VOCALS EVER!!!!

Great song off of an underrated album because his voice is so shot.


I love this song and in this case, the voice of the singer; moving, thoughtful, perfect. . . 


Not bad, but not his best.  Remember, Dylan's main strength is in his incomparable skill as a lyricist, certainly not his mediocre voice. A Dylan song sung by someone who can actually sing is often wondrous. May I suggest Judy Collins' Judy Sings Dylan, Just like a Woman album. Sublime!

Just saw Bob on the Grammys tonight. He sounded like his vocal cords had been ripped from his throat. No doubt 99% of the world hated it. It was great.
A few months ago the local college station here (radio1190.org) had Bob Dylan - The Witmark Demos: 1962 - 1964 as their album of the month. From their site:

Unearthed after almost 50 years, these 47 tracks (15 of them songs never released in any form) were recorded by 24-year-old Dylan for his music publishing company. They weren't intended for public release, but rather to serve as demos for those who might cover his work and for the transcribers who would write the sheet music. The quality is incredible, the recordings are historic, the perspective rocks. Classics like "Blowin' in the Wind" and "Masters of War" appear as unknown works alongside rarities like "The Death of Emmett Till" and "John Brown." In the place of a legend yet to evolve is a sound that is raw and inviting, the first steps in a long journey.


It was some really good stuff, but if you don't like the dude's voice you really won't like it here. To me that was the charm. He was laying this stuff down for other people to cover, so his voice is even rougher, if possible, and you get just the rawness of somebody who is singing the songs he wrote to sing them, not necessarily to peform them.


 Sjaaks wrote:
What a great song, but the voice..... Too bad, i feel it doesn't fit the song.... Wish i could just shut the voice off and just listen to the instrumental...

I would give it a 9 but because of Dylan's voice, have to give it a 7.
 
Well, what you gonna do? It is Bob Dylan!
Bach was largely unappreciated in his lifetime as a composer, ...
I had to write a commentary on this song.  It's taken from one of my favorite Dylan albums.  When I listened to all of the words, it quite nearly moved me to tears, and  he rarely does that to me.  I've been where he was at.  "Most of the Time", indeed.
What a great song, but the voice..... Too bad, i feel it doesn't fit the song.... Wish i could just shut the voice off and just listen to the instrumental...

I would give it a 9 but because of Dylan's voice, have to give it a 7.
Never heard this...Great Song!
 h9xh9xh9x wrote:
Here he is in his geriatric Rod Stewart phase. Grin and bear it and run the vacuum.

What he does to RP is a tragedy. And, why do we hear such schlock, but never the little known (original) gems such as All Along the Watchtower (John Wesley Harding)? I' m guessing Bill doesn't own that one. Can somebody please give it to him?
PS: RP should have two-fold rating system. A: Is it a classic? B: How much do you want to be beat over the head by it?
 
Complaining seems to be your forte; your "1" ratings outnumber all your others. I'll never understand why people who spend so much time whining about certain artists, Dylan and Talking Heads being two common examples, don't simply choose one of the hundreds of other online stations that don't play said artists. It's kind of like moving to Miami and then complaining every day because it's warm and sunny. After a while, you start to get on the nerves of the people (the majority) who like it because it's warm and sunny. Please, don't do us any favors by hanging around, wallowing in voluntary misery.

I came in to say thank you for the Dylan— then Jayhawks comes on—my evening would be complete if I could hear me some some Meters.

It's so simply written, and still, it conveys everything, I can totally identify to this story (she becomes he) -  Dylan, the wise


Bill, why do you torture us so? Three different Dylan songs in the last six hours! Yes, he's a brilliant songwriter and poet. But what he does to microphones is a tragedy.


 Paul_in_Australia wrote:

Judging by your lowest rated tracks you are something of a Dylan aficionado? 
 
although I can recognize Dylan's genius in songwriting I am repulsed by his voice

 a_genuine_find wrote:
Now is the time for all good men to ...

...soften or muffle the sound of ...
 
Judging by your lowest rated tracks you are something of a Dylan aficionado? 
Always dug this song.
Now is the time for all good men to ...

...soften or muffle the sound of ...
Thank you for a real day of blues and for playing a few Dylan tunes...this is one of my personal favorites....still heartsick song that lets me wallow in my sorrows!! most of the time.....

 lawman wrote:
Lovely, lovely love song. Hm - I guess a poet is allowed write love songs, even if he's an old geezer.
 
stop acting like george bush in front of Dick Cheney

Beautiful song.  Hurray for Bob!  Hurray for Daniel Lanois!
 joanot wrote:
Anyone heard the unreleased version of the Bootleg series nº8? It´s amazing.
 

Yep its almost better than this version.
Bill referred to this as a 'recent' Bob Dylan album. It came out in 1989. I wish Bill would play less 'recent' music and more 'new' stuff.

 joanot wrote:
Anyone heard the unreleased version of the Bootleg series nº8? It´s amazing.
 
Agreed, it's excellent (and substantially different than this version ), as is most of the rest of the collection. I didn't say the cover photo was great.
Tell Tale Signs: the Bootleg Series Vol. 8


Nice BD tune . . . one of the (2) of his that I like.  Love the bass
Anyone heard the unreleased version of the Bootleg series nº8? It´s amazing.
 jsn65 wrote:

Same producer, if I'm not mistaken....Daniel Lanois.

 
That's exactly what I came to find out.  This is dripping with Lanois.  Which works here, I think.

 jkolin wrote:
Heartbreaking.  All of the time.
 
{#Yes}
 Geecheeboy wrote:

And they even sort of sound alike....
 
Same producer, if I'm not mistaken....Daniel Lanois.

Brilliant. Sublime.

And I can still remember that kiss. In the street above my apartment. November 23, 1998. Your hand in my hand, in my pocket...

Your soul in my soul in a kiss.

I'll never forget that kiss.

 Carissa wrote:
Today's broadcast includes this song after U2's "With or Without You." A very nice pairing of mellow heartbreak songs.
 
And they even sort of sound alike....
Mr. Zimmerman pops up at the most convenient times.. (much of the time- any time —all the time)
Heartbreaking.  All of the time.
wow.  This takes me back.  A roommate in college played this quite a bit.  Specifically this song.  It is a beauty of a song.
Today's broadcast includes this song after U2's "With or Without You." A very nice pairing of mellow heartbreak songs.
Check out Most Of The Time - Sophie Zelmani on the Masked and Anonymous soundtrack.
mandolin wrote:
...i'm not sure if it gets any better than this...
I am.
...i'm not sure if it gets any better than this...
Lovely, lovely love song. Hm - I guess a poet is allowed write love songs, even if he's an old geezer.
Bob makes this sound autobiographical. Say what you want about the quality of his voice, but he really knows how to conjure and sell the emotions.
Ahhh, Dylan I can like. . .
Meh. All that soft echoey Lanois stuff does nothing for me, as does this song, and Bob Dylan in general. Most of the Time.
I really like just about everything Bob Dylan has ever released. I would imagine this must have been an odd time for him, seems like Bob Dylan and the 1980's are like oil and vinegar.
AlienRelic wrote:
One of the better songs Bob has put out lately. Unfortunately, that's not really saying a lot....
1989, when this came out, is not exactly 'lately'. There's a bigger time lapse between last year's Modern Times and Oh Mercy than there was between Oh Mercy and Blood on the Tracks, for example.
Man this is a nice song... from a great album. Nice texture on this Lanois flavoured production.
wade44 wrote:
One of the few BD songs I like. I think this is one of his best.
I agree
One of Dylan's best albums!
One of the few BD songs I like. I think this is one of his best.
The master bares his soul in thoughtful reflection.
Pyro wrote:
poignant and beautifully presented
Well said.
I love that bass!
poignant and beautifully presented (thank you Daniel Lanois!) from a not-so-big Dylan fan
thatch wrote:
This song is on the soundtrack for High Fidelity along with other greats. A must see and hear.
This is the second song from the High Fidelity soundtrack I've heard today, the other being the Beta Band's tasty "Dry the Rain." In fact, when that song came on, I immediately thought of the scene from the movie where Rob plays it in his store. Customer: "Who is this?" Rob: "The Beta Band." Customer: "It's good." Rob: "I know." That quote probably belongs with "Dry the Rain"'s comments, but oh, well: I also dig this Dylan tune. How's that for on topic?
hippiebikercowboymusician wrote:
comes at a great time for me.... i think i like another version a little more,, or this one,, maybe,, kinda more lively,,,, but then i have felt like listening to John Pryne/ Leonard Cohen/ all weekend,,,, maybe some Cowboy Junkies,, so ya know where I'm commin from,,,, but i love Dylan on all levels anyway.... so
Perhaps you would rather hear Led Zep's Ramble On ...
One of the better songs Bob has put out lately. Unfortunately, that's not really saying a lot....
One of the few non-mysogynistic Dylan songs out there. And one of the few I like. Coincidence? I think not.
Oh Mercy, wish I was in Reading Pa for tomorrow night's concert there, this is a lovely rendition. Most of the Time.
comes at a great time for me.... i think i like another version a little more,, or this one,, maybe,, kinda more lively,,,, but then i have felt like listening to John Pryne/ Leonard Cohen/ all weekend,,,, maybe some Cowboy Junkies,, so ya know where I'm commin from,,,, but i love Dylan on all levels anyway.... so
I am surprised by the posts for this song. The lyrics are touching and truthful, the melody is nice enough, no you don't have to have been hurt deeply to like the song, yes, I think you do to be able to sympathize fully with the message... But this is DYLAN! While this song could be considered an accomplishment for many current artists, it is not Dylan's best stuff. It doesn't have to be; he certainly doesn't have to prove his ability anymore. He is expressing something personal, take it or leave it. I'm sure he doesn't care. Leaving it, however, i.e., rating the song as less than superlative, is not a measure of whether one has lived, loved, and hurt. It is not a dismissal of the artist or the lyrics. It is not a commentary on the general merits of poetry in today's societies, nor evidence of a soul lost in unending stale mall corridors. Nor does it shed any light on why those bulbs I planted last fall failed to show. (Tongue firmly in cheek now.) It is a personal statement of how much one appreciates the song at the time the rating was given.
Gr8 song. This was a great album altogether I think. He's really something. Saw him a couple of years ago on his canadian tour in Winnipeg. His guitar playing has matured and he was fantastic.
Moak wrote:
Come on, It's just Dylan being clever as hell again; relax and enjoy - we've all been there, haven't we?
Whoa, whoa, wait...take my comment in the context of the person to whom I responded... I'm not tearin' up something about the song, I'm talking about the possibility that some people may simply not like the song or artist, and that shouldn't have any bearing on their character.
ploafmaster wrote:
That would make sense if this was a poem. But there is a musical half involved here that we can't ignore. I personally find this song to be decent, but to assume that one hasn't lived or loved because he or she doesn't like this song is a bit much. And what of those who love but have not lost?
Come on, It's just Dylan being clever as hell again; relax and enjoy - we've all been there, haven't we?
ploafmaster wrote:
And what of those who love but have not lost?
... ... ( Most of the Time?) ...
ploafmaster wrote:
That would make sense if this was a poem. But there is a musical half involved here that we can't ignore. I personally find this song to be decent, but to assume that one hasn't lived or loved because he or she doesn't like this song is a bit much. And what of those who love but have not lost?
Make room for a little poetic license. That applies to all art (and song comments)
mxdcec wrote:
Any person who dismisses this song has never lived and if they have lived has certainly not loved. The singer is knowingly forcing himself to lie to himself to recover from a painful lost love. The song is about the times when nothing works, when the pain killers wear off, and we see the haunting, frightengly truth of a love gone. That crying guitar in the background perfectly simulates the dam we buld to hold back tears that wish they could be shed. This is a great song. Mark United Arab Emirates
That would make sense if this was a poem. But there is a musical half involved here that we can't ignore. I personally find this song to be decent, but to assume that one hasn't lived or loved because he or she doesn't like this song is a bit much. And what of those who love but have not lost?
This one just grabs my heart...one of Dylan's best.
I never was a fan of Bob Dylan. But this one really hits me. The music, his singing, the lyrics. I understand exactly what he means. I'm divorced two years ago. One good thing: it gives you more time to listen to RP.
What a great composer ( all the time), I love Dylan.
The lyrics are great, yet what about Lanois's production!
...well heck, my only other 10 to-date is for the unforgettable fire...
The lyrics are great, yet what about Lanois's production!!
Most Of The Time Lyrics by Bob Dylan Most of the time I'm clear focused all around Most of the time I can keep both feet on the ground I can follow the path I can read the sign Stay right with it when the road unwinds I can handle whatever I stumble upon I don't even notice she's gone Most of the time. Most of the time it's well understood Most of the time I wouldn't change it if I could I can make it all match up I can hold my own I can deal with the situation right down to the bone I can survive and I can endure And I don't even think about her Most of the time. Most of the time my head is on straight Most of the time I'm strong enough not to hate I don't build up illusion 'til it makes me sick I ain't afraid of confusion no matter how thick I can smile in the face of mankind Don't even remember what her lips felt like on mine Most of the time. Most of the time she ain't even in my mind I wouldn't know her if I saw her She's that far behind Most of the time I can even be sure If she was ever with me Or if I was ever with her Most of the time I'm halfway content Most of the time I know exactly where it went I don't cheat on myself I don't run and hide Hide from the feelings that are buried inside I don't compromise and I don't pretend I don't even care if I ever see her again Most of the time. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Any person who dismisses this song has never lived and if they have lived has certainly not loved. The singer is knowingly forcing himself to lie to himself to recover from a painful lost love. The song is about the times when nothing works, when the pain killers wear off, and we see the haunting, frightengly truth of a love gone. That crying guitar in the background perfectly simulates the dam we buld to hold back tears that wish they could be shed. This is a great song. Mark United Arab Emirates
Ani Difranco does an awesome live cover of this song, though the sound quality is iffy in the version I have. I'd recommend anyone who likes this song track her version down.
I'm a Dylan fan... lyrics, lyrics, lyrics. Either you get it, or you don't!
love Bobby D, but not really diggin the "charriots of fire" sound in this song... i even feel guilty saying such a thing about him...
pyxxel wrote:
I hate this song. What's with the singing, it sounds as if he has an extreme case of sinusitis.... ewww.... can't get that thought of Dylan's snot poker out of my mind now.... ewww ewww ewwwwww
Thank you for Guinness but that doesn't excuse such nonsense. The singing is perfectly in tune with the lyrics and message of the song. Bob Dylan rules and I sure am glad, as someone else said, that he didn't die young like a lot of the greats; if he had, plenty of folks with pseudo- romantic sensibilities would be appreciating him a whole lot more than they currently do.
His voice is much lower now. I was used to all the old stuff, so I didn't even recognize who it was...
pvcnote wrote:
This guy is boring, very boring!!!!!!
Absolutely agree!
Dylan is the shiznitz!
tg3k wrote:
I'd never heard this before today (although I thought I'd heard quite a bit of Dylan over the years), and this one stands out as one of the best IMHO. I generally fluctuate between warm and cold with Dylan's stuff, but this one is pretty hot.
This song is on the soundtrack for High Fidelity along with other greats. A must see and hear.
This guy is boring, very boring!!!!!!
pyxxel wrote:
I hate this song. What's with the singing, it sounds as if he has an extreme case of sinusitis.... ewww.... can't get that thought of Dylan's snot poker out of my mind now.... ewww ewww ewwwwww
Oh Mary mother of God ! They got the kids in Ireland flatlining on Ritalin as well now ?!!! You're a discredit to your Celtic roots I'm sure....
mxdcec wrote:
Any person who dismisses this song has never lived and if they have lived has certainly not loved. The singer is knowingly forcing himself to lie to himself to recover from a painful lost love. The song is about the times when nothing works, when the pain killers wear off, and we see the haunting, frightengly truth of a love gone. That crying guitar in the background perfectly simulates the dam we buld to hold back tears that wish they could be shed. This is a great song. Mark United Arab Emirates
Great post!
Any person who dismisses this song has never lived and if they have lived has certainly not loved. The singer is knowingly forcing himself to lie to himself to recover from a painful lost love. The song is about the times when nothing works, when the pain killers wear off, and we see the haunting, frightengly truth of a love gone. That crying guitar in the background perfectly simulates the dam we buld to hold back tears that wish they could be shed. This is a great song. Mark United Arab Emirates
BGGA wrote:
I love this song.
I hate this song. What's with the singing, it sounds as if he has an extreme case of sinusitis.... ewww.... can't get that thought of Dylan's snot poker out of my mind now.... ewww ewww ewwwwww
I love this song.
RabbitEars wrote:
daniel lanois has a lot to do with the quality of this record
A unique touch, but, then again, so is Dylan's!
chucklesalmon wrote:
woooooooooo! What a mood this creates. More greatness from D. Lanois. He can even make Bob Dylan's voice sound good. Feels lik a hot sweaty New Orleans night.
Beautifully put. I'm a lukewarm Dylan fan but I do like this one quite a lot.
daniel lanois has a lot to do with the quality of this record
I'd never heard this before today (although I thought I'd heard quite a bit of Dylan over the years), and this one stands out as one of the best IMHO. I generally fluctuate between warm and cold with Dylan's stuff, but this one is pretty hot.
Wait...did I die? Am I dreaming? A Bob Dylan song on RP and not a single detracting comment about it? Yay...true enlightenment has been attained!!! :D
Dylan; what a career. Nice to know that not all of the 'Greats' didn't die young and can continue beign creative, unique, and relevant. Miss ya, Janis, Stevie, Lowell.
I can dig it...Nice offering from Dylan
I never really got into Dylan until I reached my 30s and something just clicked in my musical brain, and now I can't get enough. Great tune.
woooooooooo! What a mood this creates. More greatness from D. Lanois. He can even make Bob Dylan's voice sound good. Feels lik a hot sweaty New Orleans night.
BGGA wrote:
Having RP to listen to makes showing up for work worth it... getting to hear Dylan is like a mini vacation!
I couldn't have said it better!
great great song...
LaurieBlue wrote:
It's an outstanding CD.
I totally agree. The Man in the Long Black Coat is another forgotten jewel on the album.
LaurieBlue wrote:
It's an outstanding CD.
I think I posted this elsewhere, but if you read Dylan's "memoir" Chronicles, which just came out, there is an interesting chapter about the writing and recording of the "Oh Mercy" album. That book is pretty non linear - it jumps around alot and some parts of it are not as interesting as others. But it's still a good read, especially if you are a Dylan fan.
This is one of my favorite Dylan songs. The lyrics are so evocative and the orchestration really rounds his unique voice. Having RP to listen to makes showing up for work worth it... getting to hear Dylan is like a mini vacation!
The distinguishing feature of this album is due to Daniel Lanois' unmistakable touch in production. Good stuff.
It's an outstanding CD.
I like Dylan's Most of the Time. I like Dylan all of the time.
DaWiz wrote:
This song reminds me of John Lennon's "Watching The Wheels".
Interesting comparison.
Dude, I finally truly LOVE a Bob Dylan song! yeah!