by Robert Wilkinson
To continue the party one more day, here are two of my favorite Bob Dylan creations, both beautiful love songs in their unique way. I've included links to the original audio album tracks on BobDylan.com so that you can hear some of each song as it was originally performed.
Enjoy these two masterpieces.
From Planet Waves, backed by the Band, a beautiful affirmation of good will. The fast version is my favorite, and is joyous in its vibe. This is a blessing for the well being of us all.
Forever Young (Fast version)
Forever Young (Slow version)
May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.
May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.
May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.
Copyright © 1973 Ram's Horn Music
From "Bringing It All Back Home," his first electric album, an amazing love song. As with the previous song, the link takes you to the first song of the album and it auto loads from there. A hauntingly beautiful love song.
My love she speaks like silence,
Without ideals or violence,
She doesn't have to say she's faithful,
Yet she's true, like ice, like fire.
People carry roses,
Make promises by the hours,
My love she laughs like the flowers,
Valentines can't buy her.
In the dime stores and bus stations,
People talk of situations,
Read books, repeat quotations,
Draw conclusions on the wall.
Some speak of the future,
My love she speaks softly,
She knows there's no success like failure
And that failure's no success at all.
The cloak and dagger dangles,
Madams light the candles.
In ceremonies of the horsemen,
Even the pawn must hold a grudge.
Statues made of match sticks,
Crumble into one another,
My love winks, she does not bother,
She knows too much to argue or to judge.
The bridge at midnight trembles,
The country doctor rambles,
Bankers' nieces seek perfection,
Expecting all the gifts that wise men bring.
The wind howls like a hammer,
The night blows cold and rainy,
My love she's like some raven
At my window with a broken wing.
Copyright ©copy; 1965; renewed 1993 Special Rider Music
Article Copyright © 2008 Robert Wilkinson
I love you.
Posted by: Jan | May 25, 2008 at 04:45 PM
(Me too.... ;)
Posted by: DianatheHuntress | May 25, 2008 at 08:48 PM
"Love is the greatest refreshment in life"
Pablo Picasso
Posted by: Felita | May 26, 2008 at 04:00 PM
I read out the lyrics of Forever Young at my daughter's name blessing ceremony. They are truly beautiful. What an amazing musican and poet.
Although I did see bob dylan perform live a few years ago and I have to say it was a real disappointment (or maybe he was just having a bad night.) Ani difranco supported him and she was incredible. He just did not seem to care that the audience was even there. Although I am sure if I had done what he had done and was his age I probably wouldn't care either. He had already passed on his gifts to this realm.
Posted by: shell | May 28, 2008 at 03:43 AM
Hi all - glad you liked this post. I also saw him years ago in the Rolling Thunder days, and he's never really been all that connected with his audience. Probably because once upon a time he was a living legend, representing more than any one person could or should for too many millions who worshiped him. And of course, there's the issue all musicians have (who don't flame out) that once you've done a song five thousand times, well....
Posted by: Robert | May 28, 2008 at 06:16 AM
From one Aquarian to another...
Since you are clearly a fan of Bob the bard, I thought I'd introduce you to my new novel, BLOOD ON THE TRACKS, which I think you'd enjoy.
It's a murder-mystery. But not just any rock superstar is knocking on heaven's door. The murdered rock legend is none other than Bob Dorian, an enigmatic, obtuse, inscrutable, well, you get the picture...
Suspects? Tons of them. The only problem is they're all characters in Bob's songs.
You can get a copy on Amazon.com or go "behind the tracks" at www.bloodonthetracksnovel.com to learn more about the book.
Posted by: Tom Grasty | June 04, 2008 at 07:56 AM
Hi Tom - Usually I want plugs cleared with me first, but this work seems like it could be fun. Great idea. May you sell a million (and not get sued by anyone!) And of course, "the thin man" is no doubt one of his more frustrated characters, though the target of "Positively 4th St." is probably one who has held a grudge the longest.
Posted by: Robert | June 05, 2008 at 06:23 AM