About the song
If you’ve ever found yourself yearning for a simpler time, a time of carefree days and endless possibilities, then Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man” is the perfect soundtrack to transport you there. Released in 1965, this iconic folk rock song has captured the hearts of generations with its evocative lyrics and infectious melody.
The song begins with a gentle, almost hypnotic rhythm, inviting the listener to close their eyes and drift away. Dylan’s distinctive voice, with its world-weary wisdom and youthful exuberance, paints a vivid picture of a young man seeking solace and adventure. He calls out to a mysterious “Mr. Tambourine Man,” a figure who seems to hold the key to unlocking a higher state of consciousness.
The lyrics of “Mr. Tambourine Man” are filled with symbolism and imagery that invite multiple interpretations. Some have suggested that the song is a metaphor for the search for spiritual enlightenment, while others have seen it as a commentary on the turbulent times of the 1960s. Whatever your interpretation, there’s no denying the song’s universal appeal.
One of the most striking aspects of “Mr. Tambourine Man” is its ability to evoke a strong sense of nostalgia. The song’s references to “the ocean’s roar” and “the sea of faces” transport the listener to a simpler time, when life seemed full of endless possibilities. It’s a feeling that many of us can relate to, as we look back fondly on our youth and the dreams we once held.
The song’s popularity has only grown over the years, thanks in part to the Byrds’ iconic cover version, which introduced it to a wider audience. “Mr. Tambourine Man” has since become a staple of classic rock radio and has been covered by countless artists. Despite its enduring popularity, the song continues to resonate with new generations of listeners, who find its themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning as relevant today as ever.
In conclusion, “Mr. Tambourine Man” is more than just a song; it’s a timeless masterpiece that has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Bob Dylan or simply appreciate great music, this song is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Video
Lyrics
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going to
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle morning I’ll come following you
Though I know that evening’s empire has returned into sand
Vanished from my hand
Left me blindly here to stand, but still not sleeping
My weariness amazes me, I’m branded on my feet
I have no one to meet
And the ancient empty street’s too dead for dreaming
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going to
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle morning I’ll come following you
Take me on a trip upon your magic swirling ship
My senses have been stripped
My hands can’t feel to grip
My toes too numb to step
Wait only for my boot heels to be wandering
I’m ready to go anywhere, I’m ready for to fade
Into my own parade
Cast your dancing spell my way, I promise to go under it
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going to
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle morning I’ll come following you
Though you might hear laughing, spinning, swinging madly across the sun
It’s not aimed at anyone
It’s just escaping on the run
And but for the sky there are no fences facing
And if you hear vague traces of skipping reels of rhyme
To your tambourine in time
It’s just a ragged clown behind
I wouldn’t pay it any mind
It’s just a shadow you’re seeing that he’s chasing
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going to
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle morning I’ll come following you
And take me disappearing through the smoke rings of my mind
Down the foggy ruins of time
Far past the frozen leaves
The haunted frightened trees
Out to the windy beach
Far from the twisted reach of crazy sorrow
Yes, to dance beneath the diamond sky
With one hand waving free
Silhouetted by the sea
Circled by the circus sands
With all memory and fate
Driven deep beneath the waves
Let me forget about today until tomorrow
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going to
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle morning I’ll come following you
