About the song
Bob Dylan, the bard of a generation, has penned countless songs that have resonated with audiences for decades. Among his most celebrated works is the epic, “Like a Rolling Stone,” a track that has solidified its place in the annals of rock and roll history. Released in 1965, this song was a seismic shift in Dylan’s career, marking a departure from his earlier folk-inspired sound towards a more electric and rock-oriented style.
“Like a Rolling Stone” is more than just a song; it’s a narrative of societal upheaval and personal transformation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a fallen socialite who has lost everything she once held dear. As the song progresses, Dylan’s lyrics become increasingly scathing and accusatory, leaving the listener contemplating the fragility of fame, fortune, and the human condition itself.
The song’s structure is unconventional, featuring a lengthy, meandering verse that is interspersed with a repetitive chorus. This structure, combined with Dylan’s harmonica playing and the backing band’s driving rhythm, creates a sense of restlessness and unease that mirrors the song’s themes. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and literary allusions, inviting listeners to delve deeper into the song’s meaning.
One of the most striking aspects of “Like a Rolling Stone” is its enduring appeal. Despite being released over half a century ago, the song continues to resonate with new generations of listeners. This is due in part to its universal themes of loss, change, and the search for meaning. The song’s timeless quality is also a testament to Dylan’s genius as a songwriter. His ability to capture the zeitgeist of the 1960s while creating something that transcends time is a rare gift.
The impact of “Like a Rolling Stone” cannot be overstated. It was a commercial and critical success, and it helped to redefine the possibilities of rock music. The song’s influence can be heard in the work of countless artists, from The Rolling Stones to Bruce Springsteen. Today, “Like a Rolling Stone” is widely regarded as one of the greatest songs ever written.
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Lyrics
Once upon a time you dressed so fine
Threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn’t you?
People call say ‘beware doll, you’re bound to fall’
You thought they were all kidding you
You used to laugh about
Everybody that was hanging out
Now you don’t talk so loud
Now you don’t seem so proud
About having to be scrounging your next meal
How does it feel, how does it feel?
To be without a home
Like a complete unknown, like a rolling stone
Ahh you’ve gone to the finest schools, alright Miss Lonely
But you know you only used to get juiced in it
Nobody’s ever taught you how to live out on the street
And now you’re gonna have to get used to it
You say you never compromise
With the mystery tramp, but now you realize
He’s not selling any alibis
As you stare into the vacuum of his eyes
And say do you want to make a deal?
How does it feel, how does it feel?
To be on your own, with no direction home
A complete unknown, like a rolling stone
Ah you never turned around to see the frowns
On the jugglers and the clowns when they all did tricks for you
You never understood that it ain’t no good
You shouldn’t let other people get your kicks for you
You used to ride on a chrome horse with your diplomat
Who carried on his shoulder a Siamese cat
Ain’t it hard when you discovered that
He really wasn’t where it’s at
After he took from you everything he could steal
How does it feel, how does it feel?
To be on your own, with no direction home
Like a complete unknown, like a rolling stone
Ahh princess on a steeple and all the pretty people
They’re all drinking, thinking that they’ve got it made
Exchanging all precious gifts
But you better take your diamond ring, you better pawn it babe
You used to be so amused
At Napoleon in rags and the language that he used
Go to him he calls you, you can’t refuse
When you ain’t got nothing, you got nothing to lose
You’re invisible now, you’ve got no secrets to conceal
How does it feel, ah how does it feel?
To be on your own, with no direction home
Like a complete unknown, like a rolling stone
