About the Song
In 1965, a jolt of electricity coursed through the veins of popular music. Bob Dylan, a young folk singer known for his poetic lyricism, released a song that shattered expectations and redefined the boundaries of rock and roll. Like a Rolling Stone wasn’t just a song; it was a cultural phenomenon, a sonic revolution that continues to inspire and challenge listeners over five decades later.
The song explodes from the speakers with a distorted electric guitar riff, a stark contrast to Dylan’s usual acoustic sound. His voice, raspy and full of urgency, delivers the opening line, “How does it feel? To be without a home” immediately drawing the listener into a world of alienation and despair.
The lyrics are a masterpiece of storytelling, weaving a tapestry of lost dreams, shattered illusions, and the harsh realities of life on the fringes of society. Dylan paints a vivid picture of a woman who has fallen from grace, “once upon a time you dressed so fine, threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn’t you?” Her story becomes a cautionary tale, a reflection on the fleeting nature of fame and fortune.
But Like a Rolling Stone is more than just a social commentary. It’s a relentless exploration of the human condition, a questioning of purpose and meaning in a world that can be cruel and unforgiving. The repeated line “How does it feel?” becomes a haunting refrain, forcing the listener to confront their own vulnerabilities and grapple with the complexities of existence.
Musically, the song is a groundbreaking fusion of rock and roll and folk sensibilities. The distorted guitars and driving drums create a sense of urgency and chaos, perfectly mirroring the emotional turmoil within the lyrics. The prominent organ adds a layer of gospel-like fervor, further amplifying the song’s emotional impact.
Like a Rolling Stone wasn’t an instant hit. Its length, unconventional structure, and raw emotion challenged radio formats and listener expectations. However, the song’s power and Dylan’s unwavering artistic vision eventually won over audiences and critics alike.
Like a Rolling Stone remains a landmark achievement in music history. It’s a testament to the power of artistic audacity, a song that continues to resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost, disillusioned, or simply different. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most powerful voices come from those who are willing to roll the dice, to challenge the status quo, and leave a lasting mark on the world, even if it means gathering no moss.
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Lyrics: “Like A Rolling Stone”
Once upon a time you dressed so fine
You threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn’t you?
People’d call, say, “Beware doll, you’re bound to fall”
You thought they were all kiddin’ you
You used to laugh about
Everybody that was hangin’ out
Now you don’t talk so loud
Now you don’t seem so proud
About having to be scrounging for your next mealHow does it feel?
How does it feel
To be without a home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?You’ve gone to the finest school all right, Miss Lonely
But you know you only used to get juiced in it
And nobody’s ever taught you how to live out on the street
And now you’re gonna have to get used to it
You said you’d 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?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 the chrome horse with your diplomat
Who carried on his shoulder a Siamese cat
Ain’t it hard when you discover that
He really wasn’t where it’s at
After he took from you everything he could stealHow does it feel?
How does it feel
To be on your own
With no direction home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?Princess on the steeple and all the pretty people
They’re all drinkin’, thinkin’ that they got it made
Exchanging all precious gifts
But you’d better take your diamond ring, you’d better pawn it babe
You used to be so amused
At Napoleon in rags and the language that he used
Go to him now, he calls you, you can’t refuse
When you ain’t got nothing, you got nothing to lose
You’re invisible now, you got no secrets to concealHow does it feel
How does it feel
To be on your own
With no direction home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?