Comments on: I’m Not There Soundtrack Giveaway!

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 01:29:55 +0000

My favorite Dylan song is “Like a Rolling Stone.” The thing that does it for me is the keys. After the first smack of the drum, when the organ starts up, I get this feeling like I’m home. It’s hard to explain, but there’s something about how that organ, and Bob’s harmonica, and that great electric guitar all come together to speak to me.

By: Katie

Katie — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 21:40:28 +0000

“Maggie’s Farm” because it’s such a great protest song, such a great you-can’t-fire-me-because-I-quit anthem. Whenever I hear it, my soul raises its puny fist in defiance. Yeah, that’s right, nobody can make me do anything!

And then the next morning, I put on my monkey suit and head back to work.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 20:58:43 +0000

It’s definitely hard to choose, but my personal favorite is “Positively 4th Street”. It’s just so full of vitriol. I love it.

I wish that for just one time
You could stand inside my shoes
And just for that one moment
I could be you

Yes, I wish that for just one time
You could stand inside my shoes
You’d know what a drag it is
To see you

Gets me every time.

By: Brian (PunkMunky)

Brian (PunkMunky) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 02:59:21 +0000

My favorite Dylan song tends to vary wildly depending on mood, what I’m listening to, etc. — but at the moment, I’ve got to say “I Shall Be Free” from The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. It’s such a funny song. In under five minutes, Bob manages to satirize relationships, politics, pop culture and himself — and keep it all as light and bouncy as a soap bubble. Amazing.

By: Hugh

Hugh — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 20:17:43 +0000

You always take a risk of running afoul of the Dylan purists when you even mention his music in the ’80s, but dammit, I have always had a fondness for the song “Jokerman” from the 1983 album “Infidels.” It features a really intriguing video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igMaEw3SJuk). As a teenager first recognizing and appreciating Dylan through MTV of all things, the song captured a poignant commentary of the Reagan era. And just like his early songs, it has a staying power and relevance to the issues of today.

By: Roberto

Roberto — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:33:59 +0000

I would say that the best Dylan’s song is the… last one. He’s an artist you always want to hear something new from. Apart from this “small” consideration I go crazy for “Like a Rolling Stone”.

By: JD

JD — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:03:50 +0000

Motorpsycho Nightmare. Hilarious and brilliant at the same time. Who else could take the skeleton of an old joke and turn it into a political statement?

By: Nate

Nate — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 04:36:27 +0000

My favorite Dylan song is “The Hurricane.” I’m a huge believer in the beauty of lyrics and I think only Dylan could craft an epic song that speaks to so much (our society, ourselves, our government, etc.) yet is focused on one very specific tale. I just saw him twice within a few month span (July in Albuquerque and October in Syracuse, N.Y.) and it was surreal to watch him play “Like a Rolling Stone,” but I left a little disheartened since I didn’t hear about Reuben Carter either time.

By: Megan

Megan — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 19:59:41 +0000

Though my mp3 player might tell me I listen to Lay Lady Lay and Don’t Think Twice It’s All Right more often, my favorite Bob Dylan song is A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall. It literally stuns me to silence when it comes on. This song reminds me, a writer myself, of the incredibly important role of an artist as empathizer, dissenter and recorder of our day-to-day existence. I teach it to my students who ask what they can do with their humanities courses. Bob Dylan’s music, for me, is at its best when it’s plugging into that collective consciousness. His sound may change from one period to another but he always gets the heartache, protest, and, ultimately, gratitude right.

By: Bianca

Bianca — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 19:20:15 +0000

Real tough question.
I would say “Masters of war” because this song’s the perfect anti-militarist protest.
Dylan can see through the masks of moral superiority, and shows them up(the ones who “build the big bombs”) for the cowardly, power-mongering, money-grabbing hypocrites they are.
It’s so strong and powerful that I cant help feeling angry when I hear it.

How much do I know
To talk out of turn
You might say that I’m young
You might say I’m unlearned
But there’s one thing I know
Though I’m younger than you
Even Jesus would never
Forgive what you do

Let me ask you one question
Is your money that good
Will it buy you forgiveness
Do you think that it could
I think you will find
When your death takes its toll
All the money you made
Will never buy back your soul

And I hope that you die
And your death’ll come soon
I will follow your casket
In the pale afternoon
And I’ll watch while you’re lowered
Down to your deathbed
And I’ll stand o’er your grave
‘Til I’m sure that you’re dead