About the song
“Like a Rolling Stone,” penned by the iconic American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan in 1965, is more than just a song—it’s a revolutionary anthem that redefined the boundaries of contemporary music. Born out of Dylan’s discontent upon returning from his grueling Bob Dylan UK Tour 1965, the lyrics of the song initially emerged from a lengthy handwritten manuscript in June 1965. After meticulous editing, these musings were condensed into four concise verses and a chorus, encapsulating a profound narrative that would forever alter Dylan’s career trajectory.
Recorded just weeks later, “Like a Rolling Stone” found its place on Dylan’s fourth studio album, ‘Highway 61 Revisited’. The recording process itself was arduous, spanning two difficult days during which Dylan struggled to capture the essence of the song. Originally conceived in 3/4 time, the track failed to resonate until Dylan experimented with a rock format, bolstered by the addition of session musician Al Kooper on organ, which injected a country-esque flavor into the mix. Despite Columbia Records’ initial hesitations over its length and electric sound, the song’s leaked copy at various music clubs within a month convinced DJs of its potential as a single.
Upon its release, “Like a Rolling Stone” defied conventional radio formats with its over six-minute duration but swiftly climbed to number two on the US charts, becoming a global sensation. Described as a blend of various musical genres, marked by youthful exuberance and Dylan’s sardonic vocal delivery, the song challenged listeners with its pointed refrain, “How does it feel?” This rhetorical question encapsulated the song’s bold questioning of societal norms and personal introspection.
Dylan’s own reflections on the song’s genesis underscore its transformative impact on his artistic journey. Following its release, Dylan admitted in a 1966 Playboy interview his initial contemplation of retirement, disenchanted with both public reception and his own artistic direction. However, the overwhelming success of “Like a Rolling Stone” revitalized his resolve, prompting a renewed focus on songwriting and solidifying his status as a countercultural icon.
The song’s enduring influence transcends its commercial success, shaping not only Dylan’s career but also becoming a cultural touchstone performed by numerous artists such as The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Rolling Stones, The Wailers, and Green Day. Recognized by Rolling Stone magazine as the greatest song of all time, “Like a Rolling Stone” remains a testament to Dylan’s artistic prowess, blending lyrical depth with musical innovation to create a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate across generations.
In conclusion, “Like a Rolling Stone” stands as a testament to Bob Dylan’s ability to challenge and redefine the boundaries of popular music, encapsulating a moment of profound cultural and artistic evolution that continues to inspire and provoke thought today.
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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