In the first Definitely Dylan Live of 2020, we’re exploring the songs in which Bob Dylan sings about what it feels like to be in the spotlight: the moments in which things get meta and Dylan reflects on the act of performance. Laura and Robert trace how the tone of those lyrics changes from the early days of the confident folk troubadour, to the weary musings on the responsibilities that come with fame and acclaim. Oh, and we talk about Kanye West!
Let us know what other songs you think would fit this theme! One that I wish I had remembered to mention is Blind Willie McTell. To me, Dylan’s praise of the singer (“nobody can sing like blues like Blind Willie McTell”) always sounded like it was self-reflective, since it’s a blues song and Dylan sings the hell out of it. Maybe that’ll be a topic for another day.
I decided to add Dark Eyes to the website version of this episode, because it bothered me that we didn’t have time for it in the radio broadcast version. In my opinion it’s just the perfect song to end this hour on.
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Playlist:
Lay Down Your Weary Tune
Eternal Circle (Live 17 May, 1964, Royal Festival Hall, London)
Up To Me (Take 2 Remake)
Sweetheart Like You
Dark Eyes