Bob Dylan - Ballad of Hollis Brown (Official Audio)

[@elstonngunn4193]

Just remember and never forget that Hollis Brown was a real person

[@keithbarlow2813]

No, there was no real Hollis Brown. Dylan took his inspiration from an old English folk song called “Pretty Polly”,

[@mikerem9997]

@@keithbarlow2813 I know early on Dylan stole so many melodies as is the folk tradition. Hattie Carroll is real, I hope, and a better song. Nirvana's song Polly is not real.

[@craignaylor6869]

Sure has a lot feeling, great tune

[@OliverHviid]

​@@keithbarlow2813There was, however, a man by the name of Charlie Lawson who, back in 1929, killed his seven children and wife. There was a song written about that event called "The Murder of the Lawson Family/ The Lawson Family Murder." This song might have been inspired by that event.

[@Dr.JeremyDunks]

This is genius. Bob plays with the pronouns "he" and "you", and that tiny little thing makes the whole fucking song. At a point, Hollis Brown goes from being "he" to "you". It's a magician's sleight of hand. You don't notice it, but it makes it suddenly so personal. Now you're having starving screaming children. Now you're the one on the island. Now you're the one who picks up the shotgun. The only other time he reverts back to "he" is when he prays to the lord to send you a friend, and then it's right back to *you* praying for yourself. He forces you to be Hollis Brown. He makes you make that choice. That is the powerful songwriting you'll never see again.

[@commonlogic3646]

Woooow

[@azcactus2008]

Thanks for that detail. So true

[@erickdeveau8635]

He's absolutely amazing.

[@waynejohanson1083]

Great Observation.

[@legalizecannibalism2033]

@@waynejohanson1083 yeah, man.... fuck it

[@DonPeyote420]

One of the darkest Dylan songs

[@DonPeyote420]

@Cliff Hanley the very last line? Life goes on, even though there's just been a murder/suicide, it's just a drop in the ocean of human suffering...

[@DonPeyote420]

@Cliff Hanley thank you!

[@conorkennedy3304]

it's super dark

[@titchner211c]

Well said Cliff! Dylan paints this haunting, horrible, tragic picture of emotional suffering. Its assumed he wants the listener to empathize. Then the last line comes as a shock. As if to say, as you have put it, "it's an ocean of human suffering." So what!! The universe is totally indifferent to the suffering of it's struggling creatures.

[@thewitchking2457]

The death of Emmett Till. Would be another one that's up there with his songs of this calibre. Alongside the The Lonseome death of Hattie Carrol. In todays times Dylan's songs have never been so Fresh and Raw.

[@benaiah2119]

This is one of my favorite examples of storytelling in music. He is so good at setting up the misery of the family that it makes the climax so intense to listen to. The last lines longer in your mind.

[@georgejetson1025]

Not many artists can captivate me in a song with 1 chord !

[@oleggorky906]

Exactly! It’s a very simple melody, but effective.

[@bsnf-5]

J. J. Cale could write good a song with one chord too. But you're right, it's rather rare, especially these days.

[@pacmanfan1214]

This melody is actually taken from an old folk song, Pretty Polly, itself believed to have come from England around the 15-1600s and brought to America by immigrants from there. Also a damned good song in its own right, worth checking out

[@whiteyfisk9769]

​@@bsnf-5check out ian noe

[@titchner211c]

"Your baby's eyes look crazy they're a tugging at your sleeve! You walk the floor and wonder why with every breath you breath!" what an existential statement about the human condition. In the last six thousand years, how many billions of parents must have been so unfortunate to think and feel that? Oh, Dylan is a genius that can tap into the emotion of the human condition unlike anyone else!!

[@saradapagediocletian9707]

I know everybody is always touched by the lyrics but can I just take a minute to acknowledge the power of the instrumental!!

[@rhynorton6606]

I agree, this is one of my favorite riffs of his. Like the twang and string popping on "It's Alright Ma".

[@stephenmoyes8496]

Yes it’s like an ever driving hammer that pushes the whole song.

[@slow-mo_moonbuggy]

I think this song is designed to make people think we have to depend on the system through money and needing money for food. It's a nonsense despair song. This Realm we live in has infinite resources. Water literally falls from the sky and grows food from the ground. Did the South Dakota town Hollis Brown lived in not have chickens, soil and rain?

[@TFrills]

@@slow-mo_moonbuggy There isn't enough land for everyone to do that, dude. Not everyone is born into a privileged land-owning family like yours.

[@slow-mo_moonbuggy]

@@TFrills The song is about a South Dakota farmer. How many farmers do you know that don't have land?

[@sonicyouth29]

He is untouchable. Early 60s dylan, mid 60s dylan, late 60s dylan and 70s dylan is so diverse its hard to tell its the same musician. He mastered all 4 periods

[@ww1847]

Infidels, Tempest

[@lachlanneville7138]

Time Out of Mind, Oh Mercy, Modern Times

[@altocondor]

@@lachlanneville7138 LOVE SICK!

[@ederle-laradioperduta4546]

Think of the difference between this and "Lay Lady Lay"

[@jamesderoc6717]

modern times is also a master piece, in fact every single dylan album has at least one genius song.

[@jayhenderson8483]

For about forty years I have claimed that Dylan is an UNDERESTIMATED genius we are so fortunate to have shared some history with him

[@JFF35753]

Underestimated? What kind of drugs are you on? What an idiot!

[@vincarcin]

some of the most bone chilling, depictive lyrics ever written. Superb.

[@henrycowanlarkin]

I just watched the bob Dylan movie trailer as the ad for this song. Planets aligned

[@waynejohanson1083]

If this does not send chills down your spine I do not know what will.

[@THEJR-of5tf]

I have been a Bob Dylan fan since 1963ish Almost 60 years and the power of Bob's lyrics still upset me. There are so many songs that hit you in the guts, and make you sit up and pat attention.

[@carsondelacroix8942]

21 or 22 a middle class Jewish kid already rich and famous. What does he know of the Oklahoma dust bowl? Genius. Pure unadulterated genius. If maybe a significant portion of the greatest popular songs ever written were written by Dylan it is possible that this here is the best. The most powerful and is that him on the guitar? Blew me away when I was twenty something. Still blows me away, perhaps even more so now that I'm seventy something.

[@Leon-ij5be]

It's good but not even close to his best! Pretty basic for Dylan imo... peace will come... with tranquility and splendor, on the wheels of fire.... but will offer no reward, when her false idol falls.... and cruel death surrenders... with its pale ghost retreating... between the king and the queen of swords.... that's top level dylan imo 👍

[@cassandrine]

I remember my Dad put this song on for me to listen to when I was about 6... good times!

[@Dr.JeremyDunks]

Your dad wanted to subtly let you know he wanted to kill you. 😆

[@clarenceboddicker6679]

My dad has now put this song on for me to listen to also

[@nicolemielr4717]

MrKneller oooooooooo

[@stevensdickinsons4403]

If memory serves me right this is not a Bob Dylan song at all . but Nina sings it with a lot more compassion than he ever could

[@ezramalzbender7934]

@@stevensdickinsons4403 This song was written by Bob Dylan

[@paulheptinstall3838]

I once read that when Dylan sings 'There's seven people dead on a South Dakota farm, somewhere in the distance seven new people are born' he was referring to his belief in reincarnation. But to me it was Dylan commenting on how cheap human life is, especially the lives of the poorest in our society.

[@allanjohnson5810]

Bleak,dark,morbid and sad.Up there with Desolation Row.Bob is one special musician

[@Moniker8858]

To me its kind of the idea of the cycle if poverty that no matter what more people are born into it as fast as they escape or die

[@jpeluso50]

@@Moniker8858 I think that you and Paul Heptinstall have it right.

[@susanhudson9070]

Thanks Paul. Of course it did address how cheap human life is.

[@nihilisticnut9916]

Everyone seems to have an interpretation of what is being song. In real fact, who cares! It doesn't matter what anyone believes thinks, it's what you think, it's what you believe and get out of the song. Otherwise you become a sheep, who cares what sheep think.

[@Goodvibesyeetus]

i remember when i first dove into bob dylans early music and i stumbled upon this song and it hit me like a ton of bricks there’s definitely a reason bob dylan is as revered as he is

[@viviandarkbloom100]

Ever listened to his North Country Blues? Especially his performance at Newport, I think in '64. It's devastating.

[@waynejohanson1083]

Proof this man can sing and tear your soul out.

[@StuartwasDrinkell]

One of my favourites of Bob's ... so many to choose from!

[@CPTILING]

Eyes fix on the shotgun from wall to hand. Never mentioning reaching for it or picking it up. Portraying the complete loss of control. I will forever be in complete awe of this song. Honestly a masterpiece. Brutal in the power of insinuation of language. Thank you Bob. This one stuck with a 90's kid from Glasgow.

[@CPTILING]

Also the realization in the spending of the last lone dollar on seven shells and remembering the descriptive introduction all at once. Frightening but genius without a doubt

[@givepeaceachance3899]

I love Dylan's vocals on this. Wow.

[@conorkennedy3304]

he was really young at this time

[@sebaskothe8161]

That voice.... that message... puré power.eternal thanks Bob

[@bullyingheroes]

Hands down one of the best songs created by this master

[@nathanpalmer5273]

Doesn't get better than this, Healing heart and soul ❤️

[@spambeedop]

The fact that this song is still relevant over 50 years later is saddening

[@abaddon9887]

And it's still more sad than anything most of us will ever know.

[@gailpeck9748]

One of America's greatest poet

[@ivystar2823]

The Rise Against cover is incredible, but Dylan's voice is just perfect for this song

[@hamunderhill2062]

still gets me in the guts how intensely this tale is imagined and how the suffering grows towards its violent conclusion

[@tylercooper1551]

I love the progression of eyes fixating on the shotgun hanging on the wall to it being held in your hands. Dylan painted a descent into madness so poetically

[@ToffeenoseToffeenose]

That last verse is as true today as the day it was written

[@frankmiller95]

An unforgettable masterpiece. l remembered the beginning lyrics recently, without having heard them for over fifty years. Still, it's too grim for frequent listening. Ditto for "The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carrol " and "Masters of War." Never listened to "The Death of Emmet Till" until recently because l went to the same HS, although a few years later, as Andrew Goodman, murdered in Mississippi with James Chaney and Mickey Schwerner and it was just too grim and close to home. lt still is.

[@JohnJohn-cu7nk]

Was just listening to Nina sing this . Thought I'd listen to this genius sing it too❤️

[@okva777]

I’m too bro 👍🏻nice

[@JohnJohn-cu7nk]

@@okva777 👍🎹❤️

[@michaeldevlin79]

This song howl's in the bones of my face.

[@tom-ht3ju]

It makes jelly faced women sneeze whilst the primitive wallflowers freeze

[@blakkneit9779]

the most underrated song of him

[@stevedahlberg8680]

It's just Relentless and amazing.

[@jasonduval7852]

the most beautiful tragic song i ever heard.it penetrate deep in your soul as a shotgun bullet.a genius this dylan

[@dr.carmichael530]

Sadly, this song is timeless.

[@J.A.Hansen]

Happens all over the world everyday.....It is sin and a shame...Isn't it ? It is! Hollis Brown is everywhere....

[@rhynorton6606]

"Wholk'd a ragged mile" I love that.

[@marquettaandrews6782]

I have always loved Bob Dylan. A genius musician, poet and storey teller. I am his African American sister fan always.

[@tdsims1963]

Apparently, Dylan was inspired by the Appalachian murder ballad, "Pretty Polly". Both are chilling, haunting, poetic, beautiful.

[@EireAnPoblacht]

Hmmmm.... I can definitely hear that, particularly the Ralph Stanley version..... Good call....

[@elstonngunn4193]

Hollis brown is far darker tho as pretty Polly is abt 1 person being killed but Hollis brown kills his wife 5 kids and himself

[@trevors50uk]

I sang this many years ago in tribute my folk hero Bob Dylan.

[@Townesvanwaits]

Right on

[@Fartinhalerr]

Jaggoff

[@Townesvanwaits]

​@@Fartinhalerr wtf lol

[@davesouthwick970]

The emotional breadth of the songwriting on this album is truly astonishing, from the abstract pastoral joy of "When The Ship Comes In" to the starkly literal horror story of this dark acoustic blues. Both masterpieces which continue to inform divergent musical styles today. All the music I continue to listen to somehow keeps leading me back to Bob 😏

[@michaelcollins7765]

My dad loved this song, as a result my favourite Dylan song.

[@yamapenny5960]

Mister Bob Dylan, I love you ❣

[@julierouzaud2336]

🏹🏹🏹❤❤❤🕊🕊🕊

[@abaddon9887]

An extremely powerful piece that perfectly conveys the pressure within melody. It makes you feel the man's troubles, while keeping you on edge as he was during all of this.

[@pauldaly2947]

At around 0:36 Dylan starts to work his magic! From then on YOU are Hollis!!!

[@persevere4]

Abject poverty takes all of a man's pride, the throbbing headache only ends in one's death, the loss of all that one managed to love. Alone and forsaken for all it's worth. I went to rent an apartment and was told a man had committed suicide in that room, the fresh hole in the wall would be soon patched and painted. I left, never looked back.

[@waynejohanson1083]

Also goes to proof that when one has nothing left to lose they lose it.

[@psychrestore9610]

@@waynejohanson1083 well you never truly have nothing unless your dead

[@rebecca1894]

I think this is so close to the american experience that people, particularly politicians, deny and ignore. They also love to blame the victims.

[@belindahendrix4880]

Dylan actually makes you feel the pain coming off this man who is losing his mind. You see doom coming...

[@I_Mark_Mills]

I found a really nice version by a guy named Dolbro Dan. Every repeated line has a sort of intensity to it

[@titchner211c]

Yes, step by step poor Hollis Brown is losing his mind because of events totally out of his control.

[@dnmcfall]

Fucking love this ballad

[@TrueNeutralEvGenius]

He is not losing his mind, you stupid bitch. It's vise versa. He is ending the suffering of his family.

[@grahamsweet5784]

Hauntingly beautiful

[@rjkulman8990]

deep to the core of your soul

[@rudyarbildo6487]

Genius, doing music with just one chord, magical!

[@vicwigner]

What a powerful, haunting song. Nazareth does a amazing cover of it on their "Loud n Proud" album. Dan McCafferty's vocals give me chills everytime I listen to it.

[@jwolfe1209]

The Chieftains do a haunting version as well- they're an Irish band and it resonates strongly with the dire parts of that land's history

[@teec3557]

Amazing version - depicts the horror and desperation much more powerfully than Dylan. This is a horrible story

[@michelbernardo6087]

Comme tous , dans nos jeunes années , nous découvrons la musique .J'avais des cassettes audio et tout ce qui me plaisait à la radio hop , enregistré. La nuit sous les draps , j'écoutais ces mystérieux titres , qui forment la culture pour le reste de la vie.

[@mcgriddle552]

Thank you for making music that shines a light on people on this planet who are suffering. It helps the remind the world to help eachother

[@adampapadam7764]

the extraordinary Bob! A gifted blues ballad!

[@nicolepospiech6604]

I grow up with B. D. Songs. I love this songs. My father played this as a one man band. The N.

[@Bryanadamsmusicinc]

Hello dear, how’re you doing today? it’s nice meeting you on here

[@laurieweinroth3596]

Consummate storyteller of biblical and epic proportions. Simply brilliant.

[@Bryanadamsmusicinc]

Hello dear, how’re you doing today? it’s nice meeting you on here

[@palyacofanzin]

This song... oh my...

[@tannergriffith6778]

My favorite artist is Bob Dylan

[@ZootZinBootZ]

This song gets me going, kicking my heels jangling as i go ... pase master, stepping in off a cord, ballancng my brain between the tones.. every breath you breath.. .. Hot jam..

[@maggiebryan2355]

What a song always gets you

[@Bryanadamsmusicinc]

Hello dear, how’re you doing today? it’s nice meeting you on here

[@maracujaizsrbije6738]

This song is so fun to play and sing despite its morbid subject matter

[@alchemist436]

Hollis Brown He lived on the outside of town Hollis Brown He lived on the outside of town With his wife and five children And his cabin fallin' down You looked for work and money And you walked a rugged mile You looked for work and money And you walked a rugged mile Your children are so hungry That they don't know how to smile Your baby's eyes look crazy They're a-tuggin' at your sleeve Your baby's eyes look crazy They're a-tuggin' at your sleeve You walk the floor and wonder why With every breath you breathe The rats have got your flour Bad blood it got your mare The rats have got your flour Bad blood it got your mare If there's anyone that knows Is there anyone that cares? You prayed to the Lord above Oh please send you a friend You prayed to the Lord above Oh… You prayed to the Lord above Oh please send you a friend Your empty pockets tell yuh That you ain't a-got no friend Your babies are crying louder It's pounding on your brain Your babies are crying louder It's pounding on your brain Your wife's screams are stabbin' you Like the dirty drivin' rain Your grass it is turning black There's no water in your well Your grass is turning black There's no water in your well You spent your last lone dollar On seven shotgun shells Way out in the wilderness A cold coyote calls Way out in the wilderness A cold coyote calls Your eyes fix on the shotgun That's hangin' on the wall Your brain is a-bleedin' And your legs can't seem to stand Your brain is a-bleedin' And your legs can't seem to stand Your eyes fix on the shotgun That you're holdin' in your hand There's seven breezes a-blowin' All around the cabin door There's seven breezes a-blowin' All around the cabin door Seven shots ring out Like the ocean's pounding roar There's seven people dead On a South Dakota farm There's seven people dead On a South Dakota farm Somewhere in the distance There's seven new people born

[@dnmcfall]

Thx mate

[@rooster9663]

i think this is my new favorite dylan song

[@SwinginPig]

Listen to the version at BCC Studios in 1965. My favorite version.

[@Bruno-yi4nb]

Thx :)

[@scaffolder12345]

He sing from the heart .

[@mariab.8472]

The best version ever.

[@BRLaue]

If this doesn’t prove that Dylan was also a genius guitar player, that instrument was like a desperate Greek chorus.

[@pattydamadiavalon8030]

That's great!!!! I love it so much ❤

[@Bryanadamsmusicinc]

Hello dear, how’re you doing today? it’s nice meeting you on here

[@dedhippi]

I can feel the mud on my shoes

[@erickdeveau8635]

I'm obsessed.

[@bobbybrown6646]

Thank you

[@jimsliverootsculturemusic]

this song always frightens me

[@titchner211c]

There're seven people dead on a South Dakota farm, somewhere in the distance, there are seven new people born." What a great statement concerning the indifference of the universe!

[@titchner211c]

At this point in his life, I think Dylan was an atheist. He is painting a picture of how alone we are in this universe.

[@sofiasodergardakesson5952]

Im glad my father made me listen to this scary masterpiece! I can’t listen to it on bad days, though. So intense and foreboding.

[@Bryanadamsmusicinc]

Hello dear, how’re you doing today? it’s nice meeting you on here

[@sarasimpson9447]

amazing how he turns it from he to you!

[@marquettaandrews6782]

Just about everyone in has sampled when it comes to his music.

[@vzimzyy3115]

GOD BLESS YOU ALL✝️❤🙏

[@thedemomanclassfromtf2402]

I don’t accept

[@erickdeveau8635]

So I noticed twenty plus put up a thumbs down? Of course everyone is entitled to their opinion, wouldn't want it any other way, and usually never comment on things like this but it makes me wonder that's all. Totally fine by me but I have to admit there's a part of me that can't help to ask why? Are they void of feeling and senses? Oh well, I'll get over it.

[@Jane102248]

One of his most profound.

[@forwhomthebelltolls]

"Way out in the wilderness a cold coyote calls" The whole phrase seem fused. Maybe it's because English is not my first language but the whole phrase sounds like a new language and it hits me in the kidneys. It can be anything that hurts you, in any language that can hurt you.

[@nyhcbd]

just gotta luv Dylan

[@helenmorris8760]

Great song Bob D. 💕💞

[@Bryanadamsmusicinc]

Hello dear, how’re you doing today? it’s nice meeting you on here

[@richierich7945]

raw real bob inside out

[@sandorski56]

I was 13ish years old when Slow Train was released and that was my first conscious awareness of Bob Dylan. At the time I had Religious tendencies and this album, and a few subsequent, had a special resonance with me. Over the next decade and a half all the Rock albums I eagerly acquired and loved. Around that time I became aware of the previous Folk era and the controversy about the switch to Rock. However, it wasn't until the early days of KZbin when I finally got to listen to these Folk songs. This song in particular struck me as to why the switch to Rock was likely so controversial. It is simply hauntingly beautiful story telling perfection.

[@sandoroignazio1410]

No doubt I feel that

[@neilbhatt6284]

His songs are satirically poetic.

[@caseyeisenman]

How many songs of this voice can you listen to?

[@vitamindeeznutz4102]

All

[@chrisholmes2102]

Any one heard the Old Blind Dogs version of this? It’s musically stunning! With the Celtic drums

[@TheDarkDutchman]

3:23 Goosebumps.

[@0otee]

Grand Tribute to Hollis Brown.. and to all living in same poor situations..sad Ballad😔 LYRICS: BALLAD OF HOLLIS BROWN WRITTEN BY: BOB DYLAN Hollis Brown He lived on the outside of town Hollis Brown He lived on the outside of town With his wife and five children And his cabin fallin’ down You looked for work and money And you walked a rugged mile You looked for work and money And you walked a rugged mile Your children are so hungry That they don’t know how to smile Your baby’s eyes look crazy They’re a-tuggin’ at your sleeve Your baby’s eyes look crazy They’re a-tuggin’ at your sleeve You walk the floor and wonder why With every breath you breathe The rats have got your flour Bad blood it got your mare The rats have got your flour Bad blood it got your mare If there’s anyone that knows Is there anyone that cares? You prayed to the Lord above Oh please send you a friend You prayed to the Lord above Oh please send you a friend Your empty pockets tell yuh That you ain’t a-got no friend Your babies are crying louder It’s pounding on your brain Your babies are crying louder now It’s pounding on your brain Your wife’s screams are stabbin’ you Like the dirty drivin’ rain Your grass it is turning black There’s no water in your well Your grass is turning black There’s no water in your well You spent your last lone dollar On seven shotgun shells Way out in the wilderness A cold coyote calls Way out in the wilderness A cold coyote calls Your eyes fix on the shotgun That’s hangin’ on the wall Your brain is a-bleedin’ And your legs can’t seem to stand Your brain is a-bleedin’ And your legs can’t seem to stand Your eyes fix on the shotgun That you’re holdin’ in your hand There’s seven breezes a-blowin’ All around the cabin door There’s seven breezes a-blowin’ All around the cabin door Seven shots ring out Like the ocean’s pounding roar There’s seven people dead On a South Dakota farm There’s seven people dead On a South Dakota farm Somewhere in the distance There’s seven new people born Copyright © 1963 by Warner Bros. Inc.; renewed 1991 by Special Rider Music

[@jerryfields4837]

beautiful...thats why Marbletown sounds so good

[@marvinrusso6446]

👍Dylan it doesn't get better

[@zippofeldman1734]

The only song I’ve heard with lyrics so dark that they actually terrify me... Edit: nvm, I’ve now heard North Country Blues aswell

[@carriebennett8417]

Listen to Country Death Song by Violent Femmes

[@SamiShah2004]

Try "Marie" by Townes Van Zandt.

[@THEDUSTINLEWITSHOW]

Try "Fare Thee Well, Miss Carousel" by Townes Van Zandt too. Very melodic and dark.

[@Gabriel._H]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@jasondaviesdavies6552]

Wow 👌

[@outlawpreacher5936]

Song about the desperation that gripped so many during the great depression... Beautiful soul coming from Dylan as always... Glad he found his way to Jesus Christ as well... Slow Train❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🖤🙏🏾❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@patriziabrugiatelli906]

Great Bob for all