Drummer reacts to "Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands" by Bob Dylan

Thank you to our alpha patron Joel for another wonderful pick... man... it takes a second to get there but once it gets ahold of you, it doesn't let go. By the time you get to the catharsis of the harmonica it's like coming up for air after being underwater for too long. It's like you can breathe again. This man is a master storyteller.
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• Bob Dylan - Sad-Eyed L...
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#bobdylan

[@BernardHodgson]

It's about he's first wife Sara. They had 4 children together. He also wrote 'Sara' for her which appeared on the 1976 Desire album which lyrics include ''Staying up for days in the Chelsea Hotel. Writing "Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands" for you.

[@DavidVargas-hg7cs]

"with your silhouette when the sunlight dims, into your eyes where the moonlight swims" yeah man

[@DrStrangelove3891]

The band had no idea how many verses there were when they recorded it. You can hear them build up several times to what they thought was the final chorus, and then Bob just starts a new verse 😄.

[@L33Reacts]

Hahaha I caught that too. I felt like they wanted to finish up but he kept going lol I guess that was the "rising intensity" I was feeling lol

[@user-li7bo4bf6z]

First time I listened to this song...I cried 😢❤

[@fuchsiaswing8545]

@@user-li7bo4bf6zSame. It was always my favorite from the seminal Blonde on Blonde.

[@angelotosti4015]

Bob disguised the title of this song....when you spell out his wife's name..Sara Lowndes Dylan...you can see all those letters are basically in the songs title. A master of illusion !

[@JB-Deadskins]

Bob's best album start to finish. This one demands the full album treatment.

[@louise_rose]

Yes indeed, and I guess he would love the raucous honky-tonk drumming on "Obviously Five Believers"! :)

[@sharondavid-melly1498]

One of the best things about Dylan is that he cares about women💕Bob!

[@lipby]

My favorite Dylan song is probably "Visions of Johanna," also from Blonde and Blonde

[@dougj7295]

Quite the Dylan song to tackle. Many critics have said it is his greatest masterpiece while others criticized its overindulgence and length yet still musically hauntingly beautiful, thanks in part to Al Kooper's organ.

[@L33Reacts]

I think I believe both, honestly. It's a tad much at points. But it is beautiful, and the cathartic feeling you get when the harmonica hits is just sublime. His storytelling ability is just unreal. And to set it to music as he does, it takes a real talent to do as such. I know I probably need to hear it a couple more times to fully "get" it though

[@jraben1065]

​@@L33Reacts Yes, "Sad Eyed" is not the easiest song. Try his early Folk songs, initially heard only as covers by the "famous" Folk artists. Dylan's early "Blowing in the Wind", "Masters of War", and "The Times They Are A Changing" will explain why Dylan dominated Folk music by age 21-22. For his mind-blowing early poetry, try "Hard Rain" and "It's All Right Ma, I'm only Bleeding." Then experience "electric" Dylan with "Subterranean Homesick Blues", "Like a Rolling Stone", "Positively 4th Street", "Visions of Johanna". Eventually 1975 classic Album "Blood on The Tracks".

[@kmg2480]

Joan Baez's cover of this song is worth a listen for anyone here who hasn't heard it yet. She was a very close friend of Dylan during the 60s and 70s. Covered quite a few of his songs.

[@nancyhallatr]

Joan Baez was Dylan's lover until he left her for Sara. They were very close. She' was extremely popular when she and Dylan met. She let him share the stage with her, many times, in a gesture credited with moving his career to the next level. She was hurt when he left her, without even telling her he was involved with someone else, but she got past it.

[@ericarachel55]

the 60's were a whole different era, hard to explain how different

[@JB-Deadskins]

Dylan is the greatest song writer of all time. No artist has been covered more than him. And his voice is part of the song. He changes it depending on what he's trying to impart in the vocals. Listen to Lay Lady Lay, he sounds completely different.

[@L33Reacts]

I bet he changes from song to song, and also retains his core self through out. Like the true artist he is! Can't wait to hear more.

[@doriwiljt]

The whole Nashville Skyline album

[@jnagarya519]

"Dylan is the greatest song writer of all time." Have you HEARD all songwriters of all time? I doubt it. So what does that mean for your assertion?

[@JB-Deadskins]

@@jnagarya519 well, seeing as there was no mass media before the 20th century, and earlier songwriters works are all captured in written musical form, one can be fairly certain that the great works of songwriters before Bob are either captured or they were lost to history being unworthy of the title, then my assertion stands. No other artist has been covered as much, so that proves that more musicians agree with the assertion. Add to that he's the only songwriter to win the Nobel prize for literature for his lyrics and I think my assertion stands up to scrutiny.

[@jnagarya519]

@@JB-Deadskins There was certainly mass media before the 20th century. "The Federalist" and "Anti-Federalist" papers were published in newspapers throughout all the states. And Dylan goes all the way back to the earliest recordings from the 1910s and 1920s. And the ancient folk songs he learned -- and Joan Baez recorded before Dylan came along -- are from the 1600s and 1700s. You don't know music history. And no other artist has been covered more than "The Beatles," who broke up in April, 1970s and still outsell "The Rolling Stones. You don't know music history. And everyone has forgot Shakespeare, and Beethoven, and Bach, etc., because there was "no mass media". And no one knew that John Adams' opponent for the presidency characterized him as being an hermaphrodite. Gad, you are ignorant.

[@ianlaker9161]

Blonde On Blonde is probably my favourite Dylan album of all time but it's a very tough call from this absolute genius. I love Sad Eyed Lady. Hypnotic, moving and absolutely brilliantly written.

[@Squarewave39]

Tangled up in blue would be a nice place to land next time for Mr. Dylan And listen to the sound of trains and his harmonica playing throughout his career

[@Cheryworld]

Dylan covered a lot of kinds of songs. Some like this were very personal. This is written for his wife, in the mid 60s just before they married. A perfect companion would be SARA, the song he wrote for her in the mid 70s when she divorced him, and he was begging her to stay

[@dougieyou]

Awesome, props to you for doing this classic song. Blonde on Blonde is my desert island album and has been for my whole life. It had an impact on me when it first came out that hasn't diminished.

[@jimmeltonbradley1497]

This song was the late night soundtrack to my angst filled teenage years. At the time, there was nothing else like it in pop music.

[@SnoopySnoops1]

Ohhh! Here you go, Lee! On the Bob rabbit hole that will last a lifetime :) x

[@yankeeboyno7]

Snoops this is one of my favorite Dylan songs and from a great album.

[@ArpiChatvideos]

This was one of my mothers favorite songs. She was born on 1913 and still got Dylan

[@davidzimmerli489]

Greatest and most unique song writer/singer/performer ever .......

[@kathybwell]

The melody in this reminds me a bit of his song Just Like a Woman, lyrics too. And yeah, Bob was a master of metaphorical lyrics. He won a 2016 noble prize for laureates.

[@glenndespres5317]

I commented first and then scrolled down and saw yours. You called it first. Just Like A Woman… we both heard it! Props to you.😊

[@kathybwell]

@@glenndespres5317 cool that we both heard it!

[@glenndespres5317]

@@kathybwell Great songs stay with you. That was a great song. I’m going to cue it up. It’s been a long time since I heard it.

[@alanbrown8527]

The rest of this album is incredible. Try Stuck Inside of Mobile, I Want You, and Just Like A Woman

[@edprzydatek8398]

Just for your information, Al Kooper on the organ went on to form Blood, Sweat and Tears and then he discovered and managed Lynnard Skynard. Nice reaction.

[@L33Reacts]

Blood sweat and tears was awesome when I heard them a couple weeks ago for the first time. But I didn't make that connection. Thank you for that info

[@alanglover9117]

There's so much. Hard Rains Gonna Fall, Jokerman, Simple Twist of Fate, Crawl out your window, Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts, Not Dark Yet, Tangled up in Blue, Just Like Tom Thumbs Blues, ..... Fade

[@ronnie237]

Dylan, the songs of my younger days. He is so amazing.

[@dianedarby442]

I love watching you listen to his words - they're so deep and expose so much - his songs tell the story of our lives. Please check out A Pawn in Their Game, Hurricane, The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll - such important songs. . . and some fun ones, too - like Everybody Must Get Stoned or Bob Dylan's 115th Dream - Enjoy!!

[@unstrung65]

One of my favorite Dylan songs was not even on an LP , and that was "Positively Fourth Street" , it was a single ( 45 ) - with dynamite lyrics !

[@johncollier9280]

Blonde On Blonde is a great album...my favorite by Mr. Zimmerman.

[@rikurodriguesneto6043]

this is my favorite dylan track

[@dbradx]

The greatest poet of the 20th century, with a decent claim laid to the beginning of the 21st as well. This song is everything I love about Bob, and it only gets better over the years. Great choice, terrific reaction as always - peace and love from Canada ☮

[@irrefudiate]

If you haven't done "A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall", you might que it up. Or, "Times They Are A-Changin' ".

[@doriwiljt]

This is one of my favorites from Bob. I love the flow of this so much. Btw, Sara really does have big beautiful sad eyes.

[@DavidVargas-hg7cs]

"Magazine husband" is not a metaphor. Her ex-husband was a magazine photographer.

[@bobschenkel7921]

Seen Bob Dylan ten times in concert, and he never played this song at any of them. But, I got to see Grateful Dead Songsmith Robert Hunter when he opened for Phil Lesh and Friends back in 2002, and he did a full on version of "Sad Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands", and the crowd gave him a massive ovation at the end. That's a lot of words to remember, Hunter did NOT use a teleprompter.

[@bobschenkel7921]

It was just Robert Hunter on an Acoustic Guitar, solo on stage. Gutsy and well done.

[@thomassharmer7127]

Dylan is rarely directly autobiographical, but this is an outpouring straight from his heart. It's still full of intriguing and oblique imagery that manages to convey emotional meaning even when it's literal sense is a little obscure. Much of it is evidently deeply personal and intimate to the details of their relationship. Steve Howe also covered this on a solo album with Jon Anderson guesting on lead vocals. It's really good.

[@johncampbell756]

This, I believe, was the first double album by a major artist. Mr. Tambourine Man became a hit when The Byrds (David Crosby's old band) covered it.

[@gilevin100]

unique brilliance....

[@DrStrangelove3891]

The lyrics are all about Sara Lownds, the woman that would become his first wife. When he met her, she was still technically married to a journalist (the magazine husband), she also had a daughter, which Dylan then adopted. She was a playboy centerfold. Knowing this, the lyrics and images make a lot more sense.

[@roqy]

You can make yourself nuts obsessing over his lyrics. If you take them as an emotional landscape, they are always relatable. I find the pacing on this one to be more meditation than song. Have never found it to drag.

[@alanbrown8527]

Such a beautiful haunting love song.

[@TheRKae]

Did you know that there's a cover version of this played by Steve Howe with Jon Anderson on vocals? It's quite nice.

[@perrymalcolm3802]

Joe South is worth a visit!! He had some notable hits! Walk A Mile in My Shoes The Games People Play HUSH!!!!

[@alphajava761]

First double album ever released and one of the greatest of all time. You have to listen to the whole album. Dylan is album Rock.

[@patrickcadge-moore6916]

Much to my surprise, I don't think I have ever heard this before

[@kathybwell]

Me either

[@bradjenkins1475]

Huge fan of Dylan and it's probably because I grew up with him, and by grow up, I mean from my young teens and on. So I pretty much like and/or love everything he has ever done and for sure anything he does in the future. I will say. I am just a tiny bit surprised that you have this song to play. But I'm delighted because it's nice when someone plays songs other than his many huge hits. And I was extremely excited when he formed, along with the other iconic guys, the Traveling Wilburys. Which, by the way, you should do some reacting to. Any fan of Dylan would recommend that.

[@bendancar]

Nearly every track on this classic album is worth a close listen. Among my top ten albums of all time. "Visions of Johanna" may be my favorite Dylan song.

[@RalphSpoiledsport]

He's on tour!

[@karenfryberger4260]

As he has been almost his entire career. The latest run started in 1988 with his "Never Ending Tour" which has been ongoing nearly every year since. The most recent version is the "Rough and Rowdy Ways" World Wide Tour, which began in Nov. 2021. The 2024 leg will kick off March 1 and run until April 6.

[@barryderby]

Dylan's songs, whatever their subject, have emotional integrity and honesty. This one, as oblique as the images may be, carries you on an emotional journey, full of longing. Using his voice as another instrument, perfect for the song and the moment it was recorded, he draws back the curtains of his heart just enough to allow the listener to feel their own heart. He's a poet and a great musician. He also never sang a note he didn't mean to sing. Listen also to Murder Most Foul. An amazing musical, historical and spiritual journey. Unlike anything else.

[@cspringer333]

Incredible song...Desolation Row. See how many characters you will recognize.

[@neilwoodley530]

Great stuff kiddo. When I first heard this I was 15 and in love with a girl called Marigold. But that's another story.... Other people do film reactions, can I suggest that you try one. A good start would be D.A. Pennybaker's movie "Don't Look Back" It's like a documentary of Dylan's 1965 UK tour. If not a reaction it's a great movie to watch you'll understand and learn a lot about the people and the times. It came to my mind because I remembered a scene where he was having a conversation and simultaneously writing three songs flipping backwards and forwards through the pages of a notepad. For what it's worth, my song suggestion is : It's alright Ma (I'm only bleeding). Take care.

[@elston3153]

Doesn't get enough Credit of the attention he brought to Nashville. Afterr recorded Blonde on Blonde Every body follows him because of the musicians in Nashville

[@donaldanderson6604]

Check out Steve Howe's album of Dylan covers, with Jon Anderson guesting on this track. The album got the thumbs up from some friends who are hard core Bobcats.

[@ShiverHinge]

Dude, culture is variegated, always was and always will be as far as I can tell. There's always good shit around. When you look around, as you are doing, it will be there smiling at you, as it is. As we are. And that's a good thing. Don't despair my friend. It all depends on how you look at, and whether your heartmind is expecting, or flowing. But you already knew this, I am sure. I don't mean to preach if I come off that way. I just like getting all speerchull 'n shit. Dylan is wide and deep in a direct, never gratuitous, and essential way.

[@jesussanabria256]

I think you should listen to Steve Howe & Jon Anderson's interpretation of this song... 😊

[@BrianR.]

You need to listen to "Murder Most Foul". It's his 21st century masterpiece.

[@mmarks4]

It was Kenny Buttrey's band basically.

[@ronnie237]

You would have loved the 60’s .

[@L33Reacts]

I definitely agree Ronnie. I wish I was there lol

[@guacamolekid3899]

"I can still hear the sounds of those Methodist bells I'd taken the cure and had just gotten through Stayin' up for days in the Chelsea Hotel Writin' sad-eyed lady of the lowlands for you Sara, oh Sara Wherever we travel, we're never apart Sara, oh Sara Beautiful lady, so dear to my heart" Bob Dylan

[@DavidVargas-hg7cs]

It's about Sara Lownds, hence the title.

[@erikandersson6311]

Hail to Dylan for his composing and lyricism but check out Joan Baez singing this song. That's ear candy. And listen to her rendition of Dylan's Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of hearts.

[@jeffreythaw3333]

Have you listened to "Just Like a Woman" from the same album? Another truly great Dylan song!

[@michaelwalker5257]

"My warehouse eyes" . . . Eyes that catalogue and remember everything they see -which he can then remember...it's all stored up in his Warehouse eyes.

[@shemanic1]

'Sara' would be a great song to follow "Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands" Lee.

[@thescrewfly]

You're right about the time machine. I haven't heard this for many years. I tend to favour Idiot Wind much more these days for epic Dylan songs. Previously it was Gates of Eden. Dozens of others I should check out again.

[@mikerichards67]

Hurricane please.🙏

[@sharondavid-melly1498]

Glad you like his voice, lots don't.

[@L33Reacts]

I can tell it's an acquired taste but I caught on that he isn't going for "sounding the best" it's more of an instrumental approach with his lyrics being the center of it all. He is truly a masterful storyteller through music. And I've only heard a handful of songs lol

[@woudytreez2755]

This song is about Sara Lownds....

[@irrefudiate]

Never heard this one. Had to google the lyrics, because like you say, Dylan's language is strange. He had a lot to say about this girl.

[@IsisMusic]

it never ends, I hated this song when I first heared it. Then when I went older and listened. It is Dylan just talking. And yes about sara but if you don´t know

[@dscotthoward7467]

I suggest "The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest" Enjoying your reactions.

[@paulehney4581]

Lol @ Snoopy

[@jraben1065]

If it helps? Here is my take on Dylan's early musical stages. 20 y-old Dylan's a brilliant Folk-Protest Singer, early 20s combined Folk with abstract and surreal lyrics, and playful pop-rock themes. Mid-20s Dylan introduces electric rock, with a strong backlash from his Folk fans. By 1966 Dylan had been booed by his "fans" for two years of international tours, even turning his back while performing. By "Blonde on Blonde" Dylan was exhausted and jaded, songs expressing his wounded ego, his betrayal, barbed and accusatory lyrics. Dylan then crashed his motorcycle, sought seclusion exploring "Musical Roots" with "The Band".

[@L33Reacts]

Such an interesting trajectory his career he had. I'm keen to discover more from him. He seems like he had a one of a kind perspective on the world. Kind of like Lennon in a way. A tortured poet

[@jraben1065]

​@@L33Reacts Hi Lee, You are right on about Lennon, a very similar creative/provocative personality. Meeting on the Beatles first US tour, Dylan was an established GREAT folk/pop writer, inspiring the Beatles to go beyond teen-love songs, trying poetry and unconventional styles. Dylan was likewise inspired to explore Rock. From 1960-66, Dylan's trajectory would equal a major career, yet Dylan was just getting started, making multiple transformations, (often with controversy), throughout 1970's, 80's, to this day. Dylan, Townshend, Lennon are my 3 favorites.

[@ericcarlson8576]

I’m sorry, just trying to learn. How do you listen while talking through a song?

[@dmytryk7887]

I guess this is a good opportunity to recommend a track by one of my favorite bands. "Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlife" by A3. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWeTlZ6Xfsp2m5Ysi=jHs5ipfXYYdG03PR

[@hoppers13]

You wanna know Dylan? Start at the beginning. You’ll be blown away by the truth but at the same time laugh until you hurt at the most hilarious satire and sheer joyously silliness. Don’t judge him by his Sara songs, go back to the mother lode.

[@kimberlyturk3915]

My impression will not be popular but the biblical references through out it, makes it hard for me not to believe its about the Lord. Dont shoot me. Just how I feel it. I get that with, All Along the Watchtower as well.

[@RicoMusap-te3om]

That generation sold God and the beauty of our country to get what they got... but God is not done😅!!

[@carolynschmidt5467]

I think he wrote this about yet another girlfriend that he dumped.

[@NRBQLou]

It's about his then wife