Johnny Rivers - Positively 4th Street

Copyright music and lyrics reproduced by kind permission of Special Rider - for original exclusive performances by Bob Dylan, check-out the official channel at
/ bobdylan
Fifth song on side two of Johnny's 1968 release LP 'Realization'
Song written by Bob Dylan

[@healurselfcuzin]

"Of all the versions of my recorded songs, the Johnny Rivers one was my favorite. It was obvious that we were from the same side of town, had been read the same citations, came from the same musical family and were cut from the same cloth. When I listened to Johnny’s version of “Positively 4th Street,” I liked his version better than mine. I listened to it over and over again. Most of the cover versions of my songs seemed to take them out into left field somewhere, but Rivers’s version had the mandate down - the attitude and melodic sense to complete and surpass even the feeling that I had put into it. It shouldn’t have surprised me, though. He had done the same thing with “Maybellene” and “Memphis,” two Chuck Berry songs. When I heard Johnny sing my song, it was obvious that life had the same external grip on him as it did on me." Bob Dylan - The chronicles

[@kristilim8440]

that same quote brought me here

[@marilenetala3050]

Ismail. I think just like you.

[@Kawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww]

Brought here by that book :)

[@narelle4868]

I just read this in Dylan's Chronicles, which brought me here.

[@andrewbowers4129]

@@narelle4868 same

[@GeneHesser-l3u]

The absolute best cover of Dylan's song ever. If you don't have this album/CD or whatever. Get it. One of the best ever. This man should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

[@juliacray5387]

Listen to the version by Simply Red… it blew my mind.😳 all of my friends agree! I love this song and didn’t think Johnny could be topped… Simply Red Nails it! Tell me what you think. 🎼🎶

[@rxchamberlain]

Johnny Rivers is one of the MOST underrated musicians of all time. Just a fantastic singer and does so many songs so well. Why isn't he in the Hall of Fame? He damn well should be.....

[@francesbrisco776]

Johnny RIVERS Gordon LIGHTFOOT Glenn Campbell all 3 should be inducted into Rock&Roll hall of fame

[@thomashermann2785]

Johnny Rivers should have been in years ago.

[@garystephens5811]

It's a damned shame he isn't in the HOF.

[@EPA18]

@@francesbrisco776 I would agree with 2 out of three. Johnny Rivers deserves it, as does Glenn Campbell, but primarily for Campbell's legendary session work on many rock masterpieces. I disagree with you on Lightfoot, he was never a rocker.

[@thejaxscubaclub7807]

I never heard of him until Dylan said Johnny's cover of +ly 4th was the best cover. No hall of fame when your claim to fame is a good night of karaoke.

[@genehesser1855]

I bought this album in 1968 or 1969 when I was in the Marine Corps. I have always been a Johnny Rivers fan but this album was an absolute gem! I love this man and his music! And, yes, I am 67 years old and his music still does it for me.

[@juvenilehall1979]

Gene I have been a fan since 1964. I have 3 copies of this - one signed. I love this guy and it is his BEST album. He said one night was alot of work to get it just right - all of the great musicians, I love Joe Osborne and Hal Blaine on drums (I can pick him out on any song). Roger C. USAF 1968-1972, Vietnam 1970-71 ... Combat Photographer outta Saigon 12 R.I.T.S. get on that helicopter and get dropped off out somewhere in the middle of nowhere to take pictures of the War ?

[@reallyrarestuff]

Thank you, gentlemen. I own two worn-down copies, and am glad there are some others who have this album in their hearts.

[@jab353]

@@juvenilehall1979 I agree with you, this is not only Johnny Rivers best album but its my all time fav. And I thank you for your service, I salute you

[@fcaughli]

Hey fellow Jarhead Gene. My older bro who was a grunt in Nam dropped off Rewind and a couple other albums. I was a Johnny fan for life from then. Although I was a music fan from a young age I always remember being able to play songs over and over on the record player and that was the real start of my music love. I'm gonna try to listen to this album when I can. I know this song is great.Thanks for your service.

[@robertcoker4648]

Like the fine wine we are, us and our music just keeps get n' Betta 🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂🥂

[@bodensick]

Dylan himself called this cover...THE BEST!

[@schleifMets41]

I'm reading "Bob Dylan All the Songs: The Story Behind Every Track" by Philippe Margotin, Jean-Michel Guesdon. They do have the quote by Dylan that he loved this version

[@9yearsagooner611]

ive only heard 2 covers but this is deffo the best :)

[@davidsurnearsr8249]

Johnny is the absolute best!

[@AlbertoAmboni]

Verissimo!

[@Dstrbrdgrnd]

Yes he did!!!

[@tornadopap]

Aw!!! Johnny Rivers at his best. He was and always will be an exceptional talent. Long live Johnny's music.

[@2510katjo]

Johnny is so talented, his music has stood the test of time and i think that is much more valuable than anything the HOF can do. His music is greatly recognized by the millions who love it. For a lifelong musician, that has to feel pretty good.

[@royalstar650]

He’s not in the HOF because they’re a bunch of derelicts. They’ve not only ignored JR, but It took them how many years to recognize Linda Ronstadt.

[@fmazzar]

Realization was one of the best albums of the 60's. Johnny was always doing his own thing while the others chased convention.....he is one of the greats and someday he will get his due.

[@cesargiometti]

Great singer, Johnny Rivers, great writer, Bob Dylan, great song!

[@francesbrisco776]

A MASTERPIECE FROM JOHNNY RIVERS LOVE THIS

[@Josie2013]

Just heard this version for the first time. I fell in love with it.

[@JetaimeElizabethmorganHi-qh6vw]

What a Beautiful song 🎵

[@MrEdkern]

BOB DYAN said that he loved and was his favorite version of POSITIVELY 4TH STREET by Johnny Rivers. BOB DYLAN said that in his book. Johnny Rivers must be very proud of that statement by DYLAN.

[@bigusdickus783]

Love this song generally. Dylan, obviously the master. - But this one, I love the way it builds up.

[@MrRonnieG]

I was 18, in the summer of 1965, when Dylan's original was released. The lyrics & music have always taken me back to a time in my life when everyday was a good day, when it seemed I had it all and was content with my friends, my girl and my life. I guess you never quite realize what you have until you lose it. I was drafted a few years later, went off to Vietnam and came home to a country unable to see the difference between disliking a war and disliking those who had no choice but to serve.

[@robmatlock7675]

Bob Dylan said this is the absolute best cover of one of his songs. He said Johnny was cut from the same cloth and got this perfect. I agree whole heartily

[@68blues]

No he didn't!

[@robmatlock7675]

@@68blues I got my quote from Classic Rock magazine, if they made a mistake, let them know

[@MackenzieClark-je3hm]

I just read "Chronicles Volume One", that's what brought me here. Dylan said there a lot of the guys who cover his songs take them all the way out into left field; but Johnny Rivers stayed true to the feeling of the original and that's what he liked so much about it.

[@Robyn-mi7pl]

​​@@68bluesYes he did. It's on page 60-61 of Dylan's memoir, Chronicles.

[@steviegaga]

Wow. I must say I grew up with both Dylan and “Secret Agent Man” and only today heard Mr.Dylan himself say that Johnny Rivers cover of this, one on MY all-time favorites, is his favorite cover. So I just heard it for the 1st time and despite a bit of overproduction, I can see where he’s coming from. Thank you to both Mr Dylan and to Mr Rivers. A brilliant song

[@jasoncarpp7742]

*"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 to see you!"* Powerful lyrics. Every time I listen, I cry like a baby. 😢

[@oldermusiclover]

I could have written the first two stanzas

[@MrRonnieG]

The 1960's would never have been complete without Johnny Rivers.

[@pam-gw6uk]

He sure nailed this great Dylan composition.

[@1Phoebus]

You can hear true emotion in JR's songs...and he did a fab job on this Dylan gem...a true American musical Icon!....^/^

[@dougstevens6257]

To me, this album is a masterpiece. This song, his cover of "A Whiter Shade of Pale" and the entire album are absolutely exquisite. Like many of the other comments, I don't know why Johnny's not in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.

[@FRANKIESIXTOES]

Dylan really knew how to address his critics with these powerful lyrics.

[@marilenetala3050]

Jonhnny Rivers,,, Bob Dylan. Where did time go ????..

[@loishill9064]

THIS HAS TO BE MY ALL TIME FAVORITE JOHNNY RIVERS SONG.I LOVE ANYTHING HE SINGS BUT THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT THIS THATS SO UNFORGETABLE!!BUT THEN SO IS MR.RIVERS. LU

[@Blue-rw9kj]

Got this Album back then, Great song here, also "Hey Joe"...

[@henririchert8169]

Quite long old fan of Johnny, I just cheer. Thanks for good music you're spreading around.

[@denisehedden13]

🦋This song is so involved & unique I grew up listening to his music through my Mama she knew good music when she heard it🦋

[@pkappel006]

we just do not hear this kind of stuff with today's artist's. what a shame. Johnny, is the best. His album is so ahead of years past and present. God Bless Johnny

[@genehesser1855]

He did Bob Dylan proud.

[@06195061]

Dylan did him proud.

[@loishill9064]

Hey JR FANS!!! I AM 80 & IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!! WHO NEEDS THE NOT SO COOL R&R HALL any way.WE STILL.GOT OUR JOHNNY & THATS AS GOOD AS IT GETS!!!!

[@ronaldomeirelles7251]

Saudades de ouvir J.Rivers,Elvis ,Bob Dylan,The Byrds,mitos de toda uma época!!!

[@edpeartree6260]

Bob Dylan brought me here. Calls this is favorite cover of any of his songs, much prefers it to his own version.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

This is *the* best version I've ever listened to of *"Positively 4th Street."* Bob Dylan is a good singer and songwriter, but this version adds emotion to the song. It's like he's telling a group of people *"you were supposed to be my friend(s), and then you stab me in the back! What the fuck?! What kind of friend does that to his friend?"*

[@jschuler53]

Jason Carpp, I agree this version is so great. I heard the Dylan quote too. I agree, it's the best version of Positively 4th Street out there. He defies genre or classification. I used to think The Righteous Bros were the gold standard for You've Lost that Loving Feeling until I heard Johnny Rivers do it. Although it really doesn't matter there is some dispute about where he is from. Some say The Bronx but he says Baton Rouge, LA, and he sounds like it, but if you look him up it says born in NY. Maybe both. I think he's still performing.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

@@jschuler53 I agree. While I love Bob Dylan, he has some great songs worth listening to, there are other singers who cover his songs *way better* than he does his own songs. Isn't that weird?! I thought Daryl Hall and John Oates did an awesome cover of *"You've Lost that Lovin' Feeling",* a version of the Righteous Brothers classic. If you haven't heard their version, you should check it out.

[@jschuler53]

@@jasoncarpp7742 I will check it out, haven't heard it. One of my all time fav songs. Again Johnny Rivers does such a great version I like it better than the RB.

[@thebacons5943]

Don’t really see how anyone could claim Bob’s version lacks emotion. Not taking away from this cover. It’s great, as well.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

@@jschuler53 I agree. It's crazy how a cover version sounds so much better than the original.

[@ThomasSchaaf-nn7xi]

I was 13 when I first heard the Realization album been one of my favorites since❤❤❤

[@annmiller2833]

I have always loved Johnny Rivers music. My first boyfriend introduced me to his music back in 1964. Still love him for that.

[@littlebigbrain]

The best song by Johnny Rivers off his best album. My favourite 60s Album.

[@tornadopap]

Doesn't get any better than Johnny on this song by Bob Dylan. What a soothing voice he has.

[@roberthealy-rz8lo]

It’s a crime that Johnny Rivers is not in the R&R Hall of Fame.

[@catholiccowboy8545]

... true !

[@catholiccowboy8545]

@@lancejohnson127 .. True ! Actually what's the use of it ????!! I wonder ! **** Important thing : Rivers is a real singer, he makes everything interesting. Dylan is a "talking singer", Dylan always needed others (especially the Byrds) to translate his songs. Without them he would never have had the success he had at the beginning.

[@QMPhilosophe]

I cannot listen to this song (and I've been listening to it for 40+ years) without grinning from ear to ear. Dripping with sarcasm...a big screw you set to such happy music....:)

[@jschuler53]

Paul Dirac I have some Positively 4th Street in my life, or HAD them. This song helped me to sort out conflicts, esp that great line about being inside your/my shoes "to see what a drag it is to see you." For some of us life is a real struggle as it is. Then you get someone who drags you down, and that is a recipe for disaster. I love the use of the word "drag" here because people can do this to us--drag us down, be toxic, hold us back from better things, etc. I now feel you have to let those 4th St people go. I say this positively.

[@Robyn-mi7pl]

Dylan is better than anyone at saying FU and making you sing along

[@mikeb9080]

What a fantastic album !!!!!

[@markschirmer5413]

Johnny put soul into this classic. Having The Wrecking Crew and Marty Paich’s strings also added to its luster

[@paulswartz1334]

Absolute masterpiece version of Bob Dylan's classic song ! Agree with the comments below that Johnny Rivers should be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

[@irapost4612]

I heard that Dylan once said that he preferred Rivers version of this song to his own.

[@gnomemoviez]

He talks about it in his autobiography. I was just reading it and that's what brought me here.

[@dairylandbogurt]

He even went as far as to say that this was his favorite recorded version of any of his songs. And me too Anders, it's quite a read.

[@marcmorgado]

dairylandbogurt wasn't it Hendrix's "All Along The Watchtower" ?

[@Fdt172]

Anders Gatten me too just now!

[@jameshiggins9864]

Excellent cover. Dylan's Positively 4th Street stands as everyman's response to the hypocrisy in the world.

[@threemississippi]

One of the BEST covers of this tune - LOVE it, love Johnny!

[@genehesser1855]

Just an incredible album/cd. It is worth the price.Buy it!

[@signjoey]

I saw Johnny at the Whisky in 1966...long time ago lol

[@edgarporras9031]

I still have my vinyl of "Realization" I had forgotten that this song was on it. I used to spend hours listening to that album. Johnny is the coolest!

[@jasoncarpp7742]

A friend of mine had this on CD. The first time I heard this song, I cried. I don't know why I did.

[@cesargiometti]

Coolest! Man...

[@williambilyeu9801]

I still have it on vinyl. I suggested it to friends when it came out and they all enjoyed it.

[@monicacubberly-early1901]

Does it even come close to getting any better than this!? Thank you Johnny for sharing your talent for all this time. God bless you always from Patrick

[@tornadopap]

Johnny's version of this great hit is the very best just like most of his songs. Peace and love to Mr. Rivers

[@thomaswelch-dr5gn]

Jeez, never even heard of this guy. Blessings from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿😎

[@FoolishPrankster]

Dylan said this is the best cover of any of his songs.

[@paulorobertomachado4660]

Johnny Rivers na melhor fase de sua brilhante carreira. Ótimo!

[@lhart99]

How do you spell underrated, Johnny Rivers! This guy is the master of taking a song and making it his own.

[@TheGRider56]

I love his voice. So unique!!!

[@68blues]

Wrong! He imitates Dylan in certain parts.

[@TheGRider56]

He might a bit in this song but Johnny Rivers voice can be instantly picked out.@@68blues

[@kennykoz171]

I love Dylan, but Johnny puts the depth into this song. Truly a classic

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Underappreciated doesn't even *begin* to describe this song!

[@68blues]

He couldn't hold a candle to Bob.

[@dennisbuono5415]

“Positively 4th Street” has always been my favorite Dylan song. I never heard Johnny Rivers’ version before until today. I’ve been a JR fan and a loyal Dylan fan since the very beginning (1964). JR’s is a very good cover of the original but Dylan’s version is still the best.

[@CharlesDunkley]

Somehow I don't think I've heard this cover of Dylan's song, but I was just reading Chronicles Vol. One, by Bob Dylan and he mentions briefly his first trip to California to perform and meeting the artists who had recorded their own hits of his tunes. And he mentions out of that group, this was his favorite. So here I am to give it a listen, and loving it.

[@marilenetala3050]

But I still love them all since I was a teenager snd I still do and now I am almost 72........ .

[@teoflores9121]

Gracias de ❤ x subir al programa KZbin sus mejores temas que fueron Existos en la época y hasta ahora 2021 Dios le bendiga 💓👏👏👏

[@Scotsgrey13]

I was late to this one, but it's my favorite cover of this one. Rivers was a great singer.

[@tomterreri6364]

Talented!! Simply talented......did more great covers than anyone.

[@cato451]

Spectacular

[@RitaAnne]

This was Bob Dylan's favorite version of this song.

[@michaelbeckwith6177]

I agree with Bob Dylan. This is the BEST VERSION of this song.

[@teoflores9121]

Jhonny Rivers sos el mejor tus temas me encanta hoy 2022 sigo escuchando x siempre mi ídolo 👏👏❤😘

[@dextermathias6724]

Beautiful song. Sounds very much like Bob Dylan.

[@robertvandyke4293]

Most assuredly the best version of....but you have to also give thanks to the studio musicians that put the track together....Wrecking Crew!!!!!

[@loishill9064]

THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST EVER COVER EVER DONE BY ANYONE.I CAN PROMISE YOU JR IS BY FAR SOOOOO MUCH BETTER THAN ANY ONE OUT THERE TODAY.HE IS THE BEST VOCAL OF 95 % OF ANY COVER OU THERE..CRY YOUR SELF TO SLEEP ELVIS & DYLAN.THIS IS REAL MUCIC.LOVE MY JOHNNY RIVERS.🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💜💜💜💜

[@timothyflyte9443]

One of the best versions of a Dylan song . Different than Bob's but that's great. Great production . Bravo

[@nakedvader]

I have so many favorites from the 60s, Johnny Rivers is definitely one. I know he is not touring anymore but would jump at the chance of seeing him live. What a talent!!!

[@videogeekin]

He performed his last concert in Nashville a few years back, I think 2019?

[@tornadopap]

Just more of Johnny Rivers at his best. He sure did Bob Dylans song justice.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

And then some. 🙂

[@doylecrager514]

I have this on vinyl and cd underappreciated album. this song is about what people really are about. great song on this lp

[@nissi.k]

Great cover of this! 🙌

[@teoflores9121]

...Como me encanta escuchar este tema grande Johnny ... BUENOS AIRES ..ARGENTINA 🔊🔊🔊💓😘

[@rtp8844]

How is Johnny Rivers not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

[@baliscotsurf]

Why is Trump in the White House?

[@jasoncarpp7742]

@@baliscotsurf Good question.

[@Juliamiller56]

Vast crowds of incredibly stupid people

[@scottferguson2278]

Because the RnR HOF is a piss stain!

[@billhaywood3503]

@@baliscotsurf because he does not start wars unlike the murderous imperialist libs

[@fritzidler9871]

Bob Dylan just Bob Dylaned me here.

[@lynd221]

Good old LP to be let playing... on and on and on and on...

[@arnoldblashak171]

Wow I love Johnny Rivers and this song Got by me for a while but yeah it's beautiful

[@gbarbosadouglas]

I'm a huge fan of Bob that's why I have to admit: It's a hauntingly wonderful cover. Super cool!

[@jasoncarpp7742]

I agree. I also love Bob Dylan.

[@lastrada52]

Bob Dylan himself considers this the best cover of any of his songs and he even said he thinks it's better than his own original version. That was said during an interview straight-faced. But then Rivers was always a top-tier artist. The guitar was by James Burton (Elvis Presley band).

[@jacquismith3277]

Absolutely wonderful.

[@curtisniteenterprises193]

Yeah and when my master Dylan says that what great respect for Johnny Rivers I mean I never heard this before and it is a beautiful

[@Duckowski]

This is top notch, thanks.

[@garystephens1063]

Who in the hell is keeping this guy out of the Rock an Roll Hall of Fame?

[@paulocesarbritoguimaraes7068]

I agree you . JR is a great singer...

[@kingcormack8004]

He didn't write.

[@ElwynHornsby]

gary stephens Someone who can’t hold a candle to this genius of interpretation.

[@monicacubberly-early1901]

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame does not deserve to have Johnny Rivers. He is better than that!

[@karlfisher1864]

The R&R hall of fame only cares about money. Johnny didn't sell enough records. K

[@robertcoker4648]

Johnny Rivers, , , , , , , ,need I say more !!!

[@06195061]

Now that song right there Is the Shit. Damn Im glad Dylan wrote It, But Im twice a glad Johnny did this Arangment Man he was and is great.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Jody Smith I agree. Bob Dylan is good songwriter, but not the best singer.

[@brucehauge1391]

Jason Carpp, "Bob Dylan is good songwriter"?LMAO. Dylan is well beyond a good songwriter. He is arguably the greatest songwriter that ever lived and easily in the top 3. I love Johnny Rivers but he's not in my top 20 of the greatest singers that ever lived. There's just too many of those. Elvis, Frank, Brian Wilson, Glen Campbell, John, Paul, George, Roy Orbison, Ray Charles and on and on and that's not even including the female artists.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Really? Among my favourite songs by Bob Dylan sung by a female artist is "Changing of the Guards", a cover song by Patti Smith.

[@_sudipidus_]

Here from bob dylans book He said he liked this cover version better than his own and I can hear it why now

[@68blues]

Total cool!

[@jasoncarpp7742]

I'm so glad comments are *still* shown. With some video channels, comments have been removed and disabled, so we cannot comment. I don't know why.

[@tornadopap]

Super talent--Johnny Rivers is the best!

[@tornadopap]

Great vintage music from a real professional. Johnny has this song down much better then Bob Dylan. Love Johnny,,s music and always have.

[@BlessYahowah]

I was 16 that summer, and Dylan's songs were like mother's milk to my awakening intellectual side. I wasn't drafted; a girl broke my heart and I quit high school 2 weeks shy of graduation to join the Marines so I could go die in Vietnam. Fortunately (that's my completely subjective opinion) I didn't die in Vietnam. Now I am getting old, and it is thrilling to hear this music again. RonnieG, I hope things are going better for you now.

[@mdb60]

A remarkable rendition by the great Johnny Rivers....I played this Album till the grooves wore out... and still do .... groovy baby, completely groovy.

[@lucaantony3452]

Like if you’re here after reading chronicles volume 1

[@stellaercolani3810]

Great song and yeah what a drag it is to see you.

[@200sil]

QUE MAARAVILHA!!!...VIDA LONGA PARA JOHNNY E BOB DYLAN!!!

[@petergrundy8081]

Sensational

[@bebotmaxphilippines.5656]

the BEST interpretation.

[@glenfriesner8720]

Very under rated album and singer. I bought this cassette in 69 and wore it out

[@Stonewall1861]

Great music with a lot of memories.