Lyrical Review of Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man"

[@MrTambourineMan.]

This was awesome. Thanks. Love these reviews. Bob Dylan’s genius in music is top-tier

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks so much for your kind comment. Yes Dylan is in a class all his own.

[@georgecoventry8441]

I have exactly the same interpretation of this one as you do, Jeff. And what a joyful song it is! One of my all-time favorites, and it's a delight to sing and play it. The last verse, as so often with Bob' Dylan's songs, is absolutely amazing. Nothing like it had ever been done before in popular music.

[@CalicoSilver]

It is so nice to hear from others who don't immediately place this song into some kind of "song about drugs" thing. Wow, even Dylan himself could not convince such people with their set-in-stone ideas. Haha! Yes, one of his greatest masterpieces, and very very rewarding to listen to and sing along to. Marvelous song. Thanks, George.

[@jvblhc]

I meant to comment on your Mr. Tambourine Man video, but I got tied up with dinner and it slipped my mind. I love your commentary and the one thing that really blew my mind was when you said the the ragged clown behind was actually Bob Dylan. I never thought about that but it really fits!

[@CalicoSilver]

Hi Jay. Yeah, I think Dylan sings about himself as different characters in his songs quite often. Thanks. Jeff

[@arcitejack]

4:44 you are spot on. I always thought that the Tamb Man was Bob. He’s the ragged man, the Jack of Hearts, our song and dance man. A new Al Jolson. I think most times Dylan is singing about himself. All those surreal characters are him. This song is blueprint for his whole career. Now I really like your take that this song is about inspiration and the joys of creativity. As you know, David Crosby has a story where the Byrds were recording this song in 1965 and Dylan walked in (can you imagine that?). Crosby speaks of this song like it’s a religious text (my emphasis). After hearing the Byrds interpretation he went out and got an electric band. Talk about being inspired. I think your interpretation is spot on. I don’t think it’s about drugs or a New Orleans street performer. It about him being high on inspiration.

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks, Jack. I think you are exactly right - so many of the characters in Dylan's songs seem to be HIM, in my opinion, even when two or more characters are used in songs: the joker and the thief; tweedle-dee and tweedle-dum; little boy lost and the fiddler; and on and on and on. And yeah, I think Dylan was influenced by a TON of artists, and absorbed those influences joyously, which is what I think this song is about, yes. Thanks again. Jeff

[@samstjohn1994]

Great breakdown Jeff, this is a go to song for me on my harmonica and guitar, great melody. Take care my friend!

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks Sam!

[@EightVinylLow]

Absolutely wonderful and fascinating breakdown. Just excellent. Enjoyed this one very much!

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks for your kind and encouraging comment! Jeff

[@electricfence61]

Absolutely fascinating Jeff...thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this most beautiful song...keep 'em coming please 🙏🙏

[@CalicoSilver]

After I posted the video, Mick, I almost deleted it because I felt I was a bit TOO enthusiastic to the point of....well, embarrassment, haha! But hey, it is how I feel about this song! Thanks for the kind words, Mick. Jeff

[@electricfence61]

@@CalicoSilver I'll be honest with you Jeff, I don't think it's possible to be too enthusiastic about a song like ' Mr. Tambourine Man. There are some works of art that deserve every superlative we can think of throwing at them. And this is definitely one. So once again, thank you.

[@CalicoSilver]

@@electricfence61 True, Mick. I think many folks just consider it a rather hippy trippy folk tune, in large part due to The Byrds' version of it which was a huge deal back then. They miss the art in it, I think.

[@electricfence61]

@@CalicoSilver That's a very interesting point Jeff. I never thought about that. Their version means nothing to me really....the presentation of a song must matter too. Like Jimi's version of 'Watchtower ' l love it but it's a different song when Bob sings it.

[@jameshannigan6551]

Well this is a brilliant analysis. Youve brought new meaning to it for me. I always felt it was something like you’re saying but without the depth. His delivery on the studio cut sounds joyful like you’re saying.

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks, James. Yes I get goosebumps every time I hear Dylan sing this song (or even when I talk about it in a video like this). I can't think of a more joyous song ever written. Cheers. Jeff

[@GlenKellawayfromthebasement]

I love the way you break down the lines (sets of lines)..It is something I never thought of doing but Will going forward...Mr Tambourine Man is one of my favourite songs ever written by any artist..If my memory serves me, Bob wrote this in Europe and and played it a few times live before committing it to record..I like your take that it is a song of inspiration..Who was more inspired than Dylan from 1963 to 1965..Pretty much every song from BIABH, Hwy 61 and BOB were written during this period..absolutely amazing..love your thoughts on Dylan’s songs..they truly inspire me to listen in a different way..❤️❤️❤️❤️Glen

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks, Glen. I almost didn't make this video because....well, who wants to hear anyone talk about a song that everyone knows so well? But dammit, I just love the song so much and it means so much to me (whether I'm interpreting it correctly or not....and I'm probably NOT, haha). So I had to do it. Having fun with these little Dylan lyrical videos....for now at least. They're a heck of a lot easier than those whole-album reviews I did! Whew!! ;-) Jeff

[@GlenKellawayfromthebasement]

@@CalicoSilver well you always have an audience of one..Ali love your reviews..I always listen to lots of Dylan but recently, I can’t get his albums off the turntable or out of the CD player and just rewatched No Direction Home and Rolling Thunder..Also reading those Ian Bell books, which I recommend by the way..I am just finishing up the first volume, looking forward to jumping into the next one..

[@RandyforRoyals]

I like your thoughts on how inspiration could be the thematic driver of the song's themes. I had always heard the drug references but I like your take on the meaning. Wonderful, as always.

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks Randy!

[@ryan98408]

I think you're spot on! I live for that feeling. The harmonica on the Bootleg Vol 4 version is pure joy.

[@CalicoSilver]

Thnaks, Ryan! Jeff

[@TomC.156]

Great review. It fits in with my interpretation as well. Many people get thrown by some of the lines indicating weariness. But he's in one of those adrenalin rush situations where you've just finished something you're feeling great about and you're physically tired but your mind is incredibly active, you feel good, and you have no desire to sleep. I've pictured it as after a recording session that went great ( your "gig" view may work better though) and he's walking on a NYC street at like 4:00 a.m, deserted on the empty ancient streets which are too dead for dreaming, adrenalin rush, just looking for some sort of creative stimulus. Anything. Finally he sees a street guy walking along banging a tambourine - maybe even a wino, but that's ok. Finally, something! Next day he might only barely remember the guy, but right then it was at least something for his active mind. In short it's about how the creative process needs escape from the ordinary and from ordinary thinking and going to another place in the mind. Get away from the ancient empty streets and go to the freedom of the beach far from the twisted reach of crazy sorrow. That last verse gets me every time - so brilliant.

[@CalicoSilver]

EXACTLY!! We think alike, Tom. Great comment - you put it so well in words. Thanks! Jeff

[@AnthonyKiyola]

Great analysis of one of the greatest songs ever. I like how you looked at the song from the muscian’s perspective; it made me think of Elvis when he said that the only way he could wind down after a show was to sing gospel music for hours with his back up singers around a piano. I love the beach and open plains too. As a kid I loved to lie flat on the sand and look at the ocean which seemed so high. I also used to teach in rural Australia where the sky seemed so high and wide. Cheers

[@CalicoSilver]

Yep, there is an inexhaustible energy that comes from being high on inspiration, for sure. I'm sure it is true not only for artists but for anyone consumed with their work or hobbies in any field. And yeah, open sky is my "heaven", whether at a beach or above the timber line in the mountains or in the plains or deserts, etc.. The smaller I feel (relative to all that around me), the better I feel. :-)

[@judyarmstrong3368]

I think someone mentioned that when he sang Tambourine Man at Newport , he was telling everybody I'm going this way . I'll see you later . You can throw away the box you want to put me in . Anyway , it was a magical scene in the video , watching the stunned looks on the faces of the crowd at Newport . Now what kind of protest song is this ? I also thought it amazing when he went electric at Newport . Lots of tales going around about that momentous moment . Always highly interesting to hear your thoughts about music and life Jeff . You are a treasure trove . Peter

[@CalicoSilver]

Yet, the Left still keep him in a box and claim him to be their boy, don't they Peter? Even to this day. After all those songs and albums that clearly negate such a notion over 60 years. It amazes me. I don't think Dylan was ever any kind of "..ist" other than an individualist.

[@rocky-o]

i know that feeling....i miss that feeling.....peace forever....rocky

[@CalicoSilver]

Yeah, it is the one thing I really miss about performing too, Rocky. But it depends greatly on where you live, I found. When I moved to Florida from New England, I ended up in an area where the arts community was not nearly as inspired and creative (instead, most here were "artists for hire" types who lacked all of the inspiration and vitality that I enjoyed in New England). But yeah, it was THE best part of that way of life, the inspiration and inexaustible energy and joy that derives from it.

[@markyoung950]

I understood that Dylan had attended Mardi Gras which helped with the imagery. I believe that Dylan wanted to try his hand at a sugary pop hit and this is it; because he's Dylan. I did learn something. Thank you. PS Pittsfield, MA.... Iv'e have ridden my bicycle up Mt Greylock several times. It's a really nice area

[@CalicoSilver]

Oh yeah, good ol' Pittsfield. I still have some friends there. Pretty place indeed.....and COLD. Haha!

[@rvvanlife]

The first thing that comes to mind when hearing Mr T M are those San Francisco hippy Summer of Love love-ins and be-ins that they had in the 60's. The way they moved and danced around care free like with "One hand waving free" Makes me wonder if all that, and the spirit of the 60's if they were inspired by this song. What do you think?

[@CalicoSilver]

Perhaps. I can't easily picture Dylan at a San Francisco love-in, though, haha! But I'm sure the spirit of the '60s permeated everything back then. It sure was a different time.

[@mariog4707]

If Bobs overall narrative is sometimes obscure it’s the imagery in his writing that is spellbinding. Even taken as individual snippets in isolation they are superb - “frozen leaves, frightened trees”.

[@CalicoSilver]

So true! I truly believe his lyrics will be included in future anthologies of American poetry used in schools and college.....that is, if there are such things as anthologies of poetry used in schools and colleges in the future....I almost doubt there are any used in schools and college even today.....

[@TripleThreat2405]

I always interpreted this song as written about someone he met in jail. Wait, maybe that was Mr. Bojangles? Seriously, great song, good analogy.

[@CalicoSilver]

Mr. and Misdemeanor!

[@TripleThreat2405]

"Landscapes alive, agoshen" - Now THERE'S a lyric Mr. Bob Dylan!

[@CalicoSilver]

@@TripleThreat2405 Dylan actually commented (in reference to Generation Landslide, if memory serves) that he thought Alice was an underrated lyricist. He was right.

[@TripleThreat2405]

Doubtful Bob would have made that statement after hearing Easy Action. haha

[@CalicoSilver]

@@TripleThreat2405 Haha, no I don't think so.....in fact I don't think Alice really hit his stride as a lyricist until around the Killer album.....or perhaps even the School's Out album.....and he just kept getting better after that, IMO.

[@SavvasDesigns]

Great , I would like to see you review the ''jokerman'' as well , that one is quite deep

[@CalicoSilver]

Great idea, and one that I have thought about often. It is a very thought-provoking song indeed and I have different thoughts about it each time I hear it. If you are interested, I covered the song quite extensively in my review of the Infidels album at kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXPcZpWBdsZma7s I will probably revisit this song in a separate video one day soon. Thanks for your comment! Jeff

[@CalicoSilver]

Let me add that since I made that video back in 2019, I've begun to see the song as perhaps more of a commentary on false teachers/prophets or on inner struggles with faith, etc., and less about Jesus himself. But again, interpretations vary with time, as is often the case with Dylan's songs. I'd love to hear your opinions on this song too. Cheers! Jeff

[@SavvasDesigns]

@@CalicoSilver Hello Jeff. I think the song is making fun of the false interpretations we have about all the symbols such as Jesus, other ancient divinities, politicians, the Old Testament, preachers, kings etc.It basically in my opinion tells us that we know nothing about all the things we think we do. The same frame Socrates used to say '' The only thing I know, is that I know nothing". This is how I see it :)

[@CalicoSilver]

@@SavvasDesigns Indeed! Faith in any institution of any kind is a very fragile thing because often it is based on a decision we make rather than a genuine conviction.....or even if the latter applies, oftentimes our faith is dynamic and prone to change....that is, if we are honest with ourselves....and it is very important for us to recognize that this is true and be willing to accept it and guard ourselves from those who want to profit and seek power through manipulation, deception, forced expectation.....in other words, the same things Dylan has been saying for decades in his songs. Blind faith without a "guard in the watchtower", so to speak, creates a vacuum that ruthless abusers are drawn to. I think the whole of Infidels is based on this idea of the fragility of faith (and the danger of those who use it) in all institutions (spiritual, economic, social, labor, you-name-it). It is an amazing album! Thanks for your great comments! Jeff

[@pamelamacneil1331]

"Most men live lives of quiet desperation", NOT Dylan. in Mr. Tamborine Man I think he is writing about all the things that we see and experience that inside of us makes us feel aware that we are really alive. Almost like experiencing a heightened sense of being. I really like your interpretation and how you tell it. It's a fabulous song to listen to stoned or straight.

[@CalicoSilver]

Great song, indeed, so positive and powerful....but I've actually heard some folks' interpretations of the song where they think it is about stuff like depression and death! Haha, talk about a total 180 from our interpretation, eh? ;-)

[@elichaitman3294]

Here from Pop Goes the 60s. Question: What do you think is the most underrated and overrated Dyaln song and album?

[@CalicoSilver]

Nice to meet you, Eli. I think there are several Dylan albums that are underappreciated, but the one that springs instantly to my mind is "Saved" which I think is so very passionate and vibrant. As for underappreciated songs (with respect to lyrical content anyway), that is even harder to decide upon, but I think a few might be songs like "Scarlet Town" and "Unbelievable" and "Sweetheart Like You" and many many others. Thanks for your comment. Jeff

[@chrisofhearts22]

Interesting take I believe this song is at least partly influenced by weed or lsd

[@danmillward3480]

The really intresting thing about this is who the muse is....more traditional artists would take inspiration from their surroundings be it nature or a woman/man or there grief/happiness God whatever. And use there choosing art form as a vehicle transcending the craft into a higher form we call art due to its subject matter....Bobs muse it seems is music itself...he just wants to find another song to sing hear something new from the tambourine man....guess some would call it post modernism...others would just say he loved music itself not as a vehicle but as the very road or sea to travel on

[@CalicoSilver]

Of course I have no idea, but it seems to me that Dylan absorbs inspiration from just about everything he's ever seen/heard/read/etc.. His Rough and Rowdy ways is a tribute to all of his inspirations and muses. And to his Mother of Muses, one of my favorite lyrics by him.

[@alexandervaneijken7741]

Bring it back to one moment of complete ecstacy. (without the help of drugs,Thanks God) Did Dylan EVER wrote a song about the inspiration of drugs? I don,t think so. We know from the song Like a Rolling Stone how phony and detestable he found the world of Andy Warhol,s factory and his ,,girlfriend,, there. Well rightly so . All this romanticising about the use of heroin.

[@CalicoSilver]

Dylan, I believe, has stated that he didn't write songs about drugs. I believe him. He used drug-related vernacular on occasion, yes ("everybody must get stoned" being a blatant example), but I never saw the songs as being ABOUT drugs at all. Many of the drug-interpretations of his songs always seemed extremely lazy, IMHO.