1965 Hit Was SUCH a GAME-CHANGER…Even The Beatles KNEW They Had to Up Their Game!-Professor of Rock

On his way back from Europe, one of rock’s greatest icons Bob Dylan was emotionally drained-disillusioned to the point of nearly quitting music altogether. When Dylan got back home, he started pouring those raw emotions onto paper, not thinking about a song, just scribbling his frustrations across 10, maybe 20 pages. He stashed it away, thinking it was just scattered ramblings. But those words didn’t stay hidden for long. They took shape, emerging as an unfiltered, six-minute epic: Like a Rolling Stone. A song too explosive to fit the industry’s clean-cut molds. Radio stations and record execs were baffled, but then… something completely unexpected happened. The artist had created more than just a song…He had created a cultural earthquake! This song made Bob Dylan an unlikely inspiration for Jimi Hendrix, who before hearing it considered himself a guitarist but not a singer. Dylan proved you didn't need a conventional voice to sing rock and roll. later the original lyrics sold for 2 million... The story is next, on Professor of Rock.
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After his 22nd birthday, Bob Dylan’s life was about to change forever. His second album, The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, had just hit the record shelves, and with it, Dylan went from the smoky folk clubs of Greenwich Village to the national spotlight. This wasn’t just another folk record-this was a turning point. Packed with raw, politically charged lyrics and a bold new edge, the album introduced a fresh, rock-infused take on folk music. And as the world took notice, success kept building. His next album hit big, he became a voice in the civil rights movement, and soon a tour in England turned him into a star across the Atlantic.
But even with the world at his feet, Dylan felt restless. Fame wasn’t what he’d imagined, and his frustration bubbled over in unexpected ways. He clashed with Ed Sullivan, turning down a chance to play on the biggest talk show in the US. He was slammed for mouthing off onstage, with critics and fans accusing him of being high. The folk and political circles that once felt like home now left him feeling like an outsider. And though he’d already written a string of iconic songs-Blowin’ in the Wind, The Times They Are a-Changin’, and Subterranean Homesick Blues-he was starting to question if he even wanted to keep climbing the ladder he’d been placed on.
By the spring of 1965, Dylan was at a breaking point. Wrapping up a grueling tour of England-captured in D.A. Pennebaker’s raw documentary Don't Look Back-he was feeling exhausted and disillusioned. During a stop in London, he turned to his trailblazing manager, Albert Grossman, and announced he was ready to quit… His latest album, Bringing It All Back Home, came out in February, and instead of praise, it stirred up a backlash. Fans and critics were unsettled by the electric guitars and backing band, a sharp break from his

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: I've NEVER ASKED THIS...In your opinion... What is the GREATEST SONG OF ALL TIME?

[@TerrickTerran]

Ode to Joy.

[@peterd.9978]

Blowing In The Wind

[@christineml1476]

Kansas "Dust in the Wind"

[@BillGraper]

Dream Weaver- Gary Wright

[@georgeesau3943]

Like a Rolling Stone.

[@jeff4310]

I love how, almost 60 years later, we're still listening to, talking about, and analyzing the amazing music created during that era.

[@mikehenson819]

I love how everywhere I go for the past 10 years, these classics from the 60s and 70 are heard in any place music is being played because it’s still better than anything ever recorded in any era. My late best friend and I always agreed that our generation had the best music and I still believe it.

[@philipmay6003]

I have been apologizing to kids and grandkids for years for the Boomers using up all of the good music.

[@Waterfalls2016]

@@mikehenson819 In 2016 my son took me on an 8 day trip to Scotland and to my surprise this is what their radio stations play. My son said mom you even have your music. It was great. Always smiling 😊

[@marciaborst8026]

@@jeff4310 I think the Baby Boomers were the greatest generation because we had the best music.

[@phyllisneal8687]

I lived that life🥰 I turned 16, in 1967, and I consider myself to be amazingly blessed ♥️

[@sueprator9314]

To have lived and breathed that era (I am a young 75 now) words can't express how "Like a Rolling Stone" still triggers emotional feelings of that whole decade. I'm born and raised in (old) San Francisco which was the epicenter of so much during that time. Reflecting on the intricacies of the song, now, again at this stage, it feels even more priceless. Thank you Bob for being you.

[@Donna-tm7dz]

Me too 😊

[@davidburchettephotography6513]

And timelessness

[@2340Vegas]

Everything changed in the summer of '65. You have to had been there.

[@thebigz3909]

​@@2340Vegas I was there. Changed me forever, for the better, certainly.

[@stelladonaconfredobutler9459]

you are absolutely right Thanks Bob

[@billw5189]

I can go months without listening to Dylan, but each time I find my way back, it hits me hard. It’s not just the lyrics. It’s the phrasing, and the music is so diverse. No words

[@timmoore8773]

I can go forever without listening, and will 😅

[@Waterfalls2016]

It takes me back to better days.

[@timrobertson1571]

@@timmoore8773 Maybe you can go forever without listening to Dylan himself, but there is no way you don't listen to his songs. I cannot think of any songwriter whose songs have been covered by more artists and bands than Bob Dylan. According to Alexa, 2,000 artists have covered his songs. Wikipedia says 1500. Whichever, it's still a lot!

[@KentonJoseph]

@@timmoore8773 Some people dig Taylor Swift, nothing wrong with that.

[@georgecourtney5878]

I can barely go a week without Dylan's music in my opinion he is a far superior lyricist than anyone else in any kind of music

[@grannytrez]

I am almost 85 I went into the convent immediately after graduating from an all girls school 10 years later when I left the convent the first thing I heard was Dylan and I was hooked forever.

[@merrymartin3335]

I was an abused little kid when this record came out. Legally blind, poor health, bad limp - my only weapons were a quick wit, a sassy mouth, and a lack of fear. This song was liberating. It showed me words could punch as hard as fists. I was no longer powerless. My life changed for the better. At the same time I realized I was a person of empathy. I knew I could wound someone by telling them the truth about themselves. I still weep every time I see hear this song

[@archstanton_live]

a complete unknown

[@godot-whatyouvebeenwaitingfor]

I'm English and was a Bob fan from 1963 on.. saw him 1964 at the Royal Festival Hall, (The Beatles sat next to me) 1965 and 1966 at the Royal Albert Hall then 1969 at the Isle of Wight. Uncountable shows later worldwide, I have had over sixty glorious years with him. It has been.like living while Shakespeare was alive and writing..I am truly blessed.

[@rockportmare]

I’m a huge Dylan fan. Since I was 10. I preferred him over the Beatles. I’m 70 now. Saw him 3 times. He’s an awesome artist! ❤ Thank you. I got ridiculed for my preference over the Beatles but as a kid I just knew there was more substance in Dylan songs. Yes the feeling is genuine in his voice and so honest.

[@johnwest7993]

You're not alone. The first time I heard his voice I said, this guy's the real deal. This is music, not just light entertainment. This is "casting pearls," and we have to decide if we're swine or not. It's take no prisoners music.

[@ldfreitas9437]

I've never bought any of his works. I don't have one record, tape or DC he's done. I have to say, though, having had some great FM radio stations I could listen to, from 1968 through to the early 70s, in the San Francisco Bay Area, the DJs would sometimes play what was then already "old" Dylan songs from the early 60s folk era; so, I learned of him even more so than when he had commercial folk/rock hits from several years later, when I first heard of him.

[@FuturePast2019]

So many great songs, but what a disappointent in concert.

[@MrBuffalo2]

Ive read somewhere that Queen Jane Approximately was BobDs favourite song to sing..its a great song..and not unlike Rolling Stone in its phrasing&tempo.. Just saying..

[@kennethhowejones7145]

In the summer of 1966 I bought Highway Sixty-One Revisited without even knowing much about Dylan's move over to electric. I was a 22 year old architecture student and the rock scene was very peripheral to my world. I was living in an old house apartment in Terre Haute. Thewell ito evening temperatures were in the 90s for weeks. The humidity hung at near 99 % the whole time. And I'd gone to Kmat to buy a fan. But I just got the record.. I lay in that bed and started up the record on my tiny battery driven Singer portable. My record collection was mostly Bach, Beethoven and other classics, But the cover made me buy it. Now hearing these sounds something sounded like I was listening to music for the first time. Then it happened. Lying there in a hot pool of my own sweat more less miserable. But something thrilling was going on. I sensed a change in the air. For me anyway.. He began You Know There's Something Happening. And then he got to "Do you Mr. Jones.". And it was other worldly. This guy is speaking to me.?! That's my name. Ken Jones. Bob Dylan hooked me in that moment. He sure as hell got my attention anyway. And he's had it more than anybody else ever since. Thanks for your show. tatkhj

[@Waterfalls2016]

Nice story. Thanks for sharing. Dig in there’s more to come.

[@mxplk]

Beethoven, Bach, and Dylan on that battery operated player back in Terre Haute. What a story!

[@EmmyBullock-sc3cw]

Terrific comment !

[@gumbi7777]

Got that vinyl a few years back in Tuscon at the El Presidio 😎

[@peterdanyliw9506]

Cool story, Mr. Jones

[@mikeandrews9551]

‘How does it feel’ is the greatest line in all of rock music because it is so completely relatable as it pierces right through us and gets to the core of what it’s like to be human.

[@stevenw7623]

When I was 19, I was living in a run down, dirty apartment with no heat in the winter, and a roommate who I was assigned to work with who was a super-sized jerk. Every day was an exercise in misery. I was on my own, with no way home, a complete unknown, like a rolling stone. This song captures the lowest point in my life perfectly.

[@Krunch2020]

Wow, I feel better about myself after reading that.

[@peterermish3017]

So, how did everything work out for you?

[@wayneparker461]

Dylan had an insight no others had.

[@stevenw7623]

@@peterermish3017 I got really determined not to fail. I went to school and graduated in accounting and worked really hard as a CPA and later corporate controller. I live in a nice house next to a golf course and my wife spends all of my money. I’m still just as broke, but have heat in the winter and my wife lives in luxury!

[@stevenw7623]

Just a crazy thought…if I crash and lose it all, the song will be about my wife!! To be fair, she is a great mom, keeps the house clean and orderly, cooks top notch food, and is in A+ shape. She will land on her feet.

[@sideofcaution]

You nailed it. His voice is ABSOLUTELY perfect for what he sings, and I love your uncontained frustration with all those critics picking such petty nits!! LONG LIVE LYRICS 👊🏼

[@jakeoncall]

I still remember where I was the first time this came on the radio. I was driving in my mom's '61 Bel-Air and almost ran off the road. I knew all of his prior work, especially Times They Are a Changing, but Bob Dylan singing rock and roll was like a paradigm shift. Hearing him blowing that harmonica to a rock beat instead of a strumming acoustic guitar blew the lid off my brain. There was nothing like the 60's. Thanks for the great tribute to this groundbreaking song!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

And it sounds so carefree and wonderful.

[@michaelmcneil4168]

It was like communism suddenly got a voice when the electric guitar hit dylan and the rest is his story.

[@Donna-tm7dz]

❤😊

[@cherylstein2585]

To me the sixties were a time of great surprises in music. I'm 75 so I was the perfect age to be surprised and inspired by pop music. However in the last few years pop music is not very surprising at all. That's what the sixties was so good to me.

[@kebhMI]

I'm 76 and we had really fun music covering many genres. Cast Your Fate to the Wind would never be played today. Would the Motown music be hits? ?

[@gpmcfm]

Wow many 75 ish aged people leaving comments including mine, I too love Bob Dylan

[@jayclarke5466]

Right now is the best time…if u know where to loo😮kk

[@camillesamples8790]

We had the best music. Real musicians playing real instruments.

[@jimbobaggans1564]

It was fun to introduce my children to Bob Dylan. They were stunned. Now, they have children of their own. I hope they are introduced to Bob Dylan too. What am I saying? I know they will.

[@IheartDogs55]

My great love is folk music because of its simplicity and lyrics. My favorite songs tell stories. It's why Joni Mitchell is my all-time favorite female musician. Bob Dylan's great strength lies in his lyrics, too. His voice perfectly encapsulates the raw emotion in so many of his songs. Dylan is authentic, and that authenticity makes him great.

[@tombrock03]

I'm 75 and a child at that time but it's the greatest time 3 or 4 classic songs every week I couldn't stop listening 24 7

[@guydeco1]

You're 75? LOL...NO! I'M 75!!! (b. 07-04-'49) ;-) ...And I've been a musician/singer since before I was tall enuff to reach the "On" knob on my Mother's Sylvania 4 speed mono phonograph. (now THAT was a sentence!).... g.l. Peace. ☮

[@kevinmcconnell3641]

I’m 68, at least 3-4, it kinda felt like daily I had a favorite new song, or band, kinda sorta;)

[@caroleast9636]

75 - arrival in this world August 49 - a teenager in the sixties, THE time for pop music. We were spoilt for choice.

[@hagishag]

75 what a time to have lived and still be here but where is the optimism now?

[@ronpickens2396]

I’m 74 I understand. GBY

[@babybro70]

I LOVE Dylan's voice! It had sooo much Character & Distinction.

[@johngfishing8814]

Dylan is my all time favorite performer and lyricist. I’ve been listening to him for over 45 years and never get tired of his music.

[@mastandstars]

Nice 😎

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He may not be the best singer, but he is one of the best lyricists.

[@cloudshe]

beatles were definitely first rate lyricists, but Dylan was THE MASTER

[@EdwinaCross-p7s]

I bought this as a 45 single with all the money I had at the age of 13, I was so blown away. The music, yes, but the lyrics and the voice caught my early teenage angst and screamed. I am 71 now, and by the way, a university teacher and a multi-published poet. At 13, I knew perfection of emotion when I experienced it.

[@chrishaggie6335]

We are so privileged to be contemporaries of such musical genius. An inspired lyricist, singer and songwriter whose talent towers above all his contemporaries. Bob Dylan is very special.

[@richheine]

I was 14 when I saw and heard Bob Dylan live in Long Beach, CA. I'll be 74 this spring but will never forget that concert.

[@wingslap9720]

I was there too. I was a year or two older than you-- 1965? So was my math teacher :-) He was reaching everyone. In another year, my English teacher was teaching Dylan's work. A fantastic concert and a great place to be in the '60s!

[@janerkenbrack3373]

About to ring in the new year here in Michigan, and glad to have this video as a send off for 2024. I just saw A Complete Unknown a couple days ago - a terrific movie - and am enjoying the public re-discovery of this and other Dylan songs. Bob Dylan later said about his early song writing, that he drew from that well of creativity that others have found, and that he couldn't do it again. But he did it once, and we thank him for that. His evolution from playing the Ramblin' Jack Elliot version of Woody Guthrie, to finding his own voice was a triumph of artistic genius. And nothing spells that out better than Like A Rolling Stone. And yes, it is the greatest rock song ever.

[@dragonmummy1]

A friend and I always told each other for years “they should give him a Nobel Prize” for his lyrics. You should have seen our faces when they did!

[@shazamshazamshazam696]

Bob Dylan was awarded the 2016 Nobel Prize for literature, for his lyrics.

[@lesliegmn3927]

You were SPOT ON! Pat yourselves on the backs!

[@dannyguillory8941]

I have to add this thought, considering that back in the day, yes most songs were 2 or 3 minutes long on radio. But, all of you know that when you hear a great song: you just want it to go on forever! That's why we hit replay! We just want it to go on and on and never stop! This is one of those songs! Thank you, Bob for being that 'lightning rod' that captures the human soul.

[@Freespeech141]

When I was 17 in 1966 I’d heard the Beatles liked Bob Dylan, not in my focus. My uncle had a couple of albums which he lent to me. I played them and played them, surprised how young he looked on The Times They Are Achangin cover compared to the voice. I listened for days until I was listening to Hattie Carrol (10th time!) I GOT IT! The words told a real story and I could see a movie in my head, which is the same movie I see now with that song. That was it! Bob was in my head and in my life 🙏 so grateful for the gift!

[@lauriebak]

I’m 60. Dylan was a huge part of my youth, and helped me get through a lot of painful things in my early years. He is a master of poetry and interpretation.

[@rodneygriffin7666]

I'm 59 and I agree. He is a part of my life. Uncle Bob.

[@marktait2371]

yeh same pretty much the same age dylan records we pretty much grew up with love em or hate em kinda like the smiths 80s was driving what difference does it make came on local radio i watched some of the american series doc. a few months ago was pretty good overall

[@ReverendDr.Thomas]

59 at the end of this month, and a Dylan aficionado.

[@treich9072]

I'm 60 as well as you, and I've always appreciated Bob Dylan's work. I listened to his music for countless hours on end. I still do. His lyrics are as a voice, which talk to you. The tunes that sticks out most to me are: "Positively 4th Street", "Stuck Inside of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again", Sad Eyed Lady of The Lowlands", "Lay, Lady Lay", "Knocking On Heavens Door", "Love Minus Zero, No Limit". However, I do love other songs of his, but those still resonate with me....

[@shadrach6299]

Dylan and the Stones.

[@rumi9005]

I remember being 16 years old and in my last year at an English boarding school. One of the boys in our 8-boy dormitory came back from the summer holidays with Bob Dylan's Freewheelin album. The rest of us had never even heard of Bob Dylan. We did, in fact know some of his songs, but performed by others. And at that age, at that time, few young people like us took any notice of the song writer. As soon as I heard the album I was captivated. I'd never heard anything like it. It was incredible. It quickly became my favorite album. And today, 59 years later, it still is.

[@mtothethree5412]

So many words to remember in most Dylan songs but "when you ain't got nothin' you got nothin' to lose" is so powerful. My love and respect for Bob Dylan can never be equalled.

[@DSmicklas]

My parents loved Bob so much that they named me Dylan. One might assume that I'd get sick of hearing Bob Dylan, but it never happened. Now at 36, I'm just waiting for my kids to be old enough to start to appreciate Bob's work.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Nice to meet you Dylan.

[@knobby7342]

Smart parents. 😊

[@johnsinclair73]

As a young kid growing up in the late 60’s early 70’s learning to play guitar you invariably learn a few Dylan songs. I’m still performing his music today. “Like A Rolling Stone” is one of those songs.

[@michaelbeckner4989]

For me, as a kid, Dylan was all about attitude. Expressed in a way I'd never heard. His words rang out with a truth, a sincerity and a soulful penetration. I began to question everything. Thanks Bob Dylan.

[@stormymunday9836]

The word I always use to describe Dylan's voice is 'conviction' He sings with such conviction.

[@stavrosteve]

And a mouth full of dog turds

[@kenkaplan3654]

Yes.Especially on his Rolling Thunder Revue.

[@stormymunday9836]

@kenkaplan3654 Exactly!!! I was originally going to mention the 'Hard Rain' LP specifically but decided to keep my comment short.

[@kenkaplan3654]

@@stormymunday9836 Did you check out the live 75 "bootleg" record. They have the entire thing on KZbin. A rock version of "Hard Rain", (also on a different video on KZbin) that will knock your socks off and the best version of Tambourine Man I have ever heard.

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

He is always way out of pitch

[@barryregan2241]

I grew up in the 60s and to me this was the anthem of the 60s! Thanks Bob great song!

[@Waterfalls2016]

For me also along with Joan Baez, Maryanne Faithful and so me more.

[@alberttalbot9534]

Me too! We were so lucky

[@hagishag]

Me too

[@michaelp.7893]

I don't know if it's the greatest rock song - not even sure how that can be determined - all I know is that it's my favorite. The coming of age/humble thyself message in the lyrics, the verses that lead to a crescendo with every chorus and the urgency and passion in Bob's voice blows me away every single time I hear it. And, oh, yeah, the playing is pretty good, too. "When you ain't got nothin', you got nothin' to lose". Indeed. A+

[@MarkSmith-th1ij]

Thanks Adam!! I love your passion for Bob Dylan and Like A Rolling Stone!! LARS is perhaps the best rock song of all time. So many great things going on the lyrics, the Al Kooper organ, the pop of the drums kicking it off!! It is an anthem and a sing along song. It empowers you and makes you feel like you can take on the world and do great things!! It is rock and roll at its finest!!!!!

[@johndavis6119]

This is my favorite Dylan song right here. Thank you for keeping us sane during these mad times, like you did during COVID

[@richardgambrell5793]

I remember the first time I heard the song as a teenager in 1965. My jaw dropped and I knew things had changed. Music would never be the same. To this day, it's my all-time favorite song.

[@dandepalma9305]

Love your passion for Dylan, Prof. I have the same since I discovered Dylan's music, the song Tombstone Blues also from Highway 61 Revisted, blaring out of the speakers from my older brother's bedroom. It is difficult to say what your favorite Dylan tune is; he has a song to help you through a tough day, ones to help you celebrate life's little joys, and so many to challenge you intellectually. Dylan will be played and admired forever!

[@jerryrpettus1926]

Highway 61 Revisited was the first Dylan album I purchased. I knew him more for his folk work, but the opening of Like A Rolling Stone seared right into my heart. Now I am a big Dylan fan, of his own work and the impact he had on other artists.

[@ronburk5135]

Thank you. What a great episode! My favorite artists Dylan, Kooper and Bloomfield.

[@dansplaylist69]

I’m 52 and my first memories of him and his music was the mocking of his voice and his his writing style. It drew me in to listen. I wanted to get it. It didn’t take long until I did. Thank you for this thoughtful look on one of my favorites.

[@scottinman7507]

The Jimi Hendrix version of All Along the Watchtower. This what happens when the greatest song writers work meets the greatest guitar playing. Thank you both, Bob and Jimi

[@brendashelonko2149]

This Hendrix album was one of the very first LPs I bought at age 14 in the mid 60’s, solely based on the album cover. I soon bought a Dylan album based on Watchtower.

[@alisonperry1786]

I love playing all along the watchtower... I think my cover is a combination of my then husbands aqustic version meets dylans meets jimi hendrix...

[@suzymoon8414]

It was, indeed, truly transformative. It’s good to know the younger generations are now hip to him.

[@davidc6032]

Thank you for articulating the value of Bob's voice!

[@myronlarimer1943]

Like a Rolling Stone. A pure masterpiece. Bob’s work is so varied and deep. No one like him. Never will be another Bob Dylan.

[@timstone10]

I just saw this show, LIKE A ROLLING STONE is my favorite by Dylan. This was my personal theme song for many years and still causes deep feelings when I hear it. I'm 73 now, but when I was 21 I was a real estate agent.I owned 2 houses and lived in a beautiful home in an ideal neighbor hood. I drove a new car and was living the American dream. It all fell apart and I eventually became an unemployed stoned hippie. This song perfectly describes my life at the time. All better now. LOL Thanks for all the memories Professor. I love your show.

[@nellies-taekook-journals]

Free Wheelin' Bob Dylan was one of the first albums I ever bought. His body of work is timeless. Thank you for highlighting this song.

[@erikajames4592]

My husband and I didn't have a " song" we had an ARTIST. Thank you for the best episode ❤️. Dylan is a Nobel Laureate. He is a master craftsman. In my opinion, no one sings his songs better.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Yes he is.

[@kaninma7237]

I love his lyrics. They tend to be exceptionally well written. I strongly disagree, however, with making him a Nobel Laureate in literature.

[@meninagreen5704]

You're right. I heard Alison Krause cover one of his songs. Now this woman has the voice of an angel but after listening, I thought, dang, Dylan's version is SO much better. It's his conviction, not his vocal tone.

[@robertnewell5057]

Well put

[@jameswilhoite8150]

Grew up 60's early 70's Me and all my freinds all had bobs greatest hits vol 1 miss those days..... will move on like a rolling stone TY profesor

[@rexa9320]

ProfRock, Really great post about this iconic Dylan song. You nailed it. Beautiful job. In my youth I heard Peter Paul and Mary do 'Blowin' in the Wind', then learned it was a Bob Dylan song. I went out and bought Freewheelin' and have been a big Dylan fan since. It also has one of my favorite cover art pics. I like 'Rolling Stone' and agree that it was a big breakthru in many ways. Personally, I think I prefer 'Tamborine Man' more as holding up for long-term listening. To my view Dylan's changes in style always mapped the zeitgeist of the 'times they are a changin'.' Lots of folk fans thought he was a traitor when he went electric, but I saw it as an evolution of his unique style. I was in college and in '66 and attended a concert at Syria Mosque in Pittsburgh. As he did in shows during this transition period, he played the first half acoustic. In the second half he came out electric with the Hawks (later The Band) and got some boos for his new sound. He responded by turning around and playing the rest of the show with his back to the audience. I loved it. What a great night and memory. Loved most of his albums and Blood on the Tracks was a highlight. I must admit I missed most of his work from 80's through 90's except... I loved Time Out of Mind. I think that 'Not Dark Yet' is a dark but beautiful and timely anthem for our current time of climate change and abrasiveness of humanity. Plus, major long-term Dylan fans are into old age.

[@martyengel917]

I shed a tear. I'm 67 writinging my best music. Thanks for sharing .sharing your story.

[@anonymousfemale9231]

In 1969 my boyfriend was at VMI and soon would graduate and go to Vietnam Nam……. He sang “Lay Lady Lay” to me….oh the memories

[@Benny2Steakz]

I have never heard a better folk-rock song ever and I am 70 years old.

[@johnharrison2094]

same

[@bakstabbath]

I'd have to say "Tangled Up In Blue" is my fav Dylan song. It's hard to pick a favorite.

[@wilburrrrr742]

I confess that I thought it was going to be the focus song of this vid

[@johnradovich8809]

Wow! Thought I was the only one. Kudos.

[@glennhall8665]

‘Never Say Goodbye’ (off Planet Waves) always, always gets me so emotional &.. elated ! Don’t know why - the beautiful heartbreaking lyrics, the soaring music, the rough sketchy throwaway quality of it.. (it always sounds kind’ve unfinished. & I don’t know if he’s ever played it live?). When I mention it, even many Dylan fans say they’ve never heard of it..

[@Alphasix6]

I used to care but things have changed

[@johnradovich8809]

@ or in the words of Mose Allison, “I found that things are gettin’ better, just people that are gettin’ worse.”

[@johntomkins1873]

Fantastic video, it really brought back memories. Like a lot of people commenting I'm also in my 70's and was a big Beatles fan until I heard Like a Rollin' Stone and it changed everything for me. What a lot of kids today don't realise is that back then access to music wasn't as readily available as it is today. I only got the chance to listen to stuff that was being played on the radio. I remember that when 'Like a Rollin' Stone' had reached it's peak in the charts and started going down, and so wasn't being played as much, I felt so depressed, it was like music was over. Then I heard World War Three Blues on Radio Caroline North. That opened up a whole new dimension for me. I had no idea that Dylan had all this history as a folk singer. That's when I started saving up my pocket money to buy LP's and work my way back. This was the inspiration for me to learn to play folk music myself. I must have spent thousands of hours in my bedroom pretending to be Bob Dylan. What I always wanted to do was write a tribute song, like Bob had done with 'Song to Woody'. I finally did this about 20 years ago and I called it 'Song to Zimmy'. I've never had the bottle to play in public because I'm not that good, but I have put stuff on KZbin that my Grandchildren sometimes like. If anyone would like to listen to my tribute song here's the link kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHmlc2CijJybnpI

[@donnieparker7535]

A MASTERPIECE! The poetry. The voice. The music. Brilliant. 💫

[@ronmullard5718]

Been a fan of Bob Dylan since 1963/4 he's a prolific song writer and poet....none better...

[@sldaley5692]

I was PISSED OFF in 1965. I was still in high school in Southern California, had been in rock bands for a couple years by then, and we (my band mates, my friends, everybody I hung with) were being blown away by the Beetles. And yes, Bob Dillion was a stand out, too. (And Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, etc.) But we were pissed off at adults, at what was happening with civil rights, the war in Viet Nam, at the life that was being thrust at us against our will, against our youthful sensibilities and desires! And... when "Like a Rolling Stone" hit the air waves back then... OH... MY... GOD! It resonated so much. Even if it wasn't about the war or peoples rights in general it still... was! It captured our disdain and anger. The song somehow let us all know that we weren't alone in how we FELT. So after all these years, I thank you, Professor of Rock, for the best, most in-depth, well spoken story of 'Rolling Stone (or any other song) I've ever heard. I still got the goose bumps all over!

[@shazamshazamshazam696]

For any who don't know, Bob Dylan was awarded the 2016 Nobel Prize for literature for his lyrics.

[@Waterfalls2016]

Sadly he didn’t go to the ceremony to accept it.

[@KentonJoseph]

@@Waterfalls2016 "Bob Dylan did attend the Nobel Prize ceremony to receive his award. Initially, he was not sure if he would attend the event, but in the end, he did travel to Stockholm to accept the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016."

[@philsphan4414]

In 50 years Springsteen’s lyrics will be studied and Dylan forgotten.

[@Waterfalls2016]

@@KentonJoseph Well darn I followed the story for awhile. They were having a hard time getting Dylan to accept. After the award ceremony I saw 3-4 articles talking about him not going. I was really bummed also. I knew Dylan before The Beatles I think. Hey, thanks for letting me know.

[@Waterfalls2016]

@@philsphan4414 Dylan will never be forgotten and Springsteen won’t even be a close 2nd.

[@_creighton]

Got to finally see Bob this last Summer on tour with the incomperable Willie @ The Bowl here in Hollywood. Made that much more poignant as my 19 year old Son was sitting there with me, mouth hanging open and abstolutely blown... away! LEGEND! Unforgettable memories. Thank you Bob!

[@johnmurnane1184]

One of my favorite of all times. Heard him sing it with the Band. I did not boo, I cried. It hit home. I was a lost soul at the time. Thanks Bob.

[@pn2543]

digging through Dylan's catalog since seeing 'A Complete Unknown', came across the gem 'Blind Willie McTell', with Dylan on piano and Knopfler on guitar. Cant believe I never heard it before. Amazing tune.

[@8ohm1]

Thanks to YT video of T Chalamet listening to it, I also finally found Blind Willie McTell. Hard to believe it was an outtake.

[@torogato799]

Tears well every time I hear & sing this song. Memories of where and what was going down when it was first released fill my soul. Like a Rolling Stone not only hits the gut but swats your heart.

[@HumanistSocietyofSantaBarbara]

I think this is the only song that I remember exactly where I was the first time I heard it...I was 16 years old visiting a friend in Omaha, Nebraska listening to music on a cassette player with earphones late at night in the winter of 1974 (9 years after the song came out!!). Just saw 'A Complete Unknown' this weekend. Took me back there again. I love all the layers of different sounds and instruments somehow working together.

[@Rockermom59]

This is the best song ever. It's #1 for me. I have loved it since its release. The depth of its lyrics resonant as much today as the first day I heard it. I play it every day. Dylan's voice is unique and that's what makes it so good. A lyrical genius for sure. I'm a lifelong fan. BTW, All Along the Watchtower is my #3 after The Low Spark of High-heeled Boys, my #2. Love your channel!

[@davidhiggins8445]

Without question Bob is a genius when it comes to the written word. I have been a diehard fan since I first heard his music. I think you hit the nail right on the head 👍

[@jtt8886]

It's hard for us in 2024 to imagine a song being so influential. Changed how rock musicians thought about their music, how they'd write songs, who could even get into playing music or sing, changed what the industry thought was possible.

[@poetsdreamsatc]

For years I thought Jimi Hendrix wrote “All Along the Watchtower” but it was written by Bob Dylan. Dylan may not have a velvet voice but he’s a hell of a songwriter.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@brucewayne3602]

perhaps well beyond definition !!!

[@purplelove392]

I like the uniqueness of his voice.

[@Michel-r6m]

Jimi also covered St. Pepper a day or so after release...live 🤘

[@kevinramsey417]

Hendrix's cover inspired a term I like to call "Watchtowering" where a cover song is not only so good that it becomes the cover artist's song, but is so superior that it completely overshadows the original. For example when anybody thinks about All Along the Watchtower, it's Hendrix's version people think of, not Dylan's and this was BOB DYLAN we're talking about, Jimi accomplished something extraordinary.

[@c00l0]

Love it Adam. It amazes me that you grasp the influence of this song. I was 9 in 1965 and this song defined that year. What a feeling in the air as a 9 yr old in the SF Valley.

[@TheDman81]

Wow!! What a memory you described with your dad. It outshined the whole GENIOUS episode!!! You are the Bob Dylan of Rock commentary!!!

[@powellhall9794]

😎👍 I remember hearing this on the car radio when I was a kid. My mom hated “that guys voice”, but she wouldn’t change the channel because of the hypnotic lyrics. This is such a good song.

[@MikeB-1965]

Bob is a brilliant songwriter and poet. His lyrics are so impressively thought-provoking. In later interviews, even he says he doesn't know how he was able to write lyrics like he did. It was definitely magical.

[@thetitleisours1]

Having him with Traveling Wilbury's was so perfect!

[@Whisper_292]

I love Tweeter & the Monkey Man.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's was truly masterful!

[@thetitleisours1]

@@Whisper_292 For sure! :) btw, did the video jump from a story about the Stones to this one? I got a video not available and then this one showed up

[@Whisper_292]

Yes. I think they pulled it, maybe because they posted the wrong video. They've done that before. ​@thetitleisours1

[@bobdavis4848]

@@thetitleisours1 By POR replacing it, I imagine.

[@ernesteison7979]

"Like a Rolling Stone" is such an incredible song. The way it just rambles from one verse to the next, like he's talking to somebody, let'em know that he sees them for how they really are.

[@paganphil100]

@ernesteison7979: That's how I would describe "Positively 4th Street".....one of my favourites.

[@markpedersen2365]

What a beautiful sound, just the boldness of the harmonica and organ rising together makes you feel like you are on top of the world. And you are. Quite amazing, not a complete unknown forever dear friends.

[@kristopherdoe4575]

Without question, hands down, this has been my favorite song of all time since it hit my ears at 9 years-old. Thank you, Professor, for this in-depth and enlightening discussion. You always bring us interesting trivia and facts that further help us to understand the cultural impact of our times and the greatest era of music from the 20th century.

[@kellywillis8091]

After listening to your stories about your father, you are blessed to have him as your dad.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I totally agree. miss him every second.

[@purplelove392]

Anytime he mentions his dad, I tear up immediately.

[@DanieVargas]

@@purplelove392 When he brings up his dad, it brings MY DAD back to me (my dad passed in 1999 and he was MY music “teacher”). So when he does bring up dad, I start to remember all the music convos I HAD with my dad. He may be 6 years YOUNGER than me, but I still think we’ve had almost the same life experiences.

[@purplelove392]

@@DanieVargas I hear ya. My dad wasn't really into music as much as classic movies, but he honored my love of music. He gave me albums for every occasion and sometimes just because and he let me control the radio as we traversed the country on our family road trips.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I wish my dad was like that. What a role model.

[@nicolosito]

Undoubtedly, still the greatest song in the history of the Rock Era.

[@daveburns3886]

Nicely done.. truly one of the most influential songs ever .. Beatles Hendrix (didn’t know those things!) and Bruce .. my favorite!!

[@johnlambert3882]

After watching this video I immediately listened to the record from a new prospective and it finally touched my soul.Thank you for opening my eyes👍❤️

[@wildmountainthyme4123]

During the summer of 1965, when I was 13, I would sit at the kitchen table listening to this song. To this day, it's my favorite Dylan song. At the time, I remember thinking that in the future whenever I heard the song, I would remember my 13 year old self, wondering at the glory of this song, as I sat at my kitchen table.

[@robart4523]

It is, without doubt, the best ever rock song of all time. I loved Bob Dylan from his first LP. I love him still. I never understood why people turned off when he went electric.

[@meetree]

love you mate ...for keeping the history of rock and roll alive... rock on ...help us to not forget..

[@gordon5004]

I first heard this at 14 yr. I didn't understand it but I knew I was hearing something exceptional. It is the best song ever written.

[@RickBrenner-z4i]

“Like a Rolling Stone” & “Tangled Up In Blue” are my favorite Dylan songs:)

[@merkazoidduff7651]

Finally some Dylan! Used to think he was on the level of The Beatles then I discovered his music from the 80’s to today, and he’s unquestionably the greatest of all time.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Yup.

[@meninagreen5704]

I heard him live in March and even tho he sat behind the piano the whole time, at 83, he sounds better than the greatest of all time! Just mesmerizing .

[@22448824]

I think The Beatles serve a different purpose than Dylan. They produced bright, melodious and uplifting 3 minute pop songs. Dylan's had more depth.

[@jsavre1]

I came at Dylan backwards, first loving Blood on the Tracks, then Greatest Hits I and II, and not listening to the folky stuff until college. Always loved LARS, but was a bit too young to get the true weight of its impact. Most of what you said I’d heard before, but you summed it up precisely and with passion-a great addition to your personal catalogue, Professor! As for people hating on his voice, Nashville Skyline and Live at Budokan exist to show you that he could sing sweet and schmaltzy, but that’s not his goal. His raw bleeding vocals expose the truth in the lyrics, and you can hear that resonate in Petty, Springsteen, Knopfler, Joplin, Fogerty…even McCartney.

[@hooble66]

HI PROFESSOR, i WAS 15 WHEN THIS ICONIC SONG BROKE, IT CHANGED MY LIFE. IT WAS UNLIKE ANYTHING I HAD EVER HEARD. IT WAS MYSTERIOUS, HAUNTING AND ALL KOOPER ON THE HAMMOND B3 JUST CEMENTED THE WHOLE THING. I FIRST HEARD IT ON A HAND HELD 7 TRANSISTOR RADIO ON AN AM STATION SITTING ON A HILSIDE OVERLOOKING THE P&LE RAILROAD IN MCKEES ROCKS, PA. AND YES IN MY OPINION THE GREATEST SONG EVER WRITTEN AND PROBABLY FOLLOWED BY ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER WHICH IS SO POWERFUL FROM AN IMAGING STAND POINT. PROBABLY THE BEST TWELVE LINES EVER WRITTEN. BOTH GREAT SONGS (ALONG WITH MANY OTHERS BY DYLAN). THANK YOU FOR THE BACK STORY OF LIKE A ROLLING STONE (OF WHICH I WAS ALREADY AWARE) BUT THERE ARE MANY THAT WERE NOT. KEEP ON ROCKING THIS CHANNEL, IT IS AWESOME

[@jamespcrown128]

I too was in McKees Rocks when I heard this song for the first time.🇺🇦💙

[@williamfirstand5057]

Dude, you outdid yourself on this one. Bravo. Masterpiece. Showing the way for many people who will have you to thank for it.

[@FredGroenke55]

My oldest brother turned me into Dylan when I was probably 10-11 yrs old. Like you, Adam, I became fascinated with his lyrics. From Maggie’s Farm to Serve Somebody , his poetry has inspired or consoled me.

[@Polyphemus47]

The first time I noticed 'Bob Dylan' was as composer, under the title of "Blowin' In the Wind" by Peter Paul & Mary, then under Johnny Cash's "Don't Think Twice It's Alright". I was a senior in high school, up in Minneapolis, in '65. Hearing "Like a Rolling Stone" on top 40 radio, those lyrics went straight to my head. YES! He knows! I was confirmed as an avid Dylan-ophile with "I Want You". The little vignette about the dancing child, with his Chinese flute, and the way Dylan took it away from him, and confessed that he wasn't very cute to him - WHO writes like that!? Then, my all-time favorite of his, "Positively 4th Street", with its spot-on upbraid of false friendship. He knows! The thing about Dylan's voice - you NAILED it. "It's the FEELING, man." NO ONE can sing a Dylan song, and bring his subtlety to the lyric, like Dylan. "Blood on the Tracks" is one of my desert island records. I just realized - my best friend now is a teenaged Bowie fan named Dylan. Threads? Love this tribute, Prof. Keep 'em comin'.

[@lauriebak]

“Blood on the Tracks” is one of my picks, too. Awesome album.

[@williambenner701]

Way to go Adam! You did a fantastic job on this one. Dylan is the absolute BEST lyric writer of the rock area, which is saying a lot!❤

[@ProfessorofRock]

THanks William! I love doing it.

[@pilotblue6535]

Professor, You were all in on this episode. Really enjoyed unpacking the impact this song had on a generation of musicians and listeners. Excellent

[@ninaromm5491]

Immersed himself...feverishly 🎉 You got it! Thanks

[@jm.goingsnake]

Thank you for this one. And thank you for showing your emotions for this song and Bob Dylan. I get it, brother.

[@darrellgarrett72]

Dylan is a Master! I’ve always loved Desolation Row!!

[@DC8091]

hell ya!!! that’s one of my favorite songs ever!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Amazing song.

[@22448824]

"They're selling postcards of the hanging".

[@DC8091]

@ they’re painting the passports brown

[@hgr4255]

Without a doubt "MY GUITAR GENTLY WEEPS" .... what an incredible song by an incredible performer. RIP my friend George Harrison. You shaped my music preferences like NO other.

[@davidcoleman757]

Had a bout of pleurisy aged nine. Off school for weeks with nothing to do I worked my way through my mother's record collection until I got to Dylan's Greatest Hits. 60 years on I still think he's the GOAT.

[@Donna-tm7dz]

He absolutely is 😊

[@MartinLosoya-r7b]

I LOVE Dylan’s “voCALITIES” and that is my favorite by The great Bob Dylan‼️👍

[@UncompressedWAVmusic]

I was a teenager in he 1960's and I loved all the great groups. I always loved 'Like a Rolling Stone' that I would usually play it twice it was that good. I was in a great musical experience moment with that song. I bought that LP record in the 1960s along the way of owning 420 LPs and 1,200 CDs all music mostly rock n roll. I own 24 Dylan LPs and CDs. Like a rolling stone is always a great experience to hear. So brilliant in every way I'm captivated in the musical ecstasy in that song. It's my favorite Dylan song.