Bob Dylan - Hurricane (Audio) Reaction

[@thomasfoster771]

Dylan was always an advocate for social justice. In 1963 he went to Mississippi to register blacks to vote, he sang at the 1963 MLK march on Washington. He wrote several songs about the injustice to blacks including, The Times They Are a-Changin', Lonesome death of Hattie Carroll, Ballad of Hollis Brown, Only a Pawn in Their Game, Blowin in the Wind, Masters of War, etc. Dylan is a lyrical genius. If you want to know what a advocate he was for civil rights check out his early work between 1960 and 1965.

[@green917]

Absolutely! And a huge thank you is due to Joan Baez for convincing him that he could write songs and make it even though, by his own admission, he didn't sing as well as Woody Guthrie or Pete Seeger.

[@evanleehome2178]

I agree...except "Dylan WAS..." Still is kickin and busting chops!

[@anthonybarrett7456]

HE STOOD ON THE STAGE , DURING THE FAMOUS , M . L . K . - I HAVE A DREAM - SPEECH , ANOTHER FAMOUS MAN FIGHTING FOR CIVIL RIGHTS JUSTICE WAS . CHARLTON HESTON .

[@stephenmier7277]

I find that generally, black people don’t like being referred to as “blacks.” Just a little bit of advice.

[@evanleehome2178]

@@stephenmier7277 Excuse me. No offense intended.

[@Dan-eh4tg]

There's a reason why he won the Nobel Prize for literature

[@TommiBrem]

Dylan not sugarcoating this one. True story, too. Dylan visited the Hurricane in prison, if I recall correctly.

[@mythicsin3083]

And played for him in jail

[@THEDONSTR8Fightah76]

Love RUUUUBBBEEEEE

[@adamsmythe8292]

“True” story. Bob always said ‘I don’t care about facts’.

[@Katarinatorn]

@@adamsmythe8292 it is a true story

[@Andy-Bodhi]

And has now been widely rebuked and many consider that he was in fact guilty

[@christinecanty5409]

One of the heaviest, truest songs ever written.

[@ritapetita28]

It was a pleasure watching your reaction, there is no one who can match Dylans talent as a song writer.

[@technocore1591]

Interesting side note: The "witness" ​Patty Valentine sued Dylan for defamation for using her name and implying she lied. In the trial the judge questioned Dylan on his used of the phrase "the trial was a pig circus" and when asked about using Patty's name he replied he used it because it was a beautiful name.

[@Code9]

"This one we might have to look at the lyrics." LOL! When listening to Dylan, it's ALWAYS about the lyrics, bro. The instrumentation is always just the window dressing around the main feature which is ALWAYS the lyrics. As lyricists go, he was a Master craftsman.

[@tomgiersbach9574]

IS a master craftsman :)

[@georgek2031]

Yup, he's the only musician to win a Nobel Prize in Literature. Enough said!

[@Anthony-hu3rj]

He co-write the lyrics here, however. Jacques Levy pulled at least half the load on Desire.

[@Divocwax]

That violin was a feature of that album. So musicians are important to his bobness .

[@rogerwilliams7791]

Yes, it's about the lyrics. But the music that Dylan's creates matches his lyrics. Greatest song writer without discussion All the great artist loved Dylan.

[@gary1642]

People criticise Dylans voice. I've never heard anyone sing one of his songs better than him. A true legend, the type that is sadly no longer coming through.

[@Zubareffstream111]

God I loved this as a kid, Dylan knew how to combine the art of storytelling and poetry like few before him or since.

[@HeliotropeCA]

True story.....Dylan was instrumental in Hurricane's eventual release. There's no one like Dylan. He's the master in every word he writes, every note that is played...I've loved him since I was 17 years old in 1963 and I love him even more when I see reactors for 1st time listeners.

[@FrancisAdam-nf4kj]

Great thing about Bob Dylan he wasn’t scarred to tell it like it is

[@KevinMackey-p4b]

He wasn’t instrumental in any way what a fucking clown

[@patrickmcgrath4837]

Ruben carter got an honorary WBC championship belt in 1993 ,such a powerful song .and Denzel Washington gave such a powerful performance in the movie hurricane too .

[@armlegx]

The movie was great. Well worth checking out.

[@bradmalloy303]

Also peep the song "Hurricane" from the soundtrack, Black Thought/Common/Mos Def/Dice Raw... one of the illest tracks ever.

[@IndieRockerHippy]

Such an amazing song. Dylan was never afraid to confront issues head on. This is a true story of a boxer who was falsely accused of murder. Rubin "Hurricane" Carter. It is jarring hearing that word in a song now but it is an old song. For more of this kind of songwriting you should try Masters of War. So powerful.

[@jnagarya519]

All of that is in the song.

[@IndieRockerHippy]

@@jnagarya519 Teez asked people to educate him in the comments as he wasn't sure on the exact story. He got the jist of it but he didn't seem to know who it was about or even that it was a specific true story. I was just being helpful. There's no need to be rude.

[@jnagarya519]

@@IndieRockerHippy Rude? He also suggested he should listen to it a second time. I'm beyond fed up with those who've heard a few Dylan (or "Beatles") songs, then strain themselves in effort to oversell. An example is "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," "sold" as a "great" George Harrison song -- while being certain to include that the over-rated Eric Clapton played on it. The real reason for the over-sell isn't that it's a George Harrison song, but that Clapton played on it. There is a better Harrison song on the same LP -- "Long, Long, Long" -- which also has the virtue of not including his "religious" condescension -- "I'm enlightened -- and you ain't," which spoils "While My Guitar Gently Weeps".

[@IndieRockerHippy]

@@jnagarya519 Dude i have no idea what you're going on about. Clearly just wanting to argue or rant about someting so you go ahead there. I literally just told him who the song was written about and mentioned another of my favourite Dylan songs. I don't listen to the Beatles so i have no idea why you're ranting at me about them. Oh and also don't assume i've "heard a few Dylan songs". I was raised on Dylan, Springsteen, Waits etc.

[@ivanabonacicdoric3448]

good movie too...

[@gillevin844]

Great to see the genius of Dylan being discovered by the younger generation. You did a good job discovering!

[@ELIZABETHANNEBuonagura]

It is about Hurricane Carter the boxer. The mention of Gentleman Jim, he was a boxer 125 years ago if not more

[@marc-damianhartley1710]

Bob Dylan was one of the reasons hurricane Carter got out of jail. That song drew enough attention that people took on the case again and got him out eventually

[@AJBros-dn5mn]

This whole album just shows Bob Dylan’s range and talent. amazing production, lyrics and an influence for justice

[@crobert79]

got to be one of dylans best songs, the story telling is amazing

[@jnagarya519]

Check out "Blood On the Tracks".

[@novanights2chevy597]

This song came out in 1975. Ruben didn't get out of prison until 1985.

[@goittoog7563]

How Dylan can rhyme and yet tell the entire story factually just amazing this mans grasp of the language

[@iamhudsdent2759]

Dylan's masterpiece helped bring attention to Rubin Hurricane Carter's case and unjust imprisonment. It took many years, but Carter was finally released. I know this song like the back of my hand, and the entire Desire album. It's good to see it fresh through someone else's eyes, brother. Next, react to One More Cup of Coffee, truly haunting. And Isis. Each one a masterpiece.

[@jamesedwards3231]

It is a true story about Ruben Carter, middle weight boxer from Jersey that was railroaded. Spent over 20 years in Rah Way prison. Also it was a Women playing the 🎻.

[@dianedarby442]

You're one of the only reactors who listens to Dylan and I'm so happy you do. Rueben Carter was a middle-weight contender when he was arrested and convicted for a murder he didn't commit. Dylan's thought-provoking songs are still so important. Please check out Masters of War, Girl From the North Country (with Johnny Cash) - I could go on and on - too many to list.

[@rboypia189]

All gems, like Wanted Man with johnny cash.

[@zenhaelcero8481]

Teez McGee is amazing for listening to so much Dylan. Really wish more folks would do what he does!

[@jnagarya519]

Dylan's original of "Girl from the North Country" kills the Cash duet -- Cash couldn't carry a tune in a bucket.

[@jnagarya519]

@@rboypia189 Johnny Cash couldn't carry a tune in a bucket. He's shows that in the film "Festival!" of a performance by him at Newport Folk Festival.

[@jnagarya519]

All of that is IN THE SONG. It doesn't need to be explained over oversold.

[@vruth23]

I saw him perform this live 10th row on the floor looking up into his face I was 10 !!! years old. It was Earth shattering.

[@elmoredneal5382]

That's amazing! 😮 It would definitely be an experience a person would remember and cherish for life. And you must have had pretty cool parents for taking you to the show / allowing you to go 😁 My parents took me to see Bob Marley when I was about 5 years old (I know, a different artist but also very renowned and beloved) The show was standing room only (no seats) so my Dad lifted me up onto his shoulders so I could see the stage. It was such an amazing time 😍 Something I'll never forget, although it was over 40 years ago now... So I can kind of imagine how amazing and earth shattering your experience would have been 🤔 There is nobody like Bob Dylan 😍

[@lordbyron6293]

Dylan's vocals are so strong here. Powerful performance.

[@jlmain5777]

One of America’s greatest songwriters. A true patriot.

[@jitsroller]

Ruben Hurricane Carter wasn't a saint but he wasn't guilty either.

[@daniellyons914]

Who the fuck is?

[@mikefafa1]

@@daniellyons914 Johnny boy soprano

[@samuelwoods164]

@@mikefafa1 Moltisanti is Italian for many saints... so I think Dickie is the saint.

[@thomasmills339]

How do you know what Ruben Carter is? You friends with him? He was innocent but why throw in " he wasn't a Saint?" Did he deserve some of what happened to him?

[@archibaldcreep1]

@@thomasmills339 cause it's well known he was an abusive man. He didn't deserve a murder wrap but he did fuck up some women.

[@Bear78420]

This is an important story for people to know. It’s also a movie. Denzel Washington plays hurricane and you get to see the rest of his story ☺️

[@sigurdueland5194]

Listening to this lyrics make you understand why Bob Dylan got the Nobel price for literature

[@Bekka_Noyb]

Obviously a powerful song, but also one of Dylan's best musically

[@robincarter6537]

Look at the Rollin Thunder Revue video on Netflix covering his tour in 1975. he sings this song with such anger. It is brilliant

[@chaosandcreation4118]

I was at the benefit concert Dylan did with the Rolling Thunder Review in December 1975 at Madison Square Garden NYC- a number of famous musicians from the day ie; Robbie Robertson, Mick Ronson, Joni Mitchel, Joan Baez, Roger McGuinn. It was to help pay for his new trial. Ali spoke there. Violin is by a young player Scarlet Rivera, Dylan discovered and brought on tour. Rubin "Hurrican" Carter was found guilty of murder and had a second trial which confirmed the first conviction then another retrial which proved the falified testimony. The song is from before the first retrial.

[@samuelwoods164]

If I had a time machine the first two things I'd do is pick up my dad in 1975 and take him to see the rolling thunder review.

[@MrNobugsonme]

I'm shocked you didn't go into more detail about what the song was about! Dylan, who you have to remember was a HUGE FUCKING WORLDWIDE STAR at the time wrote a song about about a white cop framing an innocent black guy for murder. and he didn't make this shit up. It happened. It's true. Now to be honest I'm not a massive Dylan fan, bit before my time, but this is one hell of a powerful song and one hell of a powerful subject. Kinda think you glossed over it. I think you should do some research and react to it again. Rubin "Hurricane" Carter was a real man! I just wish stars today (black,white,male,female whatever) had the balls to write a song as powerful as this now.

[@Murasame]

Hey man I do

[@lisamaas7235]

A lot of black reactors have no clue a song is about fighting for equality and injustice. There have been videos where they laugh through the whole thing, completely ignorant of the lyrics. Millions of white people give a fuck about the horrors of racism and injustice toward blacks, and I’m a 61 year old white woman whose one of them. Read the lyrics. Do some research! We love all races and are incensed when non-whites suffer from racism or injustice.

[@kentclark6420]

I'd like to see the reverse, and see a black musician write about the injustice of the O.J. Simpson trial, and the black jury literally letting a guilty murderer being let off from prosecution.

[@artavenue4286]

Je did quite well for first time and got the point. Take it easy killer :)

[@deg1studios]

also, he made this song like ten years before Carter was released. So he called out the injustice waay waay before the courts gave a shit. Who knows, without this song Carter might have died in prison.

[@drewjames604]

btw, the drummer was absolutely killing it the entire song! :)

[@gentryxc]

I remember seeing Rubin fight on Friday Night Fights of the Week. He was a helluva fighter.

[@TM6719]

I think it was a fiddle. I think? Never heard this song but so appropriate today! WOW

[@marjoriegoodwin2993]

One of my favorite old songs.

[@c10zane]

Was about 12 the first time I heard this song, my moms friend showed it to me, never knew the story prior but have loved the song since, been 12+ years, but such a sad story 😕

[@zenhaelcero8481]

So glad to see that you were able to get a reaction up for the studio version of this! A lot of people pick the popular live video, which I don't think is quite as good. Really, really happy that you got to experience this important song for the first time this way.

[@bobbybloodfeastin308]

As a huge Dylan fan this is special to watch, when you figure out whats going on in this song I started crying. Fucking awesome bro

[@ivanabonacicdoric3448]

the moovie Hurricane is great too, I cried the whole movie

[@Amaya_]

Aww I thought the same thing, honestly this has to be the best song reaction video I have every watched.

[@SvenAnarki]

Never approach a Dylan song song then say, "We may have to pull up the lyrics."

[@matag245]

Bob Dylan, the best rapper in history.

[@mzliz1249]

Oh wow! That song still gives me chills. It hits you in your core.

[@carlrichards9333]

Absolute Classic.... Everything about this song is PERFECT.

[@Backhand77]

This song blows the mind

[@vedantapdx]

That violin lady was really talented and Dylan really loved what she added to his sound back then

[@shannonmurphy1995]

Tees McGee, Hurricane has so impacted me my whole life, and has led me through the years to do something about it. You'll be surprised what I have done about it soon!

[@theintentionalnovice7718]

Felt the same way when I first heard Dylan -- and this song, specifically -- on a copied cassette mixtape at age 19. Twenty-four years later, I've seen him live multiple times, own all of his albums, and consider him the greatest songwriter of the 20th century.

[@verdicapirro6715]

Of course, he is!

[@andrewfontana3136]

Glad to see this wasn't blocked. Nobody should be claiming copyright on protest songs. They should be out there telling their stories. And this story definitely still needs to be told.

[@brendanc.8019]

Love your reaction to this great piece of history. The strongest language Bob ever used, just to make sure it was heard for what it was. Many years before Rubin was exonerated. So sad.

[@88pjtink]

"Raw in its approach" is a wonderful way to explain punk rock in a nutshell. I think Mr. Dylan and his straightforward boldness, commenting on social injustice, was an influence for the punk rock era. As well as Lou Reed, The Stones, Iggy Pop, and The Kinks.

[@alexm2930]

When he sings "old Patty called the cops" there's a bit of sadness, digust.

[@neilredmond1011]

Now that’s what you call a protest song ! Nobody does it better and never did . The greatest singer songwriter ever

[@gailtrenholm837]

I met Ruben Carter back in 2002 when he did a talk at a College outside of Toronto. Cried my eyes out when l first saw him. Amazing to me what a human can endure. Such respect to him and to Bob Dylan for bringing attention to his story.

[@nicocas3583]

About 15 years ago, my daughter and I went to listen to Rueben give a motivational talk at the University of Houston. His attitude was so positive it was unbelievable! He spoke of how they may have locked his body behind bars but they could never do the same with his mind. His mind was free and they could never take that from him. He read philosophy and educated himself. He was truly amazing!

[@dangabbert3944]

I haven’t listened to this in years, probably overplayed it when it came out, but I forgot how wonderful Scarlet Rivera’s violin is, on this song.

[@LadyFalcon17]

Yes, amazing!!!

[@peteraxer7212]

Thank you so much for reviewing this amazing song. I enjoyed your honest and insightful responses. There's so much we can learn and understand from Dylan. I look forward to watching more of your content!

[@D45VR]

Dylan is unmatched in lyrical composition.

[@avdude10]

There is a reason that Bob Dylan is the only songwriter to win a Pulitzer Prize for Literature - he's a remarkable writer - and as you said, story teller. He's often lumped with the other protest artists of the sixties - but really, he was more interested in people than causes. In this song though, he's angry - and he was consciously trying to get his audience angery - he was trying to reopen the case against Hurricane Carter - and he succeeded. Anyway, great reaction - great song.

[@wishingb5859]

It is a song that causes me to cry every time.

[@oldarpanet]

If you like Dylan's story-telling you need to give a listen to "Lilly, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts." Great story! Two movie scripts/treatments have been created based on this song, though, neither has been produced as yet...If I recall correctly it's on the album: Blood on the Tracks.

[@andyfletcher3561]

Yes, "Blood On The Tracks"...For me, his best LP.

[@averayugen1371]

So what was that song about?

[@peterginger]

@@averayugen1371 It’s like watching an old western movie.

[@deandeakin7861]

22 years falsely imprisoned before a group of Canadians got him cleared.

[@christopherhopkins949]

Scarlett Rivera was playing the violin

[@Amaya_]

My mums bf was a huge Bob Dylan fan (apparently so was my dad lol) so i grew up listening to this in the car and as a kid I hated it cause I didnt know what it was about and just assumed it was some “old folks song” when I grew up and heard it again my gawd I LOVED IT and fully appreciated what it was about. Bob Dylan actually played this live infront of the jail Rubin ‘Hurricane’ Carter was being held in and helped raise money to appeal the case. Love that you did this - much love from Aus 🖤💛♥️

[@brianscott9525]

Bob Dylan fun fact - he was married to an African American woman for a couple years in the 80's (?). Had a daughter together. I'm sure your question was already answered, but song's about Ruben (Hurricane) Carter, a middleweight contender in boxing, who was framed for murders he did not commit. After 20 years in prison he was aquited and released. This song was in protest of the whole corrupt affair as momentum was building for a re-trial. I think you see what his use of the "n" word in this context was. A couple more songs very worth hearing, very moving, poignant, "The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll" and "Percy's Song".

[@peggylovato8720]

And he and he sang this in national TV!

[@dlc1119]

This song still upsets people. Good! We should be upset by a miscarriage of justice, however far off or long ago.

[@wobo7239]

love you man .. dylan has been my hero since i was 15 yrs... i enjoyed watching you jotting down remembery notes to the lyrics .. dylan has an entire library of top shelf songs..you are the first one i ever noticed.. taking this seriously :)

[@cathy8964]

He received the Nobel Prize for literature. His song helped him get out of prison!

[@rboypia189]

This song was banned in USA but didn't that raw voice call it. The N bomb was used, I think, to proper effect in the context. Some people say dylan played a (small) part in helping Reuben Carter get released from prison. He did visit Reuben in prison. Scarlett Rivera on violin, I t hink Dylan happened on her while she was busking in New Orleans? Co-written I think with Sam Shepherd.

[@wagstaff6135]

Good summary. I think Scralet Rivera was busking in NYC -- as a kid I used to imagine I'd just walk by some corner she'd be playing on, though of course that wasn't until after this record so not likely, lol. This was the first Dylan record I bought, turned into a lifelong exploration.

[@izzonj]

They played this on the radio all the time time when it came out.

[@jnagarya519]

No, it was not banned. Stop overselling that which can stand on its own.

[@jnagarya519]

Not New Orleans; Greenwich Village. And according to him he was in a limousine and saw her walking with a violin case.

[@Hexon66]

Co-written with Jacques Levy. You may be thinking of Brownsville Girl, which was co-written with Sam Shepherd.

[@pamelamoffatt8091]

You just have to read the lyrics carefully. There's so much in there! Amazing!!!

[@johnmacgregor8545]

Famous fighter who was framed and Dylan came to his aid

[@vruth23]

I LOVE THIS SONG. I told you in a comment somewhere to listen to this one and I am so so so so Happy that you did. It is righteous. Now you know. Dylan Is A Master.

[@brookebond2390]

so many years ahead of his time wow!

[@celtmagic5558]

No it was about an actual historic event so can't be ahead of his time. Forgive me if I'm incorrect Bob Dylan received death threats from people in power over this and Ruben Carter is the only person to receive a world title without winning one such I'd the belief he was the best middleweight at the time and found guilty for murder through racial injustice. This is mild in comparison to the anger and sorrow I feel to The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carrol also by Bob Dylan

[@fuzzydelay7281]

The cursing and terms he used gave more weight to the story. Very moving very sad. True story. A great story teller.

[@Dr3amtime]

Scarlet Rivera (violin) and the rest of the backup band make this album one of my favorites by Dylan. Lots of great storytelling songs.

[@greg6L6GC]

True story. Ruben Hurricane Carter. Dylan helped his release. Amazing song tells the whole story.

[@garyfriedrick9941]

A true story. Check the movie with Denzel playing Reuben Carter. Dylan et al played a benefit for the Hurricane at the Astrodome in Houston. Stevie Wonder also there.

[@icebergrose8955]

Bob Dylan was made Noble of Literature because of his words. 'Hurricane' changed society.

[@danieltrickey9285]

It's amazing that the establishment can give him a Nobel Prize and still be doing the things he writes about.

[@jw9366]

Listen to all the music from 60-80,s. All great music

[@HangoverMike]

Bob Dylan played right before MLK’s I have a dream speech

[@ASCENDINGTOHIM]

Get Em Dylan ! We were always listening !

[@GregPiper-tz6oi]

Don't forget J. Levy, who assisted Dylan in writing this incredible song.

[@sharondavid-melly1498]

A true story in this song. Hurricane made I'm to a movie in the 90s.

[@gomperogify]

I really enjoyed this. Dylan wrote songs that are timeless. Well done brother.

[@pdashno]

Denzel Washington in The Hurricane 1999

[@osirispluto8782]

Really is a must watch. Although then again so is everything with Denzel haha

[@peterfields4801]

Stunning song from a stunning album from a genius!

[@phogue1]

Thank you for doing this.

[@slap_A_flamingo]

I learned about Rubin Carter after hearing this song. 19 years for something he was innocent of. Absolute sin! RIP 🙏 ❤️

[@gerardsugden7444]

We are all truly blessed to have been able to listen this true lyrical genius.

[@mikehilbert9349]

Bob Dylan a poet writing a prose into a song.

[@waitaminute2015]

The violin is haunting. Love Dillon ❤️

[@katiecoollady]

The lovely and talented Scarlet Rivera

[@averayugen1371]

mouth harp too

[@melodymakermark]

The man is a wordsmith for sure. I’ve got tickets to see him for the first time, April 9th.2022. Stoked!

[@ericclopez7428]

This song has always been a double edged sword. A beautiful song about something tragic.

[@lyn2256]

I watch reaction videos all of the time and continually shake my head and say "how can they NOT know this songs" or "this artist." This was written in 1976 by Bob Dylan. Read a little bit of history about Bob Dylan. You will be amazed. He is a rebel and changes his music with the times. He still does live performances.

[@hassdw]

I've been listening Dylan since I was kid cause of my dad

[@petebestbeatles9117]

The best version of this song is the "Live at Memorial Auditorium" version, available on KZbin. It's faster, angrier, more intense.

[@kaynine31]

Guys, there's so many YT videos of Rubin Carter being interviewed and the miracles that surrounded him. He was a great motivational speaker. Please check and research him. It's very touching and moving and motivational.

[@Tinkidink]

One of my favorite songs of all time. Heartbreaking to know it was a true story. Loved your reaction, great vid :)

[@bigjet06]

@10:13 Most of his 60s and 70s music has a raw sound he did a lot of single takes!