Thoughts on Bob Dylan’s “Ballad of Hollis Brown”

[@edvonblue]

This song is just genius. No other song like it really. The lyrics and the relentless riff that just pounds on your brains. It’s a song that is so sharp, so cutting, that trying to talk about it is impossible. I was about 19 when I first heard this song and it just literally stopped me in my tracks. Totally just changed my direction and my perception

[@CalicoSilver]

You are 100% right. Nothing really needs to be said about this song. It’s all right there. Thanks. Jeff

[@georgecoventry8441]

Yep, that's just how I see it. Dylan knew exactly how to do that song in stark, relentless, and terrible simplicity, and that gives it maximum emotional impact. Who else would have written that song? The whole album is brilliant, and I have the same instinct to listen to it all the way through from beginning to end. It's no wonder Dylan took the world of folk music by storm in those early years leading up to Newport '65, because there was no one else who had the intensity and the realism he did. They knew they were hearing something extraordinary, and key people like Joan Baez and Pete Seeger and Dave Van Ronk took notice! Dylan became the Crown Prince of folk onstage at Newport '63, and no doubt about it. I wish I could go back with a time machine and see those performances in the moments when they happened.

[@CalicoSilver]

Indeed, George. Some may think we are ridiculous for saying so, but you are right in saying that no one else could’ve written this song in this way. Those phrases, that simply-stated but horrific imagery. I see footage of him singing songs like this (e.g., North Country Blues) and the folk heavyweights sit around him in awe that a kid that young could be that spellbindingly insightful about such topics.

[@michaelmoreau8612]

The song is profound. What an endlessly rewarding catalogue Dylan has. I’m glad you’re back and hope you’re well.

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks Mike.

[@electricfence61]

I think this is one of the best videos you ever made Jeff. We have a lot of those broken down old homesteads in Ireland too, especially in the west. People's way out back in those days was to immigrate to your country.

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks. As for my country, I don't even recognize it any more.

[@shmuelben2412]

Thanks a lot Jeff An amazing song that I really like, you manage to convey the feelings of the words and the music and it's wonderful, well done

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks.

[@stephenrostkoski837]

An amazingly powerful work for such a young songwriter. It even worked in a rocked up version on the 74 tour, which was on the first Dylan bootleg I bought. It's even more relentless.

[@CalicoSilver]

I need to go revisit that '74 live version - I'm sure I know it but it has been a long time. You're the 2nd or 3rd commenter who has mentioned it, so I need to hop right to it! Thanks, Steve.

[@stephenrostkoski837]

@@CalicoSilver Ha, I did the same thing, Jeff. I went looking for the version I had from Charlotte 74, but could not find that one and my bootleg is long gone. There are quite a few other 74 performances of the song though. I was surprised how many other times it was played during that tour.

[@khalidcabrero6204]

I first heard it when Dylan played it at Live Aid back in 1985. I was a kid at the time, and was already a Dylan fan, but never heard it before. I was stunned. I saved up my pocket pennies to ensure Times was my next album purchase. (FWIW, it was Dylan's prefactory comments there that kicked off Farm Aid). The moment you hear he "bought seven shotgun shells", the page is turned, you knew what is coming. The fact that it goes on for several more verses, step by step, before the fatal shots only drags out the horror. There is no surprise, there is no suspense, - you know what is going to happen, and that makes it even more terrifying. You are forced to witness it in real time, helpless to change the outcome. The music pattern reminded me of the sound of a chugging train, relentlessly driving to its inevitable destination.

[@CalicoSilver]

I agree - this song is a stunner and its effect has not diminished one bit in all these years. What a great album. Thanks for your comment.

[@luisgracian1262]

YAY! Thank you for another Bob Dylan song analysis/review. Please keep them coming!

[@CalicoSilver]

Will do. Thanks!

[@alexandervaneijken7741]

Bob Dylan has been my companion for most of my life. And my admiration for the man has only increased over the years A wizard,a true star(to borrow a phrase by Todd) a certified genius. And now in his eighties he still performs all the time, produces fantastic paintings (already painted several masterpieces, no when about it)and taken up sculpture and the occasional highly original book. Bit of a overture this dear Jeff . I assume you now said your definitive goodbye to Your KZbin channel Well enjoyed your talks tremendously (I regularly dig into your backcatalogue and find some gems) Goodbye my long distance friend and bless you and your dear ones. Your fellow traveller in all things Dylanesque Alexander

[@CalicoSilver]

Thank you so much for your support and welcome comments and chats, Alexander. As for my channel, I have put it “on hold” while I recover from a few surgeries and health issues. During these past months I have been listening to my CD collection, particularly the CDs on my beloved “perpetual rotation” shelves, and basking in all of the joys and memories and transcendent pleasures they have provided me over the decades. I may (or may not) decide to make some videos commenting on these subjectively glorious albums that have meant so much to me. But I honestly don’t feel enough urge right now to overcome the activation energy required to actually do it. Haha!! I am having too much fun just luxuriating in the music without the desire to “talk about it”. But who knows how I will feel tomorrow. I hope you are doing well. Thanks again for everything, my friend. Jeff

[@CalicoSilver]

It really means a lot to me that you reached out to me, Alexander. I am honored and very appreciative.

[@ethanschneider2711]

Hey Jeff, I just wanted to let you know that going back and watching your videos really just make me appreciate music and art. No one in my life really cares about digging deep into things and finding the meaning involved. So I want to thank you for allowing me to have that outlet and friendship, which is hard to come by these days as a 22 year old who likes Bob dylan 😅.

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks so much, Ethan. I really appreciate it. I’m dealing with some pretty heavy health issues these past 3-4 months so my enthusiasm for making videos has taken a back seat for now. And it seems that the longer I am away from making videos, the less urge I feel to return to it. I think I have said all I know to say, haha! But who knows? Maybe once I start feeling well again, I’ll be interested in getting back to normal. I really do appreciate all of you guys and I do miss interacting with you. That will likely be the main thing that draws me back to this channel. Thanks again, Ethan. Jeff

[@ethanschneider2711]

@CalicoSilver whatever your decision you have enriched all of our lives, thanks again!

[@RickM01]

Bob Dylan is a poet and tells a great murder ballad in Ballad of Hollis Brown. Very vivid. However, I do not think he is alone in writing graphic heart wrenching simple murder ballads. There are songs that Dylan took from to write the song, perhaps? I don't know which songs Dylan was influenced by but these come to mind. The Cuckoo Bird, Pretty Polly, O Death, Unquiet Grave, The Lawson Family Murder (someone mentioned in a previous comment - I agree), and The Cruel Mother. I think Ballad of Hollis Brown is really cool. I like your version here. It sounds like Dylan flat picks though - no? - Glad to hear you!

[@CalicoSilver]

I heard a lot of folk murder ballads back in my youth but none got to me like this one. But yeah, Dylan “borrowed” a lot, for sure. Thanks.

[@CaretakerWanted]

Wow, that was intense. I loved how you brought out the guitar and played the song while adding commentary. I should look into buying a Dylan lyrical book.

[@CalicoSilver]

The Dylan lyric book is great to have because it not only has the songs on the albums but also the outtakes. But Dylan changes his lyrics a lot, so some of the lyrics in the book are not quite the same as on the albums. Still, a great resource.

[@sherrievavrichek9604]

Thanks so much for opening my eyes to the musical and poetic elements that had gone over my head! How can this tragedy (I read that the original story was in the newspaper) be shared in a way that stabs me in the heart? By Dylan describing the event it as if he is a helpless and stoic god looking down and understands that Hollis Brown had no choice because he had no hope, and that what he did was actually an act of mercy that took them all straight to heaven. Thanks again! PS I appreciated your guitar demonstration near the end!

[@CalicoSilver]

Thank you for your kind and encouraging comment, Sherrie.

[@MrLeebaxleyjr]

Always been a favorite of mine. Kevn Kinney does a great cover of this.

[@TomFazzini]

Starker than stark, sheer poetry. Thanks Jeff

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks Tom.

[@SandraBonney]

It's dark as but i have always loved this song and love playing and singing it. It reminds me of It's Alright Ma, I'm only bleeding. So I usually play it next.

[@CalicoSilver]

Yes it does remind a bit of the driving force of It's Alright Ma.

[@johnsmusicpassions9740]

your obsevations very apt jeff - i here in thailand i live with a girl who when 5 years old had to walk at dawn to get water for her family - the well was 5 kms away and she did this before school every day - she knows poverty big time i feel so lucky having been born in uk - w=and the irony luck decides where you are born thats why i ain't that keen on nationalism

[@CalicoSilver]

Indeed - we lucky ones have no idea just how lucky we really are. I like to think that I know that I am so very fortunate, but I'm sure I have no idea.

[@SDLearmonth]

Have you heard the electrified version played on the 74 tour? I absolutely love the version performed at the Boston show, you can find it on KZbin

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks!

[@ethanschneider2711]

This one song has more emotion and depth than anything that has been released in the past 20 years by other "popular" artists.

[@CalicoSilver]

That’s the genius of Dylan for sure. Thanks Ethan.

[@TomCwimpRock]

Yes I agree, after all these years “Hollis Brown” stays gripping and captivating every time I play it - as does the entire “Times They Are A Changing” album… Nice little video Jeff , I enjoyed when you got your guitar out. Did you have a chance to read that article on Dylan? After I sent it to you, I re-read it and thought that it might be just too much of a bummer to read -being such an unflattering portrayal of young Bob. Take care.

[@CalicoSilver]

Yes I did read it, thanks! I very much appreciate it.

[@Slothrop67]

Jeff, where have you been? Don't make us worry buddy.

[@CalicoSilver]

Hi Tony. Still here, thanks. I decided a few months ago to take an extended break from posting on KZbin to see if my enthusiasm/inspiration would either increase or fade away with the absence. It hasn't increased, but it hasn't totally faded away yet either, so I will probably post something again at some point. I can say, however, that listening to music without the constant wondering about what I am going to say about it has been a joy. Just listening to music and nothing else. It seems that I'd forgotten some of that over the past 5 years of having this channel. So the break has been good in that regard. Also, in the past 3-4 months I have experienced some significant medical issues that are requiring surgeries and recovery time, so that will play a factor also in when I can return to the channel. In other words, I'm officially OLD now, it seems. Haha! Hope you are doing well. Jeff

[@Slothrop67]

@CalicoSilver Hey Jeff, I'm sorry to hear about your medical problems. I know how it is. My heart is what forced me to retire. I had an operation last month to have a monster kidney stone removed. If you've ever had a kidney stone then you know that's a fresh kind of hell. I hope your operation was successful. I can see how finding a new topic on a regular basis can be a slog. But, you know, you would have been a fantastic English professor. You have the fire. I think you and I may be similar in that we are curious about almost everything. But you are still a teacher. That will probably be in your blood for the rest of your life. But, I'm glad you are still kicking and look forward to seeing you back online.

[@zem1272]

Great to see you Jeff, awesome review… have you ever heard Stephen Stills’ cover?

[@CalicoSilver]

No I haven't, but I'm curious. Thanks.

[@lordbyron6293]

Great song, I really like the Rise Against version too.

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks.

[@deadfdr]

Haven't heard from you in awhile. Hoping all is well!

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks for asking. I’m mainly just not very inspired to post anything lately. I seem to be happier right now to just listen to music and not feel like I have to comment on it. I may eventually post something but I may not also. Anyway, thanks again for your kind concern. Jeff

[@drkombat6458]

Hey Jeff👋 I noticed you deleted all the parts to your 100 favorite albums videos that you did awhile back. Is there anyway you can re upload those back on your channel? I really enjoy that list you had!

[@CalicoSilver]

Hi Dominic. I will respond to your question in a separate comment that I will make on your channel shortly. Jeff

[@Slothrop67]

Hey Jeff, for me the driving guitar and the harrowing circumstances affect me so deeply that I can't listen to it very often. I often think that the rythmn of the guitar underling the obsession that Hollis has once he's made his decision. The song also reminds me, to a certain degree of Grapes of Wrath and an economic system with no mercy (yeah, I'm a tree hugger). In terms of the specifics of the murders, I can't help that Dylan based Hollis Brown on the 1929 Lawson Family murders in NC. Mr Lawson murdered his 7 member family with a shot gun. The Carolina Buddies created a song about it soon after but the music is set to a bizzare and jaunty waltz tune. But, if Dylan did base Hollis Brown on this crime, he moves the location from NC to a cold isolated barren and windy South Dakota location. That small adjustment can make the difference of a lightening bug to a lightening strike. Any word added or taken from the lyrics would weaken the song.

[@CalicoSilver]

I'm sure there were many such stories of this degree of desperation, yes. I've often wondered if the Hollis Brown character was real or inspired by a real event. Thanks for letting me know about the Lawson event. I'm curious.

[@Slothrop67]

I assumed that Dylan came across the original song when he went on the Road trip in 1964 and stopped the Carl Sandburg house and met the poet (possible stopped by the Thomas Wolfe house also). But my dates don't jive. Hollis Brown was written in 1963. Given Dylan's interest in traditional songs, he must have found a trove of future song ideas. BTW, If you do listen to the Carolina Buddies, make sure to listen to The Fatal Flower Garden which is one of the most spine tingling traditional Folk Songs that I've ever heard. I think I came across it by listening to a lot of Alan Lomax's work. I believe he discovered Hard Times on Penny's Farm which Dylan turned into Maggie's Farm.@@CalicoSilver

[@CalicoSilver]

@@Slothrop67 Thanks Tony. Will do. Also, I really want to stop by that Carl Sandberg house in Flat Rock. It’s less than an hour from my house.

[@Slothrop67]

@@CalicoSilver I do too. I would love to see his library. I'm in Clemson so unless we could get to Asheville via hwy 11 we'd have to go north to 26. I love Asheville. We been to several concerts at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. The size is perfect but parking is a beast. Dylan has played there on occasion.

[@CalicoSilver]

@@Slothrop67 I saw Dylan in the Thomas Wolfe venue in April of 2022 - it was a great concert of mostly Rough&RowdyWays tunes (9 of them) and other stuff. The seating was very old, sinking-into-the-cushions and positioned too low relative to the stage, etc., but the sound was good.

[@mariog4707]

I attend a folk club occasionally where some singers have a tendency to sing old English “misery” ballads. I threaten them that if they don’t lighten up I’ll teach them a lesson by doing a full version of Hollis Brown - it’s a much better written, constructed and performed folk song than the usual fare about Napoleonic wars, mining disasters or sunken fishing boats.🤣🤣🤣

[@CalicoSilver]

Haha!!! Indeed!! 👍😉😂

[@alexandervaneijken7741]

Dear Jeff:is this your swansong or just a recharging of the batteries?

[@CalicoSilver]

Just waiting for something to say.and for time/inspiration to say it. Thanks for asking, Alexander.

[@WelcometoTheVoid-kq2wf]

I think Bob is touring near you again if I have my geography and memory right

[@CalicoSilver]

Yes I think he is going to be in this area next month. Looking forward to it.

[@ThatOddChickenHippie]

Listen to the Rise Against cover and let us know how you think it compares. Can't beat Dylan, but i like it still.

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks for the heads-up on this - I'd never heard it or seen the video for it before, but I love it. And the video is spot-on regarding what has happened to farmers in this country. I see family farms shutting down all the time around here, with developers turning beautiful rolling acres of former farmland into expensive, shabbily built pasteboard "homes" crowded next to (or atop) one another. Farmers can't compete with the large corporate farming entities.

[@electricfence61]

How are you keeping Jeff, haven't heard from you in a while man❤

[@CalicoSilver]

I’m doing fine. I’m recovering from a few surgeries and such. Not sure when (or if) I’ll be back to making videos again. I have really enjoyed listening to my music collection without feeling a desire to talk about it so much, haha! But who knows? The urge may return maybe. Anyway, thanks so much for checking in with me. I hope you’re doing well. Cheers!

[@electricfence61]

@@CalicoSilver Thanks so much for getting back to me Jeff, l really appreciate that. Hope all is going well health wise for you now, it can take a while to fully recover from surgery.. I totally understand where you are coming from music wise also! Take care Jeff 🙂

[@CalicoSilver]

@@electricfence61 Thanks Mike. As of a year or so ago, KZbin alerts me of comments by using the commenters' usernames (like "electricfence61") rather than channel names (like "Michael Egan"), so I don't know who the commenter is unless I click on the username and open up the commenter's channel. It is very annoying. Anyway, thanks Mike. I hope to post again soon, if for no other reason than to just say hello now and then to all the great friends like you that I've made here. It is the least I could do. Cheers! Jeff

[@alexandervaneijken7741]

There is a whole school of university professors who confuse complexity with quality. Hollis Brown is indeed straightforward in lyrics but because of the poetic genius of Bob Dylan it has an impact that resonates fifty years on. I must admit that I prefer Hollis Brown to a lot of willfully (I suspect) obscure Dylan lyrics. As soon as it gets(too) personal he tends to ,,hide,, behind metaphors and symbols and biblical quotes that are well nigh unfathomable On the other end of this spectrum are some of the lyrics of John Lennon that find me curling my toes by their sheer platitudes Pure drivel. The story (I love lyrics that tell a story ,such as Mr. Bojangles ) of Mr Brown encompasses a whole world of injustice and misery See you Jeff!

[@CalicoSilver]

I understand precisely, Alexander, and I agree that most times the "simpler" = the most profoundly expressive.

[@markyoung950]

You really have to take a look at Stu Levitan: Bob Dylan Spoken Word

[@johnsmusicpassions9740]

how is your shoulder recovery

[@CalicoSilver]

Still recovering, John. Going through physical therapy which is painful but (I assume) beneficial??? I am out of the sling now and have been sleeping in a bed (albeit wedged upright) for 3 days now. Thanks for asking. Getting better each week. I’m not sure whether I will return to making videos or not. I have been enjoying listening to hours of music in my CD collection for months now and have finally broken free of the urge to feel like I should “say something” about it. Just enjoying the music by itself. I hope you are well, John. Thanks for asking about me. I really appreciate it. Jeff

[@johnsmusicpassions9740]

@@CalicoSilver glad to hear you are moving in the right direction - surgery is traumatic for all bu over 60 and it is major - im ok still get a little insomnia - youtubr still censoring my vids over my politics - i got a strike for showing the cover on abraxas = lewd nude images they said - the global elites are showing cracks abd if trump wins they will be in panic mode - I tend to spend more time on my Rumble channels now as I can play tracks on my videos OK Take care

[@harryzlotzlottos5715]

What have you been listening to lately Jeff….hope you’re doing okay.

[@CalicoSilver]

Hi Harry. Yes, things are OK. Getting old with all the issues that accompany getting old. As for listening to music, I have been listening to a lot of music and enjoying it very much, more so than in years, because I decided to just enjoy music again without having to think about something to say about it. Haha! That’s why I’ve taken a long break from KZbin: to see whether I would miss it or not. Not sure if I will post any more videos yet, but I haven’t decided to abandon my channel just yet either. Time will tell. I hope you are doing well, my friend. Whatever I end up deciding, I’ll keep in touch. Thanks for your concern. Jeff

[@harryzlotzlottos5715]

@@CalicoSilver Whatever you decide in your happy days basement…you have my blessings 😉