Introduction:
“Mr. Tambourine Man” is an iconic song by the legendary American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. Released in 1965, this folk-rock masterpiece has become one of Dylan’s signature songs, known for its poetic lyrics and captivating melody. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the song and its significance in the world of music.
Did You Know?
- “Mr. Tambourine Man” was not only a hit for Bob Dylan but also a catalyst for the folk-rock movement of the 1960s. It’s often considered one of the songs that helped bridge the gap between traditional folk music and the emerging rock and roll scene.
- The song’s enigmatic lyrics have sparked numerous interpretations. Some see it as a call for escapism and freedom, while others view it as an ode to the creative muse. Bob Dylan himself has described it as his response to feeling alienated and overwhelmed by his newfound fame.
- One of the most famous renditions of “Mr. Tambourine Man” is by The Byrds, whose cover version became a chart-topping hit in 1965. This cover is credited with popularizing the song and introducing it to a broader audience.
Video:
Lyrics:
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for meI’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going toHey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for meIn the jingle jangle morning I’ll come following you
Though I know that evening’s empire has returned into sandVanished from my handLeft me blindly here to stand, but still not sleepingMy weariness amazes me, I’m branded on my feetI have no one to meetAnd the ancient empty street’s too dead for dreaming
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for meI’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going toHey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for meIn the jingle jangle morning I’ll come following you
Take me on a trip upon your magic swirling shipMy senses have been strippedMy hands can’t feel to gripMy toes too numb to stepWait only for my boot heels to be wanderingI’m ready to go anywhere, I’m ready for to fadeInto my own paradeCast your dancing spell my way, I promise to go under it
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for meI’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going toHey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for meIn the jingle jangle morning I’ll come following you
Though you might hear laughing, spinning, swinging madly across the sunIt’s not aimed at anyoneIt’s just escaping on the runAnd but for the sky there are no fences facingAnd if you hear vague traces of skipping reels of rhymeTo your tambourine in timeIt’s just a ragged clown behindI wouldn’t pay it any mindIt’s just a shadow you’re seeing that he’s chasing
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for meI’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going toHey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for meIn the jingle jangle morning I’ll come following you
And take me disappearing through the smoke rings of my mindDown the foggy ruins of timeFar past the frozen leavesThe haunted frightened treesOut to the windy beachFar from the twisted reach of crazy sorrowYes, to dance beneath the diamond skyWith one hand waving freeSilhouetted by the seaCircled by the circus sandsWith all memory and fateDriven deep beneath the wavesLet me forget about today until tomorrow
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for meI’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going toHey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for meIn the jingle jangle morning I’ll come following you
