"My Back Pages" was written by Bob Dylan and first appeared on his 1964 "Another Side of Bob Dylan" album. It has often been said that the song is about Dylan waving goodbye to his former self - a minstrel who preached and supported protest movements. Now a different artist is emerging - wiser and less naive - not interested in changing the world. I find the song rather obtuse and there's a sense in which Dylan is playing with words and images, enjoying the way they collide rather than setting out a clear agenda. Here the song is performed by The Byrds who recorded at least twenty Dylan songs. Only two of the original five members of that legendary band are still alive today - Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman...
Crimson flames tied through my ears
Rollin' high and mighty traps
Countless with fire on flaming roads
Using ideas as my maps
We'll meet on edges, soon, said I
Proud 'neath heated brow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I'm younger than that now
Half-wracked prejudice leaped forth
Rip down all hate, I screamed
Lies that life is black and white
Spoke from my skull I dreamed
Romantic facts of musketeers
Foundationed deep, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I'm younger than that now
In a soldier's stance, I aimed my hand
At the mongrel dogs who teach
Fearing not that I'd become my enemy
In the instant that I preach
Sisters fled by confusion boats
Mutiny from stern to bow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I'm younger than that now
Ah, but I was so much older then
I'm younger than that now
My guard stood hard when abstract threats
Too noble to neglect
Deceived me into thinking
I had something to protect
Good and bad, I define these terms
Quite clear, no doubt, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I'm younger than that now
Not much of a Dylan fan, though I like his songs sung by others. This one is a favorite.
ReplyDeleteI didn't listen to the clip. I've never been a big Dylan fan or even a little Dylan fan, I think he has one song that I liked and I can't even remember what it was.
ReplyDeleteThe Byrds could sing in tune. Dylan was usually plat. Couldn't stand it for more than a few minutes.
ReplyDeleteThere's truth in the words, 'I was so much older then I'm younger than that now.' I think it's something to do with responsibilities lessening as one grows older, allowing relaxation.
ReplyDeleteI have always liked Dylan and can sing the lyrics to many of his songs but this was never one of them. I liked the song but would only just hum the verses until they came to the last two lines before I jumped in. I guess they were just always two deep or non-sensical for me.
ReplyDeleteDylan was a magnificent wordsmith and although many decry his voice, his songs are his songs and as such, the way he sang them, still does sing them, is also magnificent in my ears. I do like the Byrds's version of this amazing song. Can you imagine a song like this charting these days? Would not happen.
ReplyDelete"Slow Train Coming" is my favourite record by Robert.
ReplyDeleteI only remember that chorus and never knew the lyrics. The video looks like it is about Woodstock?
ReplyDeleteThe Byrds, love their sound.
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