Bob Dylan — Slow Train
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Length: 5:48
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Sometimes I feel so low-down and disgusted
Can't help but wonder what's happenin' to my companions,
Are they lost or are they found, have they counted the cost it'll take to bring
down
All their earthly principles they're gonna have to abandon?
There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
I had a woman down in Alabama,
She was a backwoods girl, but she sure was realistic,
She said, "Boy, without a doubt, have to quit your mess and straighten out,
You could die down here, be just another accident statistic."
There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
All that foreign oil controlling American soil,
Look around you, it's just bound to make you embarrassed.
Sheiks walkin' around like kings, wearing fancy jewels and nose rings,
Deciding America's future from Amsterdam and to Paris
And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
Man's ego is inflated, his laws are outdated, they don't apply no more,
You can't rely no more to be standin' around waitin'
In the home of the brave, Jefferson turnin' over in his grave,
Fools glorifying themselves, trying to manipulate Satan
And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
Big-time negotiators, false healers and woman haters,
Masters of the bluff and masters of the proposition
But the enemy I see wears a cloak of decency,
All non-believers and men stealers talkin' in the name of religion
And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
People starving and thirsting, grain elevators are bursting
Oh, you know it costs more to store the food than it do to give it.
They say lose your inhibitions, follow your own ambitions,
They talk about a life of brotherly love, show me someone who knows how to
live it. There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
Well, my baby went to Illinois with some bad-talkin' boy she could destroy
A real suicide case, but there was nothin' I could do to stop it,
I don't care about economy, I don't care about astronomy
But it sure do bother me to see my loved ones turning into puppets,
There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
Can't help but wonder what's happenin' to my companions,
Are they lost or are they found, have they counted the cost it'll take to bring
down
All their earthly principles they're gonna have to abandon?
There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
I had a woman down in Alabama,
She was a backwoods girl, but she sure was realistic,
She said, "Boy, without a doubt, have to quit your mess and straighten out,
You could die down here, be just another accident statistic."
There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
All that foreign oil controlling American soil,
Look around you, it's just bound to make you embarrassed.
Sheiks walkin' around like kings, wearing fancy jewels and nose rings,
Deciding America's future from Amsterdam and to Paris
And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
Man's ego is inflated, his laws are outdated, they don't apply no more,
You can't rely no more to be standin' around waitin'
In the home of the brave, Jefferson turnin' over in his grave,
Fools glorifying themselves, trying to manipulate Satan
And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
Big-time negotiators, false healers and woman haters,
Masters of the bluff and masters of the proposition
But the enemy I see wears a cloak of decency,
All non-believers and men stealers talkin' in the name of religion
And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
People starving and thirsting, grain elevators are bursting
Oh, you know it costs more to store the food than it do to give it.
They say lose your inhibitions, follow your own ambitions,
They talk about a life of brotherly love, show me someone who knows how to
live it. There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
Well, my baby went to Illinois with some bad-talkin' boy she could destroy
A real suicide case, but there was nothin' I could do to stop it,
I don't care about economy, I don't care about astronomy
But it sure do bother me to see my loved ones turning into puppets,
There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
Comments (132)add comment
One of Dylan's best. It's an exposition of why he's a lyrical genius!
I'm surprised more rappers don't cover Bob Dylan songs. Seriously though. Just reading the lyrics to this song and I can hear Eminem passionately spitting this one out.
stegokitty wrote:
Complete mumblefuck!
Released: 1979-08-20
Your imaginary friend is way overdue for an appearance ... no webcam, no website ... not even email.
It's long past showtime
Put up or STFU
But since that's not the case, and there is not only "a god" but THE God, then there absolutely is a day of judgment, and we will all face it.
But God has made the way for you to escape the wrath that is already upon us, and which will be upon us all in the full, and that is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and repentance of your own self-righteousness and wickedness. Cheers.
Complete mumblefuck!
Released: 1979-08-20
Your imaginary friend is way overdue for an appearance ... no webcam, no website ... not even email.
It's long past showtime
Put up or STFU
stegokitty wrote:
The "slow train comin'" is supposed to be the return of Christ and the judgment of all men. This was the first album Bob released after becoming a Christian. He's simply saying that, though people will come and go, and do evil in their lives, thinking they're going to get away with it for "where is the sign of His coming? All things are the way they've always been and every shall be," but like Bob is saying, the judgment is sure, even if it seems like it's taking a long time to get here. We will all indeed be judged on the Last Day for what we've done while in our bodies, whether good or evil, and we shall be rewarded thusly. Bank on it.
Amen
The "slow train comin'" is supposed to be the return of Christ and the judgment of all men. This was the first album Bob released after becoming a Christian. He's simply saying that, though people will come and go, and do evil in their lives, thinking they're going to get away with it for "where is the sign of His coming? All things are the way they've always been and every shall be," but like Bob is saying, the judgment is sure, even if it seems like it's taking a long time to get here. We will all indeed be judged on the Last Day for what we've done while in our bodies, whether good or evil, and we shall be rewarded thusly. Bank on it.
Amen
DocStrangelove wrote:
god
or
no god
homo sapiens'
judgement
day
is coming.
we done fucked up real bad.
That makes no sense at all. If there's no God then there is no judgment. Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow you die. And no matter if you're the nicest person in the world, you're going to the same place as the worst person in the world. Then again, such designations as "best and worst" in relation to "good and eviil" cannot exist without objective truth and ethics that is above whatever the latest "morality" is. Otherwise anything goes, and there is no right or wrong. But since that's not the case, and there is not only "a god" but THE God, then there absolutely is a day of judgment, and we will all face it.
The only thing you got right is that "we done fucked up real bad". The question is, are you going to attempt to stand in your own righteousness? If so, count on nothing but everlasting destruction. I don't know what that means and don't plan to find out. But God has made the way for you to escape the wrath that is already upon us, and which will be upon us all in the full, and that is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and repentance of your own self-righteousness and wickedness. Cheers.
god
or
no god
homo sapiens'
judgement
day
is coming.
we done fucked up real bad.
That makes no sense at all. If there's no God then there is no judgment. Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow you die. And no matter if you're the nicest person in the world, you're going to the same place as the worst person in the world. Then again, such designations as "best and worst" in relation to "good and eviil" cannot exist without objective truth and ethics that is above whatever the latest "morality" is. Otherwise anything goes, and there is no right or wrong. But since that's not the case, and there is not only "a god" but THE God, then there absolutely is a day of judgment, and we will all face it.
The only thing you got right is that "we done fucked up real bad". The question is, are you going to attempt to stand in your own righteousness? If so, count on nothing but everlasting destruction. I don't know what that means and don't plan to find out. But God has made the way for you to escape the wrath that is already upon us, and which will be upon us all in the full, and that is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and repentance of your own self-righteousness and wickedness. Cheers.
Jelani wrote:
The "slow train comin'" is supposed to be the return of Christ and the judgment of all men. This was the first album Bob released after becoming a Christian. He's simply saying that, though people will come and go, and do evil in their lives, thinking they're going to get away with it for "where is the sign of His coming? All things are the way they've always been and every shall be," but like Bob is saying, the judgment is sure, even if it seems like it's taking a long time to get here. We will all indeed be judged on the Last Day for what we've done while in our bodies, whether good or evil, and we shall be rewarded thusly. Bank on it.
The "slow train comin'" is supposed to be the return of Christ and the judgment of all men. This was the first album Bob released after becoming a Christian. He's simply saying that, though people will come and go, and do evil in their lives, thinking they're going to get away with it for "where is the sign of His coming? All things are the way they've always been and every shall be," but like Bob is saying, the judgment is sure, even if it seems like it's taking a long time to get here. We will all indeed be judged on the Last Day for what we've done while in our bodies, whether good or evil, and we shall be rewarded thusly. Bank on it.
How freakin’ relevant
"Attention all passengers. Train arriving now on track Omega.
Don't need no baggage, you just get on board."
Don't need no baggage, you just get on board."
I thought for a second when this song first came on this morning that he was singing scat, not actual words. Just Dylan being as Dylan, being as Dylan as he can. Reminded me of the story, perhaps apocryphal, from the We Are the World recording sessions, with other singers coaching Dylan on how to sound more like Dylan.
Webfoot wrote:
Ou yeah, once upon a time in the West..
Mark Knopfler!?
Ou yeah, once upon a time in the West..
a_genuine_find wrote:
A belated answer to your question - yes it is Knopfler on lead guitar
Sounds like Mark Knopfler on guitar, is it?
A belated answer to your question - yes it is Knopfler on lead guitar
who is this guy and why is he not famous?!?!?!?
sing on, brother bob
please tour the US again
back on highway 61, in the bootheel of se iowa
please tour the US again
back on highway 61, in the bootheel of se iowa
He played the homecoming concert at the U. of Alabama in 1989 (90?). Worst concert ever. It would've been better had he actually phoned it in. He didn't seem too happy to be in Tuscaloosa. Yeah, I can imagine why, but don't take the money.
you have to be Dylan's biggest fan
Webfoot wrote:
Yes and Pick Withers on drums from original Dire Straits line up in 1978/9
Mark Knopfler!?
Yes and Pick Withers on drums from original Dire Straits line up in 1978/9
Everything is great about this track -- the lyrics, the delivery, the attitude, the individual members of the band (guitar! drums! horns! organ!), and the production. I listened to this album obsessively when it came out and I was just 14 -- drove my older brother crazy.
It was my ticket to a passenger seat on the Bob Dylan bus -- I'm grateful to have grown up listening to such a profoundly expressive and challenging artist while he/she was producing such high-quality work. You knew what it was like to look forward to something and have it be great; to look forward to something and have it fall short; to have given up and have it unexpectedly turn out to be transcendent. This can be said about Dylan albums and Dylan concerts over this period.
It was my ticket to a passenger seat on the Bob Dylan bus -- I'm grateful to have grown up listening to such a profoundly expressive and challenging artist while he/she was producing such high-quality work. You knew what it was like to look forward to something and have it be great; to look forward to something and have it fall short; to have given up and have it unexpectedly turn out to be transcendent. This can be said about Dylan albums and Dylan concerts over this period.
Just a little bit borrowed from Cream's Strange Brew. Bad bad Bobby Zimmerman.
Steve_Bumgardner wrote:
This tune was released in 1979
Written during the Obama administration, right? You really don't want to go there.
BCarn wrote:
BCarn wrote:
"Big-time negotiators, false healers and woman haters,..."
Smells of the current buffoon, and his cronies, or rather his swamp, in the White House.
Smells of the current buffoon, and his cronies, or rather his swamp, in the White House.
This tune was released in 1979
My first Dylan album given to me by my mom at age 14. Wore it out and was so inspired by it. Most do not stop to think that they really are serving something other than themselves. Like Bob says "Man's ego's inflated".
Nice to see the appreciation for this masterpiece has grown over the years.
What a pleasure to hear it here! Hats off!
Nice to see the appreciation for this masterpiece has grown over the years.
What a pleasure to hear it here! Hats off!
Written during the Obama administration, right? You really don't want to go there.
BCarn wrote:
BCarn wrote:
"Big-time negotiators, false healers and woman haters,..."
Smells of the current buffoon, and his cronies, or rather his swamp, in the White House.
Smells of the current buffoon, and his cronies, or rather his swamp, in the White House.
It's astounding when you really think about how quickly he absorbed Christianity, pumped out a couple of really good gospel records and then moved on to the next thing... as he did many times over...
This is a great song on a great album.
This is a great song on a great album.
Mark Knopfler!?
Wonderful song from a wonderful album. One of the few musicians that can make God-squadding put a smile on your face.
Have a listen to God Named All The Animals off the same album.
Have a listen to God Named All The Animals off the same album.
Bob had such a great band on this album! One of my favourite Bob albums just because of that.
Shesdifferent wrote:
Dylan was observant not a prophet. Same as it always was.
Dylan was observant not a prophet. Same as it always was.
BCarn wrote:
The WH is a freaking cycle of (mostly) jerks, from Nixon/Ford/Carter (when this came out0 to Bush/Obama/trump (now, and just as appropriate to the tune.) I'll quote the current dude and just say:
SAD
And I'd go +1 if it wasn't a 10 already....LLRP!!
"Big-time negotiators, false healers and woman haters,..."
Smells of the current buffoon, and his cronies, or rather his swamp, in the White House.
Smells of the current buffoon, and his cronies, or rather his swamp, in the White House.
The WH is a freaking cycle of (mostly) jerks, from Nixon/Ford/Carter (when this came out0 to Bush/Obama/trump (now, and just as appropriate to the tune.) I'll quote the current dude and just say:
SAD
And I'd go +1 if it wasn't a 10 already....LLRP!!
good
"Big-time negotiators, false healers and woman haters,..."
Smells of the current buffoon, and his cronies, or rather his swamp, in the White House.
Smells of the current buffoon, and his cronies, or rather his swamp, in the White House.
Shesdifferent wrote:
He's talking about the way it's always been, Slow train coming that never actually arrives, but it's always coming. And of course, it's never good.
God, just read the lyrics......he's talking today's crazy insane America...refreshing to hear......
Sometimes I feel so low-down and disgusted
Can't help but wonder what's happenin' to my companions,
Are they lost or are they found, have they counted the cost it'll take to bring
down
All their earthly principles they're gonna have to abandon?
There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
I had a woman down in Alabama,
She was a backwoods girl, but she sure was realistic,
She said, "Boy, without a doubt, have to quit your mess and straighten out,
You could die down here, be just another accident statistic."
There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
All that foreign oil controlling American soil,
Look around you, it's just bound to make you embarrassed.
Sheiks walkin' around like kings, wearing fancy jewels and nose rings,
Deciding America's future from Amsterdam and to Paris
And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
Man's ego is inflated, his laws are outdated, they don't apply no more,
You can't rely no more to be standin' around waitin'
In the home of the brave, Jefferson turnin' over in his grave,
Fools glorifying themselves, trying to manipulate Satan
And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
Big-time negotiators, false healers and woman haters,
Masters of the bluff and masters of the proposition
But the enemy I see wears a cloak of decency,
All non-believers and men stealers talkin' in the name of religion
And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
People starving and thirsting, grain elevators are bursting
Oh, you know it costs more to store the food than it do to give it.
They say lose your inhibitions, follow your own ambitions,
They talk about a life of brotherly love, show me someone who knows how to
live it. There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
Well, my baby went to Illinois with some bad-talkin' boy she could destroy
A real suicide case, but there was nothin' I could do to stop it,
I don't care about economy, I don't care about astronomy
But it sure do bother me to see my loved ones turning into puppets,
There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
Sometimes I feel so low-down and disgusted
Can't help but wonder what's happenin' to my companions,
Are they lost or are they found, have they counted the cost it'll take to bring
down
All their earthly principles they're gonna have to abandon?
There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
I had a woman down in Alabama,
She was a backwoods girl, but she sure was realistic,
She said, "Boy, without a doubt, have to quit your mess and straighten out,
You could die down here, be just another accident statistic."
There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
All that foreign oil controlling American soil,
Look around you, it's just bound to make you embarrassed.
Sheiks walkin' around like kings, wearing fancy jewels and nose rings,
Deciding America's future from Amsterdam and to Paris
And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
Man's ego is inflated, his laws are outdated, they don't apply no more,
You can't rely no more to be standin' around waitin'
In the home of the brave, Jefferson turnin' over in his grave,
Fools glorifying themselves, trying to manipulate Satan
And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
Big-time negotiators, false healers and woman haters,
Masters of the bluff and masters of the proposition
But the enemy I see wears a cloak of decency,
All non-believers and men stealers talkin' in the name of religion
And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
People starving and thirsting, grain elevators are bursting
Oh, you know it costs more to store the food than it do to give it.
They say lose your inhibitions, follow your own ambitions,
They talk about a life of brotherly love, show me someone who knows how to
live it. There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
Well, my baby went to Illinois with some bad-talkin' boy she could destroy
A real suicide case, but there was nothin' I could do to stop it,
I don't care about economy, I don't care about astronomy
But it sure do bother me to see my loved ones turning into puppets,
There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
He's talking about the way it's always been, Slow train coming that never actually arrives, but it's always coming. And of course, it's never good.
Am thinkin' here that Dylan's best music came out during the 1970s.
God, just read the lyrics......he's talking today's crazy insane America...refreshing to hear......
Sometimes I feel so low-down and disgusted
Can't help but wonder what's happenin' to my companions,
Are they lost or are they found, have they counted the cost it'll take to bring
down
All their earthly principles they're gonna have to abandon?
There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
I had a woman down in Alabama,
She was a backwoods girl, but she sure was realistic,
She said, "Boy, without a doubt, have to quit your mess and straighten out,
You could die down here, be just another accident statistic."
There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
All that foreign oil controlling American soil,
Look around you, it's just bound to make you embarrassed.
Sheiks walkin' around like kings, wearing fancy jewels and nose rings,
Deciding America's future from Amsterdam and to Paris
And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
Man's ego is inflated, his laws are outdated, they don't apply no more,
You can't rely no more to be standin' around waitin'
In the home of the brave, Jefferson turnin' over in his grave,
Fools glorifying themselves, trying to manipulate Satan
And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
Big-time negotiators, false healers and woman haters,
Masters of the bluff and masters of the proposition
But the enemy I see wears a cloak of decency,
All non-believers and men stealers talkin' in the name of religion
And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
People starving and thirsting, grain elevators are bursting
Oh, you know it costs more to store the food than it do to give it.
They say lose your inhibitions, follow your own ambitions,
They talk about a life of brotherly love, show me someone who knows how to
live it. There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
Well, my baby went to Illinois with some bad-talkin' boy she could destroy
A real suicide case, but there was nothin' I could do to stop it,
I don't care about economy, I don't care about astronomy
But it sure do bother me to see my loved ones turning into puppets,
There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
Sometimes I feel so low-down and disgusted
Can't help but wonder what's happenin' to my companions,
Are they lost or are they found, have they counted the cost it'll take to bring
down
All their earthly principles they're gonna have to abandon?
There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
I had a woman down in Alabama,
She was a backwoods girl, but she sure was realistic,
She said, "Boy, without a doubt, have to quit your mess and straighten out,
You could die down here, be just another accident statistic."
There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
All that foreign oil controlling American soil,
Look around you, it's just bound to make you embarrassed.
Sheiks walkin' around like kings, wearing fancy jewels and nose rings,
Deciding America's future from Amsterdam and to Paris
And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
Man's ego is inflated, his laws are outdated, they don't apply no more,
You can't rely no more to be standin' around waitin'
In the home of the brave, Jefferson turnin' over in his grave,
Fools glorifying themselves, trying to manipulate Satan
And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
Big-time negotiators, false healers and woman haters,
Masters of the bluff and masters of the proposition
But the enemy I see wears a cloak of decency,
All non-believers and men stealers talkin' in the name of religion
And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
People starving and thirsting, grain elevators are bursting
Oh, you know it costs more to store the food than it do to give it.
They say lose your inhibitions, follow your own ambitions,
They talk about a life of brotherly love, show me someone who knows how to
live it. There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
Well, my baby went to Illinois with some bad-talkin' boy she could destroy
A real suicide case, but there was nothin' I could do to stop it,
I don't care about economy, I don't care about astronomy
But it sure do bother me to see my loved ones turning into puppets,
There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
I've not heard this song before, and I like it a lot more than most Dylan.
The lyrics are particularly prescient, though...
"Man's ego is inflated, his laws are outdated, they don't apply no more,
You can't rely no more to be standin' around waitin'
In the home of the brave, Jefferson turnin' over in his grave,
Fools glorifying themselves, trying to manipulate Satan
And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend."
The lyrics are particularly prescient, though...
"Man's ego is inflated, his laws are outdated, they don't apply no more,
You can't rely no more to be standin' around waitin'
In the home of the brave, Jefferson turnin' over in his grave,
Fools glorifying themselves, trying to manipulate Satan
And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend."
lizardking wrote:
I typically do ignore that track ;-) If ever there was a throwaway cut I'd say that was it. Although a lot of the experts' reviews slam "Gotta Serve Somebody" as a 'not-quite-up-to-Bob-quality' track, and I guess I get that.
And the line you mention is both insightful and understandable, less surrealism here than in most of his recordings. I'm still a huge fan of the (OSCAR WINNING) track "Things of Changed" - my favorite line from that is "You can hurt someone and not even know it." Pretty straightforward that is, whereas most of the lyrics for "Visions of Johanna" cannot be taken literally (as one example) nor the lyrics for "Mr. Tambourine Man" either. And I say that's BRILLIANCE defined; his ability to express so many different emotions still astounds me, and I have no qualms with his Nobel prize. Heck, the more I try to write something intelligent about BD songs, the more I feel completely inadequate as a writer. Makes me feel like a kindergarten student drawing stick figures compared to Picasso's work. Just a completely different talent level, and I can clearly see how Dylan himself would say he sold his soul to the devil in order to have these skills. LONG LIVE RP!!
If you care about Dylan or respect his work, check out this clip from his 2004 interview with Ed Bradley. Bob saws that his early songs were almost magically written and he doesn't know he did it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_wAZ02JUtM
There are other clips from that interview floating around on YouTube. FWIW, Dylan confesses to Bradley in another clip that he deliberately released crappy albums in the 70s to dampen the adulation directed at him...
I think to hear the whole interview, you have to go to this page
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/6...
and sign up for CBS All Access.
I typically do ignore that track ;-) If ever there was a throwaway cut I'd say that was it. Although a lot of the experts' reviews slam "Gotta Serve Somebody" as a 'not-quite-up-to-Bob-quality' track, and I guess I get that.
And the line you mention is both insightful and understandable, less surrealism here than in most of his recordings. I'm still a huge fan of the (OSCAR WINNING) track "Things of Changed" - my favorite line from that is "You can hurt someone and not even know it." Pretty straightforward that is, whereas most of the lyrics for "Visions of Johanna" cannot be taken literally (as one example) nor the lyrics for "Mr. Tambourine Man" either. And I say that's BRILLIANCE defined; his ability to express so many different emotions still astounds me, and I have no qualms with his Nobel prize. Heck, the more I try to write something intelligent about BD songs, the more I feel completely inadequate as a writer. Makes me feel like a kindergarten student drawing stick figures compared to Picasso's work. Just a completely different talent level, and I can clearly see how Dylan himself would say he sold his soul to the devil in order to have these skills. LONG LIVE RP!!
If you care about Dylan or respect his work, check out this clip from his 2004 interview with Ed Bradley. Bob saws that his early songs were almost magically written and he doesn't know he did it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_wAZ02JUtM
There are other clips from that interview floating around on YouTube. FWIW, Dylan confesses to Bradley in another clip that he deliberately released crappy albums in the 70s to dampen the adulation directed at him...
I think to hear the whole interview, you have to go to this page
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/6...
and sign up for CBS All Access.
Bobby is on the train and touring again. Going south and then northeast. But he ain't coming to midwest...yet.
Is this a different/remixed/unreleased version of this song? It isn't what I remember.
Hey...we all gotta serve somebody.
Up around the bend
That's a 10!
That's a 10!
god
or
no god
homo sapiens'
judgement
day
is coming.
we done fucked up real bad.
Dark Times. This and Nebraska .....................................................
Steely_D wrote:
Ignoring "Man gave names to all the animals" there are some potent ideas in here, even if you're not born again.
"I gaze into the doorway of temptation's angry flame
And every time I pass that way I always hear my name"
is one of the more moving, insightful lines he's ever written.
Ignoring "Man gave names to all the animals" there are some potent ideas in here, even if you're not born again.
"I gaze into the doorway of temptation's angry flame
And every time I pass that way I always hear my name"
is one of the more moving, insightful lines he's ever written.
I typically do ignore that track ;-) If ever there was a throwaway cut I'd say that was it. Although a lot of the experts' reviews slam "Gotta Serve Somebody" as a 'not-quite-up-to-Bob-quality' track, and I guess I get that.
And the line you mention is both insightful and understandable, less surrealism here than in most of his recordings. I'm still a huge fan of the (OSCAR WINNING) track "Things of Changed" - my favorite line from that is "You can hurt someone and not even know it." Pretty straightforward that is, whereas most of the lyrics for "Visions of Johanna" cannot be taken literally (as one example) nor the lyrics for "Mr. Tambourine Man" either. And I say that's BRILLIANCE defined; his ability to express so many different emotions still astounds me, and I have no qualms with his Nobel prize. Heck, the more I try to write something intelligent about BD songs, the more I feel completely inadequate as a writer. Makes me feel like a kindergarten student drawing stick figures compared to Picasso's work. Just a completely different talent level, and I can clearly see how Dylan himself would say he sold his soul to the devil in order to have these skills. LONG LIVE RP!!
lizardking wrote:
Amazing how a "religious" album can be relevant and impactful to non-religious people, with me at the top of the list. I am NOT a religious person, yet when I first found this album it resonated with me. The impending doom, the idea of salvation and serving a master, wittingly or otherwise; all great themes by the master. Glad this track gets played here and has a suitably high rating (7.2) for a BD song. Maybe it's the lack of harmonica? Anyways, this one gets a 9 rating from me with thoughts of a 10 for the timeframe in my life I found this song (i.e. shortly after 9/11) - I'm also a fan of Precious Angel on this album even with all the religious implications.
Ignoring "Man gave names to all the animals" there are some potent ideas in here, even if you're not born again.
"I gaze into the doorway of temptation's angry flame
And every time I pass that way I always hear my name"
is one of the more moving, insightful lines he's ever written.
Amazing how a "religious" album can be relevant and impactful to non-religious people, with me at the top of the list. I am NOT a religious person, yet when I first found this album it resonated with me. The impending doom, the idea of salvation and serving a master, wittingly or otherwise; all great themes by the master. Glad this track gets played here and has a suitably high rating (7.2) for a BD song. Maybe it's the lack of harmonica? Anyways, this one gets a 9 rating from me with thoughts of a 10 for the timeframe in my life I found this song (i.e. shortly after 9/11) - I'm also a fan of Precious Angel on this album even with all the religious implications.
I'm also a fan of the Dylan & the Dead album this was on (and "Joey" from that album.) PEACE and Long Live RP!!
Ignoring "Man gave names to all the animals" there are some potent ideas in here, even if you're not born again.
"I gaze into the doorway of temptation's angry flame
And every time I pass that way I always hear my name"
is one of the more moving, insightful lines he's ever written.
zesty ! read some of the comments posted/ did not realize the dire straits connection but makes sense / not the last calaboration either the infedels release produced and marc plays most of the guitars as well if my memory serves me / equally zesty! jmsmy wrote:
Did he write this yesterday or 38 years ago. The whole album is more relevant now more than ever.
Now that's a slow train.
Now that's a slow train.
Amazing how a "religious" album can be relevant and impactful to non-religious people, with me at the top of the list. I am NOT a religious person, yet when I first found this album it resonated with me. The impending doom, the idea of salvation and serving a master, wittingly or otherwise; all great themes by the master. Glad this track gets played here and has a suitably high rating (7.2) for a BD song. Maybe it's the lack of harmonica? Anyways, this one gets a 9 rating from me with thoughts of a 10 for the timeframe in my life I found this song (i.e. shortly after 9/11) - I'm also a fan of Precious Angel on this album even with all the religious implications.
I'm also a fan of the Dylan & the Dead album this was on (and "Joey" from that album.) PEACE and Long Live RP!!
Did he write this yesterday or 38 years ago. The whole album is more relevant now more than ever.
Now that's a slow train.
Now that's a slow train.
revolution rides a slow train
Slow Song Leaving.
justin4kick wrote:
musically this song has sort of a "once upon a time in the west" by dire straits vibe.
Had to check on the Knopfler-sound on this one and found out on Wikipedia:
Recording sessions
Dylan first heard Mark Knopfler when assistant and engineer Arthur Rosato played him the Dire Straits single, "Sultans of Swing". Later, on March 29, 1979, Dylan caught the final show of a Dire Straits' residency at the Roxy in Los Angeles, California. Dylan approached Knopfler after the show, asking the guitarist to participate on his next album. Knopfler agreed, unaware of the religious nature of the material that awaited him.
musically this song has sort of a "once upon a time in the west" by dire straits vibe.
cShaggy wrote:
I have been saved in Paradise from an angry mob of tone-deaf peasants... everybody in my mushrooming multitude of elevators loves this groovy song... this is a really profound song from a Dylan deep album... and the music is groovy... hope life is grand for you this nude year, cShaggy!
..WHERE has romeotuma disappeared to?..his Las Vegas hotel room appears empty now-!..
I have been saved in Paradise from an angry mob of tone-deaf peasants... everybody in my mushrooming multitude of elevators loves this groovy song... this is a really profound song from a Dylan deep album... and the music is groovy... hope life is grand for you this nude year, cShaggy!
kingart wrote:
Nah. That's Radioactive from Imagine Dragons..."welcome to the new age, to the new age"
Mr. Trump's inauguration theme song.
Nah. That's Radioactive from Imagine Dragons..."welcome to the new age, to the new age"
We will get Mr. Bonamassa's same-title cut next?
Mr. Trump's inauguration theme song.
Had to check on the Knopfler-sound on this one and found out on Wikipedia:
Recording sessions
Dylan first heard Mark Knopfler when assistant and engineer Arthur Rosato played him the Dire Straits single, "Sultans of Swing". Later, on March 29, 1979, Dylan caught the final show of a Dire Straits' residency at the Roxy in Los Angeles, California. Dylan approached Knopfler after the show, asking the guitarist to participate on his next album. Knopfler agreed, unaware of the religious nature of the material that awaited him.
his phrasing is amazing - at his peak during this time
Great to hear this. Gave the vinyl many spins when it came out.
back when we had albums, I wore this one out
I was bracing for that annoying mouth harp to kick in, but then it didn't come. So Dylan can sound pretty nice after all :)
bill-1956 wrote:
This is my favorite Dylan album and among my favorite albums. Love the Knopfler guitar on this song. I am not religious at all but the songs to this album are open to interpretation by all.
I had a woman down in Alabama
She was a backwoods girl, but she sure was realistic
She said, Boy, without a doubt, have to quit your mess and straighten out
You could die down here, be just another accident statistic
There's slow, slow train coming up around the bend.
Very good album.
This is my favorite Dylan album and among my favorite albums. Love the Knopfler guitar on this song. I am not religious at all but the songs to this album are open to interpretation by all.
I had a woman down in Alabama
She was a backwoods girl, but she sure was realistic
She said, Boy, without a doubt, have to quit your mess and straighten out
You could die down here, be just another accident statistic
There's slow, slow train coming up around the bend.
Very good album.
cbfitty wrote:
When you think of Bob's collection, this is about 19 years into it. It ain't really that old. Besides, who else would play ANYTHING off this album but RP?
Of all the Dylan songs ,why this?
Please play something besides oldies......
Please play something besides oldies......
When you think of Bob's collection, this is about 19 years into it. It ain't really that old. Besides, who else would play ANYTHING off this album but RP?
Come to think of it that is a damn fine song
a great song off a great album - keep those trains a coming
cbfitty wrote:
Oldies? Oldies? I'm listening to the lyrics. It speaks today's language. Nothing's changed since he wrote it.
Of all the Dylan songs ,why this?
Please play something besides oldies......
Please play something besides oldies......
Oldies? Oldies? I'm listening to the lyrics. It speaks today's language. Nothing's changed since he wrote it.
Had to mute the Eurovision Song Contest when I saw that this was playing. Seriously, this song is just wonderful. The whole album is.
Bob Dylan, my Savior, my friend and neighbor, my (yours too) brother and teacher. He means a great deal
ploba wrote:
indeed, I ride a bus that serves a high school. most of the kids have no clue what Jefferson tried to tell us. no truth is taught in U.S. schools anymore.
"in the home of the brave
jefferson's turning over in his grave"
appropo of today's events i would say
jefferson's turning over in his grave"
appropo of today's events i would say
indeed, I ride a bus that serves a high school. most of the kids have no clue what Jefferson tried to tell us. no truth is taught in U.S. schools anymore.
I wonder if Born Again Bob ran for office how many votes he'd get? 1 percent?
MirageRF wrote:
Free trade is a free market principle.
Can we forget about politics, please.
"Free trade" is oxymoronic... nothing is free in trade... nothing is free on the markets...
and it is incredibly ironic that you want to "forget about politics" while you listen to this political song... just read some of Dylan's lyrics that you hear him sing while you lament the subject of politics—
everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches be dancing buck ass naked all over the world like bowlegged gypsy muleskinners... we love this political song... it tweaks our nipples... love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...
Free trade is a free market principle.
Can we forget about politics, please.
"Free trade" is oxymoronic... nothing is free in trade... nothing is free on the markets...
and it is incredibly ironic that you want to "forget about politics" while you listen to this political song... just read some of Dylan's lyrics that you hear him sing while you lament the subject of politics—
All that foreign oil controlling American soil
Look around you, it's just bound to make you embarrassed
Sheiks walkin' around like kings, wearing fancy jewels and nose rings
Deciding America's future from Amsterdam and to Paris
And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend...
People starving and thirsting, grain elevators are bursting
Oh, you know it costs more to store the food than it do to give it
They say, "Lose your inhibitions, follow your own ambitions"
They talk about a life of brotherly love
Show me someone who knows how to live it
There's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend...
everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches be dancing buck ass naked all over the world like bowlegged gypsy muleskinners... we love this political song... it tweaks our nipples... love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...
"in the home of the brave
jefferson's turning over in his grave"
appropo of today's events i would say
jefferson's turning over in his grave"
appropo of today's events i would say
Finally a song from BD I dig...
Lazarus wrote:
This song is marvelous... love it...
Free trade is a free market principle.
Can we forget about politics, please.
This song is marvelous... love it...
If people knew what was going on, they would stop it
by Elizabeth Warren on her blog
Right now the U.S. Trade Representative is negotiating a Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal with eleven countries, including Japan, Mexico, Canada, Singapore and Vietnam. For months, the Trade Representative has refused any public access to the Trans-Pacific Partnership's composite bracketed text – the language proposals being negotiated on by the United States and other countries.
I believe in transparency and democracy, and I think the U.S. Trade Representative should too...
Free trade is a free market principle.
Can we forget about politics, please.
Lazarus wrote:
This song is marvelous... love it...
THE FEW JOBS WE HAVE ARE GOING AWAY AS SOON AS THE CORPRATE OWNED CONGRESS, A-HOLES CAN RAM THIS UP OUR A$$E$
This song is marvelous... love it...
If people knew what was going on, they would stop it
by Elizabeth Warren on her blog
Right now the U.S. Trade Representative is negotiating a Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal with eleven countries, including Japan, Mexico, Canada, Singapore and Vietnam. For months, the Trade Representative has refused any public access to the Trans-Pacific Partnership's composite bracketed text – the language proposals being negotiated on by the United States and other countries.
I believe in transparency and democracy, and I think the U.S. Trade Representative should too...
THE FEW JOBS WE HAVE ARE GOING AWAY AS SOON AS THE CORPRATE OWNED CONGRESS, A-HOLES CAN RAM THIS UP OUR A$$E$
This song is marvelous... love it...
Good sounds :)
What are you trying to say, Bill? ;)
cShaggy wrote:
I have been saved!
Everybody in my church loves this song...
..WHERE has romeotuma disappeared to?..his Las Vegas hotel room appears empty now-!..
I have been saved!
Everybody in my church loves this song...
Of all the Dylan songs ,why this?
Please play something besides oldies......
Please play something besides oldies......
Poacher wrote:
I have similar feelings about Mark Knopfler, who usually bores me to death. Here, he seems to have found something to really unty his talent.
I am in shock. . . a Dylan song I actually like. OK, mostly because of the guitar and the beat, but I am here to stand up and say - from a long term and committed anti-Dylan-ite - this is pretty good.
8.
8.
I have similar feelings about Mark Knopfler, who usually bores me to death. Here, he seems to have found something to really unty his talent.
Poacher wrote:
I am in shock. . . a Dylan song I actually like. OK, mostly because of the guitar and the beat, but I am here to stand up and say - from a long term and committed anti-Dylan-ite - this is pretty good.
Thanks for saving my time - my exact thoughts on this. Dylan for the anti-Dylanites.
..WHERE has romeotuma disappeared to?..his Las Vegas hotel room appears empty now-!..
(former member) wrote:
Everybody in my hotel room loves this song...
Bob Dylan has a new album out called Tempest— if you would like to read more information about his new album, look here...
(former member) wrote:
Everybody in my hotel room loves this song...
Bob Dylan has a new album out called Tempest— if you would like to read more information about his new album, look here...
Poacher wrote:
Welcome into the fold, my son. ; )
I am in shock. . . a Dylan song I actually like. OK, mostly because of the guitar and the beat, but I am here to stand up and say - from a long term and committed anti-Dylan-ite - this is pretty good.
8.
8.
Welcome into the fold, my son. ; )
Best tune on this LP is When You Gonna Wake Up
Jelani wrote:
Didn't know that Knopfler played on this album. He produced "Infidels" for Bob around this time, although Knopfler apparently didn't enjoy the experience.
That opening guitar lick sounded like a cross between Mark Knopfler and BB King.
Edit: I see from the previous comments now that it is actually MK.!
Edit: I see from the previous comments now that it is actually MK.!
Didn't know that Knopfler played on this album. He produced "Infidels" for Bob around this time, although Knopfler apparently didn't enjoy the experience.
I was just going to write "damn! Bob tooks some guitar lessons from MK" when you announced that it was in fact Mark.
That guitar automatically makes me like it - even with Bob's voice over it!
That guitar automatically makes me like it - even with Bob's voice over it!
I am in shock. . . a Dylan song I actually like. OK, mostly because of the guitar and the beat, but I am here to stand up and say - from a long term and committed anti-Dylan-ite - this is pretty good.
8.
8.
Jelani wrote:
signature knopfler.
That opening guitar lick sounded like a cross between Mark Knopfler and BB King.
Edit: I see from the previous comments now that it is actually MK.!
Edit: I see from the previous comments now that it is actually MK.!
signature knopfler.
That opening guitar lick sounded like a cross between Mark Knopfler and BB King.
Edit: I see from the previous comments now that it is actually MK.!
Edit: I see from the previous comments now that it is actually MK.!
I actually think this is an underrated album. Not as deep as early Dylan, but just as cool.
I didn't appreciate Bob Dylan when I was growing up, but now I really am getting into his music and lyrics (his voice still drives me up a wall.) 
Sometimes I feel so low-down and disgusted
Can't help but wonder what's happening to my companions
Are they lost or are they found, have they counted the cost it'll take to bring down
All their earthly principles they're gonna have to abandon ?
There's a slow, slow train coming up around the bend.
Sometimes I feel so low-down and disgusted
Can't help but wonder what's happening to my companions
Are they lost or are they found, have they counted the cost it'll take to bring down
All their earthly principles they're gonna have to abandon ?
There's a slow, slow train coming up around the bend.
I had a woman down in Alabama
She was a backwoods girl, but she sure was realistic
She said, "Boy, without a doubt, have to quit your mess and straighten out
You could die down here, be just another accident statistic."
There's a slow, slow train coming up around the bend.
All that foreign oil controlling American soil
Look around you, it's just bound to make you embarrassed
Sheiks walking around like kings, wearing fancy jewels and nose rings
Deciding America's future from Amsterdam and to Paris
And there's a slow, slow train coming up around the bend.
Man's ego is inflated, his laws are outdated, they don't apply no more
You can't rely no more to be standing around waiting
In the home of the brave, Jefferson turning over in his grave
Fools glorifying themselves, trying to manipulate Satan
And there's a slow, slow train coming up around the bend.
Big-time negotiators, false healers and woman haters
Masters of the bluff and masters of the proposition
But the enemy I see wears a cloak of decency
All non-believers and men stealers talking in the name of religion
And there's a slow, there's slow train coming up around the bend.
People starving and thirsting, grain elevators are bursting
Oh, you know it costs more to store the food than it do to give it
They say lose your inhibitions, follow your own ambitions
They talk about a life of brotherly love, show me someone who knows how to live it
There's a slow, slow train coming up around the bend.
Well, my baby went to Illinois with some bad-talking boy she could destroy
A real suicide case, but there was nothing I could do to stop it
I don't care about economy, I don't care about astronomy
But it's sure does bother me to see my loved ones turning into puppets
There's a slow, slow train coming up around the bend.
I hated this when it came out, but now I think it's kinda cool. And a slow train sounds like a nice idea...
You're such a pretty boy when you get all spitty and wide eyed and toothy like that. And those bIG words, they're so ...I dunno, they're just soo mmm bIG ! ... I can't help myself.. do you really look as good as your picture? ;)
a_genuine_find wrote:
Hates-es It!!!!!
a_genuine_find wrote:
Hates-es It!!!!!
a_genuine_find wrote:
Hates-es It!!!!!
Slow, long and unbearable train....
Hates-es It!!!!!
...controlled by foreign oil, and the one-way Zion train to catastrophe
And this is Mark Knopfler on (solo) guitar... Gotta love it!
Not Bobby's best. Perhaps among his longest. . . .
A great period for Dylan: usually overlooked.... wanna have fun: check out Saved That is an interesting and at times very good cd....
Slow, long and unbearable train....
a_genuine_find wrote:
This is a frequent scene at my house. Thomas and his friends are ever so prone to catastrophe. (In fact, if you watch the TV shows, the same is true.) chicken/egg? 
joshfm wrote:
I thought Clapton was!
Knopfler is god.
I thought Clapton was!
Very nice!!
alph wrote:
Maybe Bob knew what the hell he was talking about. Slow train coming, indeed.
. . . 3 decades in fact! Can't believe this album is 30 years old.
All that foreign oil controlling American soil,
Look around you, it's just bound to make you embarrassed.
Sheiks walkin' around like kings, wearing fancy jewels and nose rings,
Deciding America's future from Amsterdam and to Paris
And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
Look around you, it's just bound to make you embarrassed.
Sheiks walkin' around like kings, wearing fancy jewels and nose rings,
Deciding America's future from Amsterdam and to Paris
And there's a slow, slow train comin' up around the bend.
Maybe Bob knew what the hell he was talking about. Slow train coming, indeed.
. . . 3 decades in fact! Can't believe this album is 30 years old.
wferrier wrote:
Like Dylan's "it takes alot to laugh it takes a train to cry"
I thought this was pretty innovative when it came out. I like the symbolism of the train, whenever it is used in popular music.
Like Dylan's "it takes alot to laugh it takes a train to cry"
I wore this album out when I was a teenager. what a blast from the past.
well, back in 1979 this where maybe strange lyrics:
'Sheiks walkin' around like kings, wearing fancy jewels and nose rings,
Deciding America's future from Amsterdam and to Paris'
but it's very true by now....
'Sheiks walkin' around like kings, wearing fancy jewels and nose rings,
Deciding America's future from Amsterdam and to Paris'
but it's very true by now....
BAD wrote:
A great follow-up would be 'Woman on a Train' by The Fixx.
Dylan's Slow Train following after Bob Marley's Zion Train
A great follow-up would be 'Woman on a Train' by The Fixx.
the lyrics are like he wrote this today
Great set you got going here Bill, productivity is taking a big hit right now.
Dylan's Slow Train following after Bob Marley's Zion Train... awesome!! A perfect twist would have been the Dylan/Dead version, but this will work.
*Edit - Ok, I take it back. The guitar work in this outshines the Dead version; simple, clean, sublime.
*Edit - Ok, I take it back. The guitar work in this outshines the Dead version; simple, clean, sublime.
sugarbaby wrote:
...prophetic, indeed...
Stands the test of time. You could use these lyrics about the state of the world today..
...prophetic, indeed...
just learned my older bro was born in the same hospital as Bob. St. Mary's in Duluth. Cosmic. 
Stands the test of time. You could use these lyrics about the state of the world today..
Pretty good for Dylan.
Knopfler is god.
bstjames wrote:
What a great song! I was lucky enough to be at the Ratdog show in NH in October when they broke out their cover of this. I had to get this CD out and listened to it a lot over the next week. Love it! Ratdog's cover was amazing, too.
also check out the cover on the Dylan and the Dead 1987 live album : (click here)
WonderLizard wrote:
Liner notes credit him with lead guitar. Good ear.
Thanks, also found confirmation on Wiki. Seems Bob was born again and found the Lord. I am trying to find a reason to like him, I really am, c'mon Bob, give me a reason!
Did he write this yesterday or 38 years ago. The whole album is more relevant now more than ever.
Now that's a slow train.
Oh, you think 2018 was bad?