About the song
**Introduction**
“Like a Rolling Stone” stands as a landmark song in the career of Bob Dylan, the American singer-songwriter renowned for his poetic lyrics and influence on contemporary music. Released on July 20, 1965, by Columbia Records, the song marked a pivotal moment not only in Dylan’s artistic evolution but also in the trajectory of rock music itself.
**Background and Genesis**
The genesis of “Like a Rolling Stone” dates back to June 1965, following Dylan’s exhaustive tour of England. Disillusioned with the expectations imposed upon him as a folk music icon, Dylan returned to New York and penned an extended piece of verse, capturing his frustrations and disillusionment. Originally conceived as a sprawling narrative without a set musical structure, Dylan’s work reflected a raw intensity and honesty that would later define the song.
**Recording and Musical Innovation**
Recording sessions for Dylan’s album *Highway 61 Revisited* commenced shortly after this period. Initially struggling to translate the song’s essence, Dylan and his band experimented with various arrangements. A breakthrough occurred when the song was reimagined in a rock music format, characterized by a dynamic tempo and the iconic Hammond B2 organ riff improvised by session musician Al Kooper. This transformation not only captured Dylan’s evolving sound but also infused “Like a Rolling Stone” with a rebellious energy that resonated deeply with listeners.
**Release and Reception**
Upon completion, “Like a Rolling Stone” faced initial skepticism from Columbia Records due to its length—over six minutes—and departure from Dylan’s folk roots toward a more electric sound. Nevertheless, a leaked copy found its way to influential DJs, prompting its release as a single. Despite radio stations’ reluctance to play lengthy tracks, the song defied expectations, climbing to No. 2 on the US Billboard charts and topping other international charts. Its impact was profound, solidifying Dylan’s transition from folk troubadour to a pioneering force in rock music.
**Legacy and Influence**
Critically acclaimed, “Like a Rolling Stone” has been hailed as revolutionary for its fusion of Dylan’s cutting lyrics, delivered in his signature nasal voice, with a bold musical arrangement. It redefined Dylan’s public image and set new standards for songwriting in popular music. The song’s enduring legacy is evident in its consistent ranking at the top of “greatest songs of all time” lists, including Rolling Stone’s 2004 and 2010 editions.
**Conclusion**
In conclusion, “Like a Rolling Stone” remains a testament to Bob Dylan’s artistic vision and his ability to capture the zeitgeist of an era through music. Its daring departure from convention and its searing introspection continue to resonate, making it not just a song but a cultural touchstone. As Dylan himself reflected, the creation of “Like a Rolling Stone” marked a watershed moment in his career, affirming his commitment to music as a medium for profound expression and social commentary.
Video
Lyrics
Once upon a time you dressed so fine
Threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn’t you?
People call say ‘beware doll, you’re bound to fall’
You thought they were all kidding you
You used to laugh about
Everybody that was hanging out
Now you don’t talk so loud
Now you don’t seem so proud
About having to be scrounging your next meal
How does it feel, how does it feel?
To be without a home
Like a complete unknown, like a rolling stone
Ahh you’ve gone to the finest schools, alright Miss Lonely
But you know you only used to get juiced in it
Nobody’s ever taught you how to live out on the street
And now you’re gonna have to get used to it
You say you never compromise
With the mystery tramp, but now you realize
He’s not selling any alibis
As you stare into the vacuum of his eyes
And say do you want to make a deal?
How does it feel, how does it feel?
To be on your own, with no direction home
A complete unknown, like a rolling stone
Ah you never turned around to see the frowns
On the jugglers and the clowns when they all did tricks for you
You never understood that it ain’t no good
You shouldn’t let other people get your kicks for you
You used to ride on a chrome horse with your diplomat
Who carried on his shoulder a Siamese cat
Ain’t it hard when you discovered that
He really wasn’t where it’s at
After he took from you everything he could steal
How does it feel, how does it feel?
To be on your own, with no direction home
Like a complete unknown, like a rolling stone
Ahh princess on a steeple and all the pretty people
They’re all drinking, thinking that they’ve got it made
Exchanging all precious gifts
But you better take your diamond ring, you better pawn it babe
You used to be so amused
At Napoleon in rags and the language that he used
Go to him he calls you, you can’t refuse
When you ain’t got nothing, you got nothing to lose
You’re invisible now, you’ve got no secrets to conceal
How does it feel, ah how does it feel?
To be on your own, with no direction home
Like a complete unknown, like a rolling stone