About the Song

In the annals of music history, there are few songs as iconic, as timeless, and as transformative as Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone.” Released in 1965 as part of his groundbreaking album “Highway 61 Revisited,” this song didn’t just shake up the music scene; it rattled the very foundations of popular culture.

At its core, “Like a Rolling Stone” is a masterpiece of introspection, rebellion, and existential questioning. Dylan’s lyrics cut through the airwaves with a raw honesty that was unparalleled at the time. He paints a vivid picture of a person who has fallen from grace, who once had it all but now finds themselves adrift and alone. The refrain, “How does it feel, to be on your own, with no direction home, like a complete unknown, like a rolling stone?” is both a lament and a challenge to societal norms.

Musically, the song is a tour de force. From the opening snare shot to the wailing harmonica that punctuates Dylan’s vocals, every element of “Like a Rolling Stone” is crafted to perfection. The electric guitar riff, played by the legendary Mike Bloomfield, is instantly recognizable and sets the tone for the entire track. Behind it all, Dylan’s gravelly voice cuts through the mix with a rawness and intensity that captures the essence of the song’s message.

But perhaps what truly sets “Like a Rolling Stone” apart is its impact on the cultural landscape. At a time when pop music was largely seen as disposable, Dylan dared to push the boundaries and create something truly profound. The song’s release marked a turning point in Dylan’s career, solidifying his status as a voice of his generation and paving the way for a new era of music.

Over the years, “Like a Rolling Stone” has been covered by countless artists and hailed as one of the greatest songs of all time. Its influence can be heard in everything from punk rock to hip-hop, a testament to its enduring relevance and power.

In the end, “Like a Rolling Stone” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone, a rallying cry for those who refuse to conform, and a reminder of the transformative power of music. As Bob Dylan himself once said, “A song is anything that can walk by itself. I am not a poet. I am a trapeze artist with words.” And with “Like a Rolling Stone,” he soared to new heights, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music forever.

Video

Lyrics

Once upon a time you dressed so fineThrew 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 youYou used to laugh aboutEverybody that was hanging outNow you don’t talk so loudNow you don’t seem so proudAbout having to be scrounging your next meal
How does it feel, how does it feel?To be without a homeLike a complete unknown, like a rolling stone
Ahh you’ve gone to the finest schools, alright Miss LonelyBut you know you only used to get juiced in itNobody’s ever taught you how to live out on the streetAnd now you’re gonna have to get used to itYou say you never compromiseWith the mystery tramp, but now you realizeHe’s not selling any alibisAs you stare into the vacuum of his eyesAnd say do you want to make a deal?
How does it feel, how does it feel?To be on your own, with no direction homeA complete unknown, like a rolling stone
Ah you never turned around to see the frownsOn the jugglers and the clowns when they all did tricks for youYou never understood that it ain’t no goodYou shouldn’t let other people get your kicks for youYou used to ride on a chrome horse with your diplomatWho carried on his shoulder a Siamese catAin’t it hard when you discovered thatHe really wasn’t where it’s atAfter he took from you everything he could steal
How does it feel, how does it feel?To be on your own, with no direction homeLike a complete unknown, like a rolling stone
Ahh princess on a steeple and all the pretty peopleThey’re all drinking, thinking that they’ve got it madeExchanging all precious giftsBut you better take your diamond ring, you better pawn it babeYou used to be so amusedAt Napoleon in rags and the language that he usedGo to him he calls you, you can’t refuseWhen you ain’t got nothing, you got nothing to loseYou’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 homeLike a complete unknown, like a rolling stone