About the song
Bob Dylan’s “Tangled Up in Blue” is a cornerstone of his illustrious career and a standout track from his critically acclaimed album, “Blood on the Tracks”, released on January 20, 1975. This song is often hailed as one of Dylan’s finest works, encapsulating his unique storytelling ability and lyrical genius.
“Tangled Up in Blue” is a complex narrative that weaves together themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The song’s structure is famously non-linear, reflecting the fragmented nature of memory and experience. Dylan himself described the song as having taken “ten years to live and two years to write,” highlighting the depth and personal significance embedded in its verses.
The lyrics of “Tangled Up in Blue” are rich with imagery and emotion, painting a vivid picture of a tumultuous relationship and the journey that follows its end. The narrative jumps between different points in time and perspective, creating a sense of disorientation that mirrors the confusion and heartache of lost love. Lines like “We always did feel the same, we just saw it from a different point of view” capture the bittersweet complexity of human connections.
The song’s musical arrangement complements its lyrical depth. The gentle acoustic guitar, harmonica, and Dylan’s distinctive voice combine to create a sound that is both intimate and expansive. The melody is hauntingly beautiful, enhancing the song’s reflective mood. This blend of intricate lyrics and evocative music makes “Tangled Up in Blue”a deeply moving listening experience.
“Blood on the Tracks” is often considered a return to form for Dylan, following a period of artistic experimentation and personal turmoil. The album is widely interpreted as being influenced by Dylan’s own marital difficulties and subsequent divorce, lending a raw, confessional quality to the songs. “Tangled Up in Blue” stands out as a particularly poignant reflection of this period in Dylan’s life, resonating with listeners who have experienced similar emotional struggles.
The impact of “Tangled Up in Blue” extends beyond its musical brilliance. The song has been covered by numerous artists, each bringing their own interpretation to its timeless narrative. This adaptability speaks to the universal themes and emotions that Dylan captures in his writing. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its relevance and power, continuing to touch new generations of listeners.
Socially and culturally, “Tangled Up in Blue” has cemented its place as a quintessential Dylan song. It showcases his ability to blend folk, rock, and blues influences into a cohesive and compelling sound. The song’s intricate storytelling and emotional depth have made it a favorite among critics and fans alike, solidifying Dylan’s reputation as one of the greatest songwriters of all time.
In conclusion, Bob Dylan’s “Tangled Up in Blue” is a masterpiece of modern songwriting. Its release as part of the “Blood on the Tracks” album marked a significant moment in Dylan’s career, highlighting his enduring talent and the personal honesty of his music. The song’s lyrical complexity, emotional resonance, and cultural impact ensure its place in the pantheon of great American music. For anyone seeking to understand the essence of Dylan’s genius, “Tangled Up in Blue” is an essential listen.
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Lyrics
Early one morning the sun was shining
I was laying in bed
Wondering if she’d changed at all
If her hair was still red
Her folks they said our lives together
Sure was gonna be rough
They never did like mama’s homemade dress
Papa’s bankbook wasn’t big enough
And I was standing on the side of the road
Rain falling on my shoes
Heading out for the East Coast
Lord knows I’ve paid some dues
Getting through
Tangled up in blue.She was married when we first met
Soon to be divorced
I helped her out of a jam I guess
But I used a little too much force
We drove that car as far as we could
Abandoned it out West
Split up on a dark sad night
Both agreeing it was best
She turned around to look at me
As I was walking away
I heard her say over my shoulder
“We’ll meet again someday
on the avenue”
Tangled up in blue.I had a job in the great north woods
Working as a cook for a spell
But I never did like it all that much
And one day the ax just fell
So I drifted down to New Orleans
so I lucky was to be employed
Working for a while on a fishing boat
Right outside of Delacroix
But all the while I was alone
The past was close behind
I seen a lot of women
But she never escaped my mind
And I just grew
Tangled up in blue.She was working in a topless place
And I stopped in for a beer
I just kept looking at the side of her face
In the spotlight so clear
And later on when the crowd thinned out
I was just about to do the same
She was standing there in back of my chair
Said to me, “Don’t I know your name?”
I muttered something underneath my breath
She studied the lines on my face
I must admit I felt a little uneasy
When she bent down to tie the laces
Of my shoe
Tangled up in blue.She lit a burner on the stove and offered me a pipe
“I thought you’d never say hello,” she said,
“You look like the silent type.”
Then she opened up a book of poems
And handed it to me
Written by an Italian poet
From the thirteenth century
And every one of them words rang true
And glowed like burning coal
Pouring off of every page
Like it was written in my soul
From me to you
Tangled up in blueI lived with them on Montague street
In a basement down the stairs
There was music in the cafés at night
And revolution in the air
Then he started into dealing with slaves
And something inside of him died
She had to sell everything she owned
And froze up inside
And when it finally the bottom fell out
I became withdrawn
The only thing I knew how to do
Was to keep on keeping on
Like a bird that flew
Tangled up in blue.So now I’m going back again
I got to get to her somehow
All the people we used to know
They’re an illusion to me now
Some are mathematicians
Some are carpenter’s wives
Don’t know how it all got started
I don’t know what they do with their lives
But me I’m still on the road
A-heading for another joint
We always did feel the same
We just saw it from a different point
Of view
Tangled up in blue.