About the song
“Tangled Up in Blue,” a quintessential track by Bob Dylan, serves as both a cornerstone and an enigma within his vast musical repertoire. Released in 1975 as the opening song of his critically acclaimed album *Blood on the Tracks*, the song immediately captivated audiences with its complex narrative and introspective lyrics.
Written during a tumultuous period in Dylan’s personal life, following his separation from his wife Sara, the song is often interpreted as a reflection on relationships and the passage of time. Dylan’s lyrical genius shines through as he weaves together multiple perspectives and timelines, blurring the boundaries between past, present, and future. This narrative technique, influenced by his studies under artist Norman Raeben, imbues the song with a sense of timelessness and introspection.
Initially recorded in New York City in September 1974, the song underwent a significant transformation when Dylan re-recorded it in December of that year at Sound 80 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The latter version, which featured a full band and a more polished sound, ultimately made its way onto *Blood on the Tracks*. This re-recording marked a departure from the original sessions, showcasing Dylan’s ability to evolve and refine his creative vision.
Critically acclaimed for its lyrical depth and emotional resonance, “Tangled Up in Blue” has earned its place among Dylan’s greatest works. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it as one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, highlighting its enduring impact on music and culture. The song’s narrative complexity, coupled with Dylan’s introspective lyrics and distinct vocal delivery, continues to resonate with audiences across generations.
Beyond its initial release, “Tangled Up in Blue” has taken on a life of its own through numerous live performances. Dylan has revisited and reinterpreted the song over 1,600 times in concert, each performance offering a fresh perspective on its timeless themes. From intimate solo renditions to grand arrangements with full bands, Dylan’s live performances have further solidified the song’s status as a cornerstone of his live repertoire.
In conclusion, “Tangled Up in Blue” stands as a testament to Bob Dylan’s enduring creativity and artistic evolution. Its rich tapestry of storytelling, coupled with Dylan’s ability to transcend traditional song structures, ensures its place as a masterpiece in the annals of popular music. As Dylan himself has remarked, the song encapsulates not just a moment in time, but a profound exploration of human experience and emotion.
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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.