Bob Dylan performing “Mr. Tambourine Man” in 1965

About the song

Bob Dylan is a name synonymous with folk music, protest songs, and the counterculture movement of the 1960s. His iconic voice, often described as gravelly and expressive, has captivated audiences for decades. One of his most enduring and beloved songs is “Mr. Tambourine Man”, a psychedelic masterpiece that explores themes of spirituality, freedom, and the search for meaning in life.

Released in 1965 on Dylan’s album Highway 61 Revisited, “Mr. Tambourine Man” immediately resonated with listeners. The song’s enigmatic lyrics, coupled with its hypnotic melody, created a unique and immersive experience. Dylan’s poetic language invites listeners to delve into the depths of their own imaginations and ponder the questions posed by the song.

The central figure of the song is a mysterious “Mr. Tambourine Man,” a guide or mentor who offers the narrator a chance to escape the mundane realities of life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a journey through the night, filled with dancing, laughter, and a sense of wonder. The narrator yearns for a spiritual awakening and seeks guidance from the Mr. Tambourine Man to help him find his way.

The song’s psychedelic elements are evident in its use of imagery and symbolism. The “tambourine man” himself can be interpreted as a symbol of music, rhythm, and the power of art to transport us to different realms. The references to “ancient places” and “holy ground” suggest a search for spiritual enlightenment and a connection to something greater than oneself.

“Mr. Tambourine Man” is a timeless piece of music that continues to inspire and captivate audiences. Its exploration of themes such as freedom, spirituality, and the search for meaning in life resonates with listeners of all ages. Dylan’s masterful songwriting and the song’s infectious melody make it a classic that will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.

Video

Lyrics

Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going to
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle mornin’ I’ll come followin’ you

Though I know that evening’s empire has returned into sand
Vanished from my hand
Left me blindly here to stand, but still not sleeping
My weariness amazes me, I’m branded on my feet
I have no one to meet
And the ancient empty street’s too dead for dreaming

Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going to
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle mornin’ I’ll come followin’ you

Take me on a trip upon your magic swirlin’ ship
My senses have been stripped
My hands can’t feel to grip
My toes too numb to step
Wait only for my boot heels to be wandering

I’m ready to go anywhere
I’m ready for to fade
Into my own parade
Cast your dancing spell my way
I promise to go under it

Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going to
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle mornin’ I’ll come followin’ you

Though you might hear laughing, spinning
Swinging madly across the sun
It’s not aimed at anyone
It’s just escaping on the run
And but for the sky, there are no fences facing

And if you hear vague traces of skipping reels of rhyme
To your tambourine in time
It’s just a ragged clown behind
I wouldn’t pay it any mind
It’s just a shadow you’re seeing, that he’s chasing

Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going to
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle mornin’ I’ll come followin’ you

Then take me disappearing through the smoke rings of my mind
Down the foggy ruins of time
Far past the frozen leaves
The haunted, frightened trees
Out to the windy beach
Far from the twisted reach of crazy sorrow

Yes, to dance beneath the diamond sky
With one hand waving free
Silhouetted by the sea
Circled by the circus sands
With all memory and fate, driven deep beneath the waves
Let me forget about today until tomorrow

Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going to
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle mornin’ I’ll come followin’ you