Singer-Songwriter Bob Dylan is widely regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time. Songs of his such as “Like A Rolling Stone”, “Blowin’ In The Wind”, and “The Times They Are A-Changin’” are some of the best known and most highly esteemed songs of all time. But Dylan (birth name Robert Zimmerman) has written and released far more than the songs for which he is best known. In fact, he has released over five hundred songs, many of which are arguably better than his more popular tracks. Here are a few hidden gems from Bob Dylan’s enormous catalog.
“Abandoned Love”: This beautiful song was recorded in 1975 during the sessions for 1976’s album “Desire”, but it wasn’t released until 1985 on the compilation album “Biograph”. It was written during his divorce from his wife Sara, and his heartbreak is evident throughout the song. It might be my favorite Dylan song of all time. Why it wasn’t included on the album is beyond me. It’s a brilliantly moving piece.
Many of Dylan’s lyrics can be interpreted and discussed to no end, and new meaning can still be found in the same set of words. “Foot Of Pride” is one of those songs that can be interpreted forever. Recorded in 1983 for the album “Infidels” but ultimately left off, “Foot Of Pride” is a maze of words and metaphors that twists and turns for nearly six minutes. His vocal performance is one of the strongest of his career. He sings, “well, there ain’t no goin’ back when your foot of pride comes down." What does it mean? I don’t claim to know, but I generally see it meaning that once you go far enough into something you can never go back.
“Mama, You Been on My Mind” was recorded for 1964’s album “Another Side of Bob Dylan”, but went unreleased until 1991. A breakup song about his girlfriend at the time, “Mama, You Been on My Mind” is one of the sweetest and most tender songs Dylan has ever recorded. He’s not angry or blaming; he’s simply saying that she’s on his mind.
Perhaps it’s the color of the sun cut flat
And covering the crossroads I’m standing at
Or maybe it’s the weather or something like that
But mama, you been on my mind
I don’t mean trouble, please don’t put me down or get upset
I am not pleading or saying “I can’t forget you”
I do not walk the floor bowed down and bent, but yet
Mama, you been on my mind
Even though my mind is hazy and my thoughts they might be narrow
Where you been don’t bother me nor bring me down in sorrow
It don’t even matter to me where you’re waking up tomorrow
But mama, you’re just on my mind
It’s a feeling a lot of people who recently broke up can relate to, and it makes for a beautiful song.
“I Threw It All Away” was released on the album “Nashville Skyline” in 1969. A departure from his usual style, the album is clever and playful, with Dylan employing a crooning voice and writing with a country approach. It’s an unusual song for Bob Dylan; he admits his own failures and sings that, “Love is all there is, it makes the world go ’round”. Much lighter than some of his other works, it’s nonetheless an incredibly fun song.
There are a myriad of hidden gems likes these, found in deep archives and unreleased albums. Bob Dylan has covered an enormous number of genres, styles, and themes in his vast body of work. Diving into his back catalogue reveals some of his greatest songs. I’ve barely scratched the surface.
