About the song

In the rich tapestry of American folk music, few threads shine as brightly as those woven by Bob Dylan. A legendary figure in the world of music, Dylan’s songwriting has profoundly shaped the landscape of modern folk and rock. Among his extensive and varied discography, “Tangled Up in Blue” stands out as a remarkable masterpiece that encapsulates his lyrical genius and innovative spirit.

Released in 1975 as the opening track of his album Blood on the Tracks, “Tangled Up in Blue” is widely celebrated for its intricate narrative structure and evocative storytelling. The song unfolds like a complex novel, weaving together multiple perspectives and timelines to create a rich, multi-layered narrative. Dylan’s ability to craft such a vivid and enigmatic story is a testament to his skill as a songwriter and storyteller.

The song’s lyrics are both elusive and compelling, painting a picture of love, loss, and personal transformation through a series of interconnected scenes and characters. This unique approach to songwriting allows listeners to immerse themselves in the song’s narrative, making it a fascinating subject for analysis and interpretation. Each verse adds a new dimension to the story, revealing different facets of the characters’ lives and emotions.

Musically, “Tangled Up in Blue” features Dylan’s signature folk-rock sound, with a melody that complements the lyrical complexity. His vocal delivery, imbued with a sense of urgency and depth, enhances the song’s narrative quality. The instrumentation, including a subtle yet poignant arrangement, provides a fitting backdrop for Dylan’s storytelling.

For those familiar with Bob Dylan’s work, “Tangled Up in Blue” is a testament to his enduring artistry and innovation. For new listeners, it serves as a captivating introduction to Dylan’s world, showcasing his ability to blend poetic lyrics with compelling music. As you delve into this iconic song, you’ll find yourself navigating a labyrinth of emotions and stories, all beautifully encapsulated in Dylan’s timeless classic.

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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 blue

I 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.