About the Song
Like a Rolling Stone is a song by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released on July 20, 1965, by Columbia Records. It was the lead single from his seventh studio album, Highway 61 Revisited. The song is considered one of the most important and influential songs in rock history.
The song’s six-minute length, its use of electric instruments, and its complex lyrics were all groundbreaking at the time of its release. The song tells the story of a young woman who has fallen from grace, and it is full of biting social commentary.
The song’s opening line, “Once upon a time you dressed so fine,” sets the scene for the story. The woman is described as being wealthy and glamorous, but she has now fallen on hard times. She is “like a complete unknown,” and she is “drifting down the street.”
The song’s lyrics are full of vivid imagery. Dylan paints a picture of the woman’s downfall, from her “silk dress” and “silver spoon” to her “ragged clothes” and “empty cup.” He also criticizes the people who have contributed to her downfall, including her “friends” and “enemies.”
The song’s music is equally powerful. The electric guitar riff is driving and insistent, and the drums provide a propulsive beat. The song builds to a crescendo in the chorus, where Dylan sings, “How does it feel? To be on your own with no direction home?”
“Like a Rolling Stone” was an immediate success upon its release. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and it helped to launch Dylan’s career as a rock star. The song has been covered by countless artists, including the Byrds, Jimi Hendrix, and the Grateful Dead.
The song’s influence is still felt today. It is considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time, and it has been cited as an inspiration by many artists. “Like a Rolling Stone” is a landmark song that helped to change the course of popular music.
Here are some of the song’s specific musical and lyrical features that make it so significant:
- Musically, the song is notable for its use of electric instruments. This was a departure from Dylan’s earlier folk-based music, and it helped to usher in the era of rock and roll.
- The song’s six-minute length was also unusual for the time. This gave Dylan more space to develop his story and characters.
- The song’s lyrics are full of complex imagery and social commentary. These lyrics helped to make Dylan a more serious and respected artist.
“Like a Rolling Stone” is a complex and challenging song, but it is also a rewarding one. It is a song that has stood the test of time, and it continues to be relevant and influential today.