I put this together at the bequest of my father. However, it was difficult to do so because of an incredible amount of notable omissions (no “Like a Rolling Stone”, “Blowin’ in the Wind” or anything from “Blood on the Tracks”), but here ya go (each song accompanied by a random association):
Oxford Town (album: Freewhelin’)
/the rhythm of this tune is reminiscent of being half whimsical and half grim about some uncomfortable truth.
It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue (album: The Real Royal Albert Hall 1966 Concert)
/for most it is a pipe dream but some people are able to give a pep talk to themselves during self-flagellation.
Queen Jane Approximately (album: Highway 61 Revisited)
/how sharp is the contrast between being famous beyond recognition and privately seeking solitude?
Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands (album: Blonde On Blonde)
/this is what it must feel like when you start writing a poem at 1am completely worn out and finish it at 7am. successfully.
Only a Pawn in Their Game (album: The Times They Are a-Changin’)
/the civil rights movement had many anthems, but only needed this one.
I Want You (album: Blonde On Blonde)
/don’t know what impresses more, the organ build-up in the middle eight or how the song makes me imagine a thousand flares lighting up in the sky.
It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry (album: Highway 61 Revisited)
/trains are underrated & the tempo of the song is apt for dancing.
Not Dark Yet (album: Time Out of Mind)
/loneliness toys with the mind such that it can sometimes obscure the border between a solar eclipse & death.
Mr. Tambourine Man (album: The Real Royal Albert Hall 1966 Concert)
/nothing to do with drugs, this is one of the best songs written about depression (the harmonica solo is on another dimension).
Visions of Johanna (album: The Real Royal Albert Hall 1966 Concert)
/how do you reconcile the carnal & the idyllic, the art and the interpretation? you don’t.
Spotify playlist here.