Bob Dylan — Honest With Me
Album: Love and TheftAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 356
Length: 5:42
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Well, I'm stranded in the city that never sleeps
Some of these women they just give me the creeps
I'm avoidin' the south side the best I can
These memories I got, they can strangle a man
Well, I came ashore in the dead of the night
Lot of things can get in the way when you're tryin' to do what's right
You don't understand it, my feelin' for you
You'd be honest with me if you only knew
I'm not sorry for nothing I've done
I'm glad I fought, I only wish we'd won
The Siamese twins are comin' to town
People can't wait, they've gathered around
When I left my home the sky split open wide
I never wanted to go back there, I'd rather have died
You don't understand it, my feelin' for you
You'd be honest with me if only you knew
My woman got a face like a teddy bear
She's tossin' a baseball bat in the air
The meat is so tough you can't cut it with a sword
I'm crashin' my car trunk first into the board
They say that my eyes are pretty and my smile is nice
Well, I'll sell it to ya at a reduced price
You don't understand it, my feeling for you
You'd be honest with me if only you knew
Some things are too terrible to be true
I won't come here no more if it's botherin' you
There's a Southern Pacific leaving at 9:45
I'm havin' a hard time, believin' some people would ever arrive
I'm stark naked but I don't care
I'm goin' off into the woods, I'm huntin' bear
You don't understand it, my feeling for you
Well, you'd be honest with me if only you knew
I'm here to create the new imperial empire
I'm gonna do whatever circumstances require
I care so much for you, didn't think I could
I can't tell my heart that you're no good
Well my parents, they warned me not to risk my years
And I still got their advice oozing out of my ears
You don't understand it, my feeling for you
Well, you'd be honest with me if only you knew
Some of these women they just give me the creeps
I'm avoidin' the south side the best I can
These memories I got, they can strangle a man
Well, I came ashore in the dead of the night
Lot of things can get in the way when you're tryin' to do what's right
You don't understand it, my feelin' for you
You'd be honest with me if you only knew
I'm not sorry for nothing I've done
I'm glad I fought, I only wish we'd won
The Siamese twins are comin' to town
People can't wait, they've gathered around
When I left my home the sky split open wide
I never wanted to go back there, I'd rather have died
You don't understand it, my feelin' for you
You'd be honest with me if only you knew
My woman got a face like a teddy bear
She's tossin' a baseball bat in the air
The meat is so tough you can't cut it with a sword
I'm crashin' my car trunk first into the board
They say that my eyes are pretty and my smile is nice
Well, I'll sell it to ya at a reduced price
You don't understand it, my feeling for you
You'd be honest with me if only you knew
Some things are too terrible to be true
I won't come here no more if it's botherin' you
There's a Southern Pacific leaving at 9:45
I'm havin' a hard time, believin' some people would ever arrive
I'm stark naked but I don't care
I'm goin' off into the woods, I'm huntin' bear
You don't understand it, my feeling for you
Well, you'd be honest with me if only you knew
I'm here to create the new imperial empire
I'm gonna do whatever circumstances require
I care so much for you, didn't think I could
I can't tell my heart that you're no good
Well my parents, they warned me not to risk my years
And I still got their advice oozing out of my ears
You don't understand it, my feeling for you
Well, you'd be honest with me if only you knew
Comments (89)add comment
Pyro wrote:
The best thing about this song is the incredible band backing him up.
It's the only good thing about this song.
I highly respect Dylan's work, but my God, this is just awful. I can't even listen to him to figure out if these are well written lyrics. They probably are - but the "gargled in acid" voice is just awful.
Sorry in advance for those of you who consider this good work. We can just agree that Dylan's past work was wonderful.
s
Time for DYLAN TO RETIRE. I LOVED HIS EARLY WORK ("Oh Mercy" and prior).
algrif wrote:
I don't understand why so many people rate this song.
I find it pretty ordinary. I think Dylan has been going slowly down hill for years. If this was released using a pseudonym, no one would give it a second thought.
Dylan's way ahead of you. He recorded this one to push over-analyzing fencesitters back the other way.
I find it pretty ordinary. I think Dylan has been going slowly down hill for years. If this was released using a pseudonym, no one would give it a second thought.
ThePoose wrote:
A lot of abstract art, if released under a pseudonym, would be rejected outright (consider Barnett Newman). You have to consider works of art in the context of their creator's body of work.
Why?? If it is not valid on its' own merits, then it is not valid. Full stop. EG: I bake great bread (it is my art, if you like). But if a bake bad bread I throw it away. It doesn't become good bread because it is in the context of my previous work.!!
I used to write off anything that came out post "Series of Dreams."
Daniel Lanois' productions to me sounded like they were propping up a weak batch of tunes.
This song makes me want to question that evaluation.
Maybe I'll change my mind.
A lot of abstract art, if released under a pseudonym, would be rejected outright (consider Barnett Newman). You have to consider works of art in the context of their creator's body of work.
algrif wrote:
If this was released using a pseudonym, no one would give it a second thought.
So true, so true.
Echoes of Highway 61 Revisited.
I just realized I am brilliant.
dsmcd01 wrote:
"Masked and Anonymous" is a terrific movie, if only to see Bob perform. Highly recommend it.
https://www.sonyclassics.com/masked/trailer.html
FWIW,
D.
A cult classic. I also really like the soundtrack for the film.
I think we have to admit that this man is the prophet and savior of the genres of folk, rock and roll and the blues.
Agelessly and forever relevant
always able to ROCK when he wants to
and God love 'im when he wants to!
I love this whole album, too!
although it took a while
to grow on me
and when life gave me the situations to make sense of the words
WOW
and now
I can dig it every time
although it took a while
to grow on me
and when life gave me the situations to make sense of the words
WOW
and now
I can dig it every timeIt's going to be so cool when this song ends.
More zest than your usual Dylan elegy, but overlength hurts it a bit. Tightening it up would've made it a minor classic. But yeah, the band is crankin' here!
I don't understand why so many people rate this song.
I find it pretty ordinary. I think Dylan has been going slowly down hill for years. If this was released using a pseudonym, no one would give it a second thought.
I find it pretty ordinary. I think Dylan has been going slowly down hill for years. If this was released using a pseudonym, no one would give it a second thought.
Outstanding song, strong band and vocals so bad they're good.
Moak wrote:
Darn IT!!!! When I started doing this, I swore I would give NO SONG a 10.
Why? If the song deserves it in your opinion, give it freely. Like what you like, love what you love, and to hell with the rest.
Pyro wrote:
The best thing about this song is the incredible band backing him up.
The beat sounds a bit ska-influenced.
dogdokken wrote:
One of the better cuts off Love & Theft
Change that to the best
One of the better cuts off Love & Theft
Darn IT!!!! When I started doing this, I swore I would give NO SONG a 10.
The Best!
honu wrote:
Just curious...anyone know why when I've tuned into RP, when I check on the comments for a song, it';s clear that alot of other people have already been hearing the song before it's even started on my computer?
hi honu
look at the dates on these comments ... they're old! i too thought the same thing when i first started using this site.
Now that's funny- On the last post I asked for a little honesty. Who could ask for more?? 
Just curious...anyone know why when I've tuned into RP, when I check on the comments for a song, it';s clear that alot of other people have already been hearing the song before it's even started on my computer?
Sobient wrote:
If you say that sentence again I'll tear off your intestines.
Such violence, eesh! I'm trying to remember the first time I said it. Pretty sure it was the one you responded to. Either you need to get out more, or at least find a better outlet for your hostility. Maybe you could track down lbrc. And, for the record, my intestines aren't detachable, so you won't be tearing them off any time soon.
Despite Bob's singing, the song still merits a 7.
Pyro wrote:
The best thing about this song is the incredible band backing him up.
Oh soooo true! What a pity that such a great song, so well executed, gets almost totally ruined by such a rubbish singer.
Sounds for all the world like George Harrison guitar licks.
Anything this guy does is a causative force... the way he is wired is connected to things most humans don't have a screen for...
Go Bobby!
beelzebubba wrote:
allright, fine and dandy, but what else has this guy done??
Roverfish wrote:
Sounds pretty good for a dead guy. 
If you say that sentence again I'll tear off your intestines.
Sounds pretty good for a dead guy.
The best thing about this song is the incredible band backing him up.
allright, fine and dandy, but what else has this guy done??
Hannio wrote:
Hock it up and clear your throat, Bob.
Bob is a poet, not a singer. Bob is a singer just like Yoko was. Or I am. Ok....I will stop....I am frightening myself !!!
aboutaboy wrote:
Bob is a god.
period.
Thought that was Clapton...but in the polytheistic world that is RP, I guess Dylan does deserve to be god as well
"Masked and Anonymous" is a terrific movie, if only to see Bob perform. Highly recommend it.
https://www.sonyclassics.com/masked/trailer.html
FWIW,
D.
Hock it up and clear your throat, Bob.
I saw Bob Dylan perform in this "later" style--his voice sounds so gravelly now and the music sounded like mush. :(
It pains me to say this because I love Bob Dylan.
I haven't really heard a single Bob Dylan song that I dislike...He is always honest and direct...
lbrc wrote:
i have seen all these comments on how bob "rocks" and "grooves". . .what the hell music are all of you talking about?!? how?!? are all of you living in the 50's?!?
i'll be honest with you bob. your songs do not rock. they aren't intelligent (however your marketing agent is to have such a fan base), and your folky crap style went out with the 60's. your son sucks and even he does a better job, you hack! 
Does anyone you know suffer from an anger disorder?
There is help out there for Anger Management.
But you have to take the first step.
Call. Before it's too late.
Angloray wrote:
there seems to be so much Dylan dislike out there in RP land, and though I do not take part (I really like many many of his songs), I must admit that this song doesn't do much to prove the case for Dylan fans. Some of the most recent stuff is great without him totally sounding like Death warmed over...ugh
Prove what case? Why should Dylan fans care if you don't like this song? Dylan is like an author that evolves as you do and, though his style and subject may change you keep reading him. Love & Theft is as powerful as Highway 61 even if not as listenable for ears that haven't grown through his changes. You'd be honest with me if only you knew...
jayladdin wrote:THANK YOU! I've had that guitar riff in my head for months and haven't been able to remember who it was. (I could have sworn it was a Clapton song). Whew!
Larry Campbell rocks, and what about this swinging rythym section?
Bob is a god.
period.
there seems to be so much Dylan dislike out there in RP land, and though I do not take part (I really like many many of his songs), I must admit that this song doesn't do much to prove the case for Dylan fans. Some of the most recent stuff is great without him totally sounding like Death warmed over...ugh
THANK YOU! I've had that guitar riff in my head for months and haven't been able to remember who it was. (I could have sworn it was a Clapton song). Whew!
My ears always welcome Bob Dylan. Is this a re-release of older music? That picture on the album above looks 20 years old.
brighthue wrote:
Why is Bob Dylan sounding like Captain Beefheart?
When I was listening to his latest recordings I was in fact thinking he started sounding like Howlin' Wolf! But then again, Captain Beefheart also sounded a bit like a weird kind of Howlin' Wolf. Tom Waits too, btw.
A very uneven LP, yet Mississippi and this song ROCK! Oh Mercy is such a gem, more from that, please
brighthue wrote:
Why is Bob Dylan sounding like Captain Beefheart?
Well expressed, BH.
Why is Bob Dylan sounding like Captain Beefheart?
Not sure about all of the nay sayers, but someone's playing Dylan pretty consistantly around here. \:D/
Let's fast forward to the year 3005. Following the five thermonuclear wars of 2003, 2245, 2567, 2798, and 2908, and the subsequent regression into a pre-industrial society, archeologists have discovered a cache of CD's from the early 21st century, with an accompanying player. The scientists listen to the collection, and are especially intrigued with the work of a "Bob Dylan."
"This is astounding music!" says one archeologist. "The insight, the depth of meaning in the lyrics, the melody...."
"Yeah, but his voice sucks," interjects another.
"He can't rock," says a third.
#-o DOH!
IMHO Dylan is one of the key artists that define our concept of popular music today. Right, this is not his gratest tune, but the man is a basic influence to just about anybody. Music does not belong to a decade, good music is beyond that. Yeh, this man rocks, grooves, and clearly kicks the shit off most (not all!) of what is being done today.
originally posted by lbrc:
i have seen all these comments on how bob "rocks" and "grooves". . .what the hell music are all of you talking about?!? how?!? are all of you living in the 50's?!?
i'll be honest with you bob. your songs do not rock. they aren't intelligent (however your marketing agent is to have such a fan base), and your folky crap style went out with the 60's. your son sucks and even he does a better job, you hack!
are there any happy people in chicago? they hate everything and then they move down here and give us all crap. life is too short.
Originally Posted by tomnam:
Love this song more each time I hear it - the lyrics are killer, the groove jammin' (terrific drumming!) - the boys in the band kick it here. Also his gravely voice fits this song perfect. Hopefully son Jacob is taking notes from dad who stills rocks, he's not going away without a fight...
I completely agree, Tom. 
Great performance. 
Love this song more each time I hear it - the lyrics are killer, the groove jammin' (terrific drumming!) - the boys in the band kick it here. Also his gravely voice fits this song perfect. Hopefully son Jacob is taking notes from dad who stills rocks, he's not going away without a fight...
He\'s still got it!
Coarse! Yes!
Perfect pick me up for a gray Toronto afternoon...
This song kicks... :D
Bob\'s recent concerts have shown me why we\'re supposed to think he\'s great. I saw him a few times in the 80s and even with the Heartbreakers, the shows were ho-hum. Saw him not long ago (Charlie Sexton on guitar!) and it was one of my all time top 10 concerts.
The others? Talking Heads, Police, Elvis Costello, NRBQ, the Blasters... so you can see how odd it is that Bob\'s in there.
It is always fun reading the comments on Dylan songs, especially when he does them himself.
Originally Posted by qosforever:
Old rockers never die...
...they just keep singing when they shouldn't
Originally Posted by Dotman:
Have the Dylans ever played on the same bill? BTW, my throat is bleeding.
Dot
I believe they did for some Pay to Play corporate event a few years ago. They didn't play together, however.
It was in an RS article about Corporate concerts.
Kevin
Have the Dylans ever played on the same bill? BTW, my throat is bleeding.
Dot
Old rockers never die...
Raggy and I went to Uncle Bob\'s concert at Newcastle recenty, he rocked. Played this song, it rocked! :D
I love this song. One of my favorite Dylan tunes.
Dylan can put me in the sort of good mood, only few other artists can.
Just like his harmonica playing often does, his singing on this one (and others!) makes me burst out laughing, here and there. Though I'm not quite sure if it's meant to be laughed about!
I like it. Kinda like the stuff on Highway 61 Revisited. If you\'re not a Dylan fan it sure won\'t convert you to the cause, but as a fence sitter, I think it\'s a great bluesy/rootsy groove. And I like that slide guitar too!
I gotta be honest with you, Dylan, I don\'t like it. I had to take my headphones off until the next song.
This is really scary: I like this song :/
Kevin
Originally Posted by rmurray248:
Bobby's back!
Yeah, and he sucks, as usual.
Bobby\'s back!
Originally Posted by guybejammin:
I agree, this rocks! Gets better each time I hear it.
I agree guy..I enjoy it more with each listen myself.
Reminds me a little of \"Eugene\" by Crazy Joe and the Variable Speed Band
I agree, this rocks! Gets better each time I hear it.
Bob Dylan by ~ohindiegirl
Belinda ©2008-2010 ~ohindiegirl
I really made this for my Dad, seeing that he is a huge fan of Bob Dylan. I hope the background colours.