Learn about a seminal track from the 1960s by Bob Dylan
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| Top 10 American Songs—"Like a Rolling Stone," Bob Dylan |
| Loud, confrontational, revolutionary, great...these are just some of the words that have been used to describe Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone." The song, released in 1965 on the album Highway 61 Revisited, made Dylan a star and was a worldwide hit. Audiences, critics, and even Dylan's contemporaries have made note of this record in the history of popular music. It is considered one of the greatest songs ever written and recorded. |
| The song was based on a lengthy piece of verse written by Bob Dylan. Unlike other lyricists of that era, Dylan wrote long pieces of poetry and then selected the best bits to include in the song. "Like a Rolling Stone" was no exception. Dylan himself claims that he wrote it in a fit of anger, hence the song's angry and confrontational lyrics and vocals. The iconic chorus, "How does it feel" has been quoted as one of the most impactful lines in music history. |
| The song's musical structure is noteworthy because of the elements that fuse to make this song. Despite being an angry song, Dylan's vocals lend it a youthful touch. The song departs from the folk-country stuff Dylan was putting out in those days. In fact, he had been confused about the song's musical direction. Only when it was finally laid down like a rock song did Dylan approve of and record the song. Its famous organ riff was improvised by session musician Al Kooper, who was just finding his feet in the industry at the time. |
| The song's length, at over six minutes, caught the ire of radio stations. Though they didn't tend to play long songs, "Like a Rolling Stone" became a hit and reached number 2 on the Billboard charts. Even the Beatles have been known to appreciate its significance and importance in music history. From then till now, the song retains its popularity and is considered to be Bob Dylan's signature track. |
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