"It's all over now, Baby Blue"

BB NOTE: This performance comes from Dylan's "Don't Look Back Tour" in England, 1965. Seemes like is is a good time to put the video up. Alas.

You must leave now, take what you need, you think will last.
But whatever you wish to keep, you better grab it fast.
Yonder stands your orphan with his gun,
Crying like a fire in the sun.
Look out the saints are comin' through
And it's all over now, Baby Blue.

The highway is for gamblers, better use your sense.
Take what you have gathered from coincidence.
The empty-handed painter from your streets
Is drawing crazy patterns on your sheets.
This sky, too, is folding under you
And it's all over now, Baby Blue.

All your seasick sailors, they are rowing home.
All your reindeer armies, are all going home.
The lover who just walked out your door
Has taken all his blankets from the floor.
The carpet, too, is moving under you
And it's all over now, Baby Blue.

Leave your stepping stones behind, something calls for you.
Forget the dead you've left, they will not follow you.
The vagabond who's rapping at your door
Is standing in the clothes that you once wore.
Strike another match, go start anew
And it's all over now, Baby Blue.

B. Dylan 1965

BB NOTE: Twenty-three years later, Dylan does another version of the song (who knows how many there have actually been). This 1988 clip does show how he brilliantly "rephrases" his songs to change their meaning (one of the reasons his live shows are taped, bootlegged, and filmed so much). I have to admit, I have my moments when this version fits the moment best. But you can see quite a contrast between the version above and this one. (NOTE: The early opening part was not filmed). I love the part where he sings, "Strike another match, go start anew." What was going on? Sure have felt that way this week. And then the song ends so quietly. An amazing performance. (TIP of the TINFOIL HAT to rankflv. Man, you rock.)