The cane sailing through the air coming down through the room kind of speaks to the absurdity and unforeseen nature of her death. Such a powerful song.
I remember a former poet laureate in the UK was discussing this song once and he talks about how the entire song is written in what they call feminine endings (stress placed on the first syllable in each ending line's word) except for the verse in which Hattie Carroll is killed - where he repeats 'table' three times and then follows with the weapon that took her - a cane. It hearkens back to the biblical Cain and Abel, the first murder. Coincidence or intentional? I don't know, but to me it was certainly an interesting take. I do think that Bob Dylan took great care in writing this song, and the fact that he's still proud of it today and sings it regularly in his concerts is proof of that. Compare it to something like "The Death of Emmett Till" - a similar theme but written earlier in his career, and the difference in lyricism is evident.
I love how this song starts so directly and matter-of-factly. It isn't a "whodunnit" or an intrigue. It's a cry of pain for victims who are so often forgotten. It's full of empathy and sadness.
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️
This is one of my most favorite Dylan songs. It shows him not doing the popular thing, but using his powers to give voice to a silenced victim of senseless racial violence. I'm sure Miss Hattie Carroll is in heaven and I know one day she will meet Mr. Dylan there and kiss his cheek!😘
A few years ago I was moved to tears by this song while riding in the backseat of a car through Southern Idaho. It's been my favorite song ever since. There's a clarity and a conviction to it that I haven't found anywhere else. It shows humanity's best through a reaction to its worst.
Simply the greatest piece of Dylan storytelling. It's a timeless masterpiece. Underrated by many, but those who fall in love with it will never be without it.
This song along with every other song on Times they are a-changing is a work of poetic art. Most are serious but non partisan points of view based on strong compassion and intent.
Right? He never betrayed it in his interviews - he was no fool, but anyone that can ignore the violence of his anger never listened to the man! From him I learned also what a man may do with rage.
This song makes me tear up everytime. Even the few innocuous lines strike a chord for some reason. The hauntingly sad cadence never fails to elicit a kind of melancholy that is cathartic and deeply personal..
I am visiting family in Baltimore Maryland and we visited the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower. We learned about this song there. What a tragedy. Unfortunately, the rich still get away with murder.
@@turboturtle5575 There is even more than that going on, IMO. The song "It's all right Ma", the tongue literally does a dance, step by step. Even "he" thought that was a unique song. He was also, once, a very impressive guitar player. But yes, he was a genius of phrasing.
"with a cane that he twirled around his diamond ring finger". Dylan has such a way with words. Perfect poetry that paints Zantzinger as the truest evil villain.
@@johnbismarck3841 A Plutophobe? Did you make that up? You're saying that it is a stretch to see evil in that particular lyric and that's right but it's kind of clear that lmc... is listening to the song and all the lyrics and making a judgement about the wealthy and their disdain for lesser folks and servants that can sometimes border on evil. The evil in this story (not just that one lyric) is apparent with how some rich whites behave towards the underclass that happen to be people of color. The evil is also in the Justice system that can be bought with money so that favorable outcomes are sometimes available for the rich. Richard Prior's line about the courts is apropos "Yeah, there's justice in the courts, there's just us!" Are you implying that plutocracy in our American plural society is acceptable, maybe a good thing? I might agree if you include plutocrats like the Roosevelts and Kennedys but those kind of guys are long gone from government. You could argue that we do have good guys like Gates and Buffet spending their wealth for good purposes... still the song is about an evil character or don't you agree with that? Dylan was desperate to avoid the label "protest singer". He claimed to be a song and dance man and yet he just kept up with his social commentaries about racial injustice decades later (Rubin Carter). This Epstein story we are presently learning about has the taint of evil, no? If you have so much wealth that you can't spend it all you invest you wealth in illegal acts like sexually abusing children?
the villian he truly was.....dylans spoke for those that had no voice of their own...empatheticaly , ellequently and to the point he could cut ya down , like a big ol tree
"In the courtroom of honor, the judge pounded his gavel. To show that all is equal, and that the courts are on the level. And that the strings in the books, ain't pulled and persuaded. And that even the nobles, get properly handled. Once that the cops, have chased after and caught him. And that the ladder of law, has no top and no bottom. Stared at the person, who killed for no reason. Who just happened to be feeling, that way without warning. And he spoke through his cloak, most deep and distinguished. And handed out strongly for penalty and repentance, William Zanzinger with a six-month sentence." This is the greatest part of, not only this song, but this whole album, and possibly of Dylan's career, and could be offered to any one asking for a reason why Bob should have received the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Man, no kidding! Those last lyrics really have the image of the weight, the sacred integrity which "the courtroom of honor" represents. Then the final verse "And you who philosophize disgrace, and criticize all fears; bury the rag deep in your face, for now's the time for your tears".Powerful. Puts a tear in my eyes every time.
36 years after first hearing this song as a 14 year old boy, I cried then (I was a sensitive kid) and I still cry today when I listen to this. Damn you Dylan.
This song has brought tears to my eyes so many times, but reading the comments shook me to the core. Thank you dear Lord for so many souls of perception and integrity.
56 years on and the world still needs to learn from this song. I love how Dylan refuses to let the listener give into their emotion too early - though tragic, murder happens and the story's not got to its real point yet.... the real tragedy is the final line of the last verse, "a 6 month sentence" - that's when Dylan finally lets you bury your face. That's the moment you know society is hopeless and the listener can only weep and rage. So little has changed in 56 years. The worst charge for any of Breonna Taylor's murderers was equivalent to fraud of under $1000. Bury the rag most deep in your face. Now is the time for your tears.
The song has nothing to do with racism it's about the corruption of the legal system and the elite that abuse it. It's the age old story look at Dirty Joe, Obama, and countless others. Unfortunately Tsylors bf fired a gun and the truth will never be told. I hate when individuals turn something into racism which never was meant to be. America is NOT a racist country the police are not racist the country is morally broken and the entire system is shattered by corruption. This song was about the wealthy and how they use the law while the poor are treated different. Hattie Carol could have been white.
Oh shut up. These two situations have absolutely nothing to do with each other. Quit using poor people's tragedies to push your authoritarian political agenda you racist fucking creep.
@@silasxiii You could just say you disagree rather than showing everyone that you're the sort of person Dylan wrote songs *about* rather than for. Something's going on, but you don't know what it is, do you? Enjoy your day, Mr Jones.
This entire song is perfect but the final verse is particularly good. The way Dylan slowly builds up to the climactic declaration of the sentence, the tension and suspense is incredible even though you can guess what's coming. The pause before the "six-month sentence" line, the way his voice trembles with anger and sadness. Just amazing. A critic once said that this was the most perfect recording of a song ever in the sense that there is no way you could improve on this studio version of the song. I'm inclined to agree with him.
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️
Thats one of the few things about Dylan's life that i dont understand,his conversion to Christianity, a religion i detest as the other 2 Abrahamic ones. Glad he eventually left it
@@davisworth5114 A masterpiece, the way Bob Dylan described the event was top notch. He has a great way with lyrics and description. I think it's the best song on the album, followed by Only a pawn in their game. The whole album is very good though. 👍
This song, an early Dylan masterpiece, was not merely another indictment of the judicial system; it is based on an actual incident. Although some small license has been taken, the protagonists of the song are the historic characters of true story. The killer died not very long ago.
While "witnessing" the protests of this past summer, I consistantly said "where are the musicians in the Dylan tradition these days"......not many being heard. Hearing Dylan's songs fr om this time period really harken back the passion we all had in those days for righting the many many wrongs.......will that passion re-ignite in the 2020s.........this can't be repeated again....can it?
@@kathleenkosel9368 i think there's a lot of people writing songs about current events but they tend to be either very obscure or much less eloquent than Dylan was.
@Kathleen Kosel .......I don’t think we’ll *ever* again see musicians writing quality protest songs like they did in the ‘60’s, and certainly not songwriting musicians of Bob Dylan’s calibre. However, Australian Hip Hop act, Hilltop Hoods try (admirably) to convey their anger and frustration of contemporary world issues. They’re not really my thing (and very different to Dylan) but I like to give credit where it’s due. You might like to give this track a listen?...... th-cam.com/video/0b_9VQcnQZY/w-d-xo.html........Apologies, I thought the lyrics accompanied the first link. This is the only version I can find with lyrics (and then, they’re cut off at the end), but nonetheless, I think this song is a fair example of a more recent “Protest” composition.......th-cam.com/video/HTnTA9Quh64/w-d-xo.html
one law for the rich, one law for the poor: the eternal folk song theme. money and all that springs from it isn't natural. eliminate or laugh at folk songs at your peril. Dylan has always been a folk singer at heart, imho. As humble as the air people breathe. Tis odd how that reality often gets misread.
You know I've just finally been doing a deep dive on Dylan and I've always kinda had the impression that he's this pretentious songwriter who writes these purposely esoteric lyrics and who barely tried to sing, but I was way off. Listening to him now I hear nothing but raw honesty and love of forgotten people and places. I guess I had to grow into him.
What a wonderful song... I'm drunk but this track drove me mad... I listened to it four times... And my opinion hasn't changed: THE TIMES THEY'RE A CHANGING is one of the best albums of Dylan's Life
So brilliant and devastating - That change of lyrics in the final chorus packs such a punch - “Now IS the time for your tears” vs the earlier “Now ain’t the time for your tears” - plus the amazing imagery such as the “rag” on “your face” - both a handkerchief for tears and also a veil disguising/hiding the brutal truth...also the judge putting on a performance to lie that the “letter of the law has no top and no bottom...” This is a brilliant socially conscious “murder ballad” as they are called in songwriting tradition - and the horrible truth of it is just heartbreaking. It takes my breath away.
mistery-ed “But you who philosophize disgrace and criticize fears, take the rag away from your face, now ain’t the time for your tears.” This part makes me cry every time I hear it.
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️
We loved Dylan when we were teenagers, trying to work out what was going on with the world, our place in it...............we listened to this song and, although our life experience had taught us of the great injustice and class issues, this gave us another dimension to realise. Beautiful song, but bittersweet, very much so.
I’m 35 and only discovered bobs music 12month omg he’s melted my face with a lot of these songs and gave the bottom of spine a thump that’s the best way I can describe with no exaggeration
"The judges considerately deferred the start of the jail sentence until September 15, to give Zantzinger time to harvest his tobacco crop."-- Time, 9/6/1963
"DETERMINED TO DESTROY ALL THE GENTLE" - Even tho I've listened to this song many times, over 50 years - I'd NEVER heard that line before! I JUST heard it. Seems to me THAT's what the song's all about. The way many 'RULERS just HAVE to DESTROY THE GENTLE! Just coz THEY CAN.THAT's what "RULERS" DO!
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️
If there is a holy spirit, Bob Dylan must have possessed it to write such a heartbreaking description of injustice in our world. The meek shall inherit the earth
I have been listening to this masterpiece for over 50 years, it stil sounds magnificent, the ladder of law has no top and no bottom, what a line. In the canon of the Bard of Minnesota's work this song is huge.
What a creative period for BD that was... 1963-1967. Unbelievable. And this is one of the very best songs he ever wrote imo. Imagine picking up the New York Times, reading an article, being outraged, and then sitting down and writng this? It's perfect. A song-writing masterclass. And what a vocal performance! PS Hattie Carroll wasnt actually 'killed by a blow', but I bet you already knew that. And that fact doesn't change the song's importance one jot re the injustice and inequality described. The times they are not a-changing.
You who philosophize disgrace and criticize fears..Take the rag away from your face!!💥 and SEE: The Letter of ‘ YOUR’ Law has no top and no bottom!!..iaw.: Think! Be honest👌 Now ain’t the time for your tears! Dedicated to Hattie Carroll🌹💫 and right now for ALL, especially #GeorgeFloyd, I’m sure!! Thanks DearDylan❤️🌹👌🌞
It's about time. Most Dylan studio recordings are removed for copyright infraction. Live songs are allowed. Unless of course you want to pay for TH-cam Red. Then you can listen all you want. As long as you pay all over again for music you probably already bought when it came out. I'm glad I've got all his records but it would be nice to listen on TH-cam too. I'm not sure why Dylan and the Eagles are some of the only artists not allowed on TH-cam. It's not as though their music isn't available everywhere.
This song inspired me to take up the guitar during Covid 19. (I'm no good), but I have used song and trying to play...to evidence my voice. Im not a performer nor is that the point. But until I am ready to journal my personal thoughts publically, (that is scarier to me than 'covering a song' , even poorly....I'd rather that than be direct with my thoughts. How can I? That is not the world we live in. So it is far better to identify and quote someone else, I guess... I'm a wimp- lol! But not you, Bobby! You inspire my spirit. Perhaps one day I might be brave enough to write my own songs. What I love about you, Zimmerman...is your lyrics are timeless. I have seen you play many times...You're freggin awesome. I hope to meet you! For some kind of reason this song...became the inspired thought I had to just try. Hats off, Mr. Zimmerman! Thank you for your light in this world; your light will never go out. -heather (you tube acct name: "Journaling with heather") love ya'll
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️
In 2022, I've just know this song today. This song really lives through time. So glad my musician friend suggest me to listen to Bob Dylan. Hello all Dylan fans, sorry im a late newbie. Have a good day observing life. With love of music.
I love how the strumming gets more erratic towards the end of the song, especially in the description of the sentencing. You, and everyone in the courtroom, is hanging on the verdict, but already know how it is going to turn out.
@@Anthony-hu3rj haha no. Its a youtibr channel that has amazing content. th-cam.com/video/bcI4iGnOVyc/w-d-xo.html Check this to understand this Dyaln song better
sadly that dream of equality faded over time , and now there's the people the current potus eggs in against it , he's worse than zanzinger by light years
I bought this album when I was about 14 and have to say it is one of my favourite Dylan albums. This song in particular I've loved since first hearing it about 50 years ago and along with North Country Blues, one of my favourites off the album. Love that Woody Guthrie -esque album cover photo too.
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️
What typically brings me to tears, and maybe Bob myself, is the switch in the last chorus: a technique he went on to use to great effect in several other songs. Also the RStones in Wild Horses blowing me away. Many others. Here, [SPOILER ALERT] no longer "take the rag away from your face."
I’ve grown up listing to bob dylan my mum and dad would always listen to him well before my time but I love this music because he’s music as so much meaning
2:40 "Lay slain by a cane" for the longest time I thought this line said "lay slain by a _king._ " I guess I never caught on in part because, even if it had been "king" it would still have fit with the tone and sentiment of the song.
It’s a true story. He beat her and others working because they were black and he was angry and drunk . He was also a virulent racist who ironically, would himself serve time min prison for tax theft. He served 18 mos - longer than when he took an actual human life.
Such a strange shift to go from this to Rosemary, Lily and the Jack of Hearts in my Bob Dylan playlist. The times they are a-changing is at the height of his activism, he goes on to do Another Side of Bob Dylan and tones it down a bit and shows more of his sense of humor, love songs and others just fun and lighthearted. People thought some of his stuff at this time was too intense and preachy and he succumbed to the criticism as well as he may have not wanted to get trapped in a box and be able to do other things. The times they are a-changin stands out to me because he’s deadly serious the entire album, I mean, look at his face on the album cover. He’s disillusioned by the suffering and injustice around him. He’s heartbroken from parting with his girlfriend and muse. He wants people to be united with one voice against injustice. One too many mornings sounds like he’s deeply sad about torn relationships and disagreements in his life, looking back at the places where so many fond memories occurred and that person is no longer around. Boots of Spanish leather is about his girlfriend who, I believe, actually leaves to Spain, and left him in 63 before this album was released. Not sure if it’s written before or after the breakup, like if they broke up before she went to Spain. There’s obviously so much more on this album I could talk about all night. I think anyone that only cares about the pain and suffering and injustice against their own ethnicity and people group are philosophizing disgrace and criticizing all fear. It’s hypocrisy, and it gives off a foul odor. Most people out there aren’t part of some conspiracy they’re just average Joe’s. If you can’t see that the whole of mankind is capable of the most heinous of evils, including yourself, you’re in danger of becoming that very thing. Stay humble and keep on rockin in the freeworld as Neil Young would say, I guess Nardwaur too 😂
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️
As well as the romantic and the mysterious songs, there are three Bob Dylan songs that have metaphorically punched me in the stomach: Masters of War, With God on Our Side, and this one.
Tom Evans.....the songs you cited never fail to move me, but Bob has written many gut-wrenching, thought-provoking songs. “North Country Blues”, “The Ballad of Hollis Brown” and the heartbreaking (factual) “The Death of Emmett Till” affect me just as profoundly.
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️
Yes, a stand-out. Others back then mightily crafted. Perhaps the prime foundation of his Nobel? His lyrical peak to me came just before he "went electric." E.g. It's Alright Ma' : The lines Bob rattles off in his 2004 60 minutes interview to illustrate the "magic" he channeled back then.
Sure. The song is It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding). Originally released 2 albums later on Bringing It All Back Home. Also on some compendiums, TH-cam, streaming services. Here's the 60 Minutes link where he rattles off some lines. Wistfully. th-cam.com/video/2WENXCJqpDk/w-d-xo.html
Is there any other song that illustrates the failures of the justice system better than this? Don't think so. It so poignant, sad, haunting, and true...
Seth Stine......I think Dylan’s song “The Death of Emmett Till” is every bit as disturbing as this one. Another factual account, Emmett was only 14 years old when he was abducted and viciously tortured to death. Reports vary, but Emmett supposedly spoke to (some say whistled at) Carolyn Bryant who ran the local store. Being a Negro boy, his interaction with a white woman was deemed unacceptable in the ‘60’s American South. Bryant’s husband and his half-brother saw fit to mete out their own brutal form of justice by abducting Emmett and torturing him to death. Both offenders were charged and after being promptly acquitted by an “all white” jury, were (reportedly) seen laughing on the Courthouse steps. Decades later, Bryant admitted she’d lied about everything! Hattie’s case wasn’t even tried by a jury, Zantzinger had a panel of 3 (white) judges. In a cruel twist, Zantzinger’s sentence was handed down on the same day that Martin Luther King made his “I have a dream” speech.
Emmet Till's murderers getting off scott free, Ian Cranston getting sentenced to ten years for a killing comitted in self defense, etc. The Justice System has always been ruled by politics and money. The rules and constitution make it one of the best in the world in theory, but in practice it is corrupt.
![Bob Dylan - The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll (RARE LIVE FOOTAGE) [England 1965]](/img/n.gif)
the continuous repetition of the word "table" with the same chords gives the feeling of the routine of poor Hattie ... genius. masterpiece.
Merci
The cane sailing through the air coming down through the room kind of speaks to the absurdity and unforeseen nature of her death. Such a powerful song.
rip hattie carrol....ya he deserved the pulitzer long before it was noticed........on a whole other level!
Sounded awkward to me but now makes so much sense with your comment.
I remember a former poet laureate in the UK was discussing this song once and he talks about how the entire song is written in what they call feminine endings (stress placed on the first syllable in each ending line's word) except for the verse in which Hattie Carroll is killed - where he repeats 'table' three times and then follows with the weapon that took her - a cane. It hearkens back to the biblical Cain and Abel, the first murder. Coincidence or intentional? I don't know, but to me it was certainly an interesting take. I do think that Bob Dylan took great care in writing this song, and the fact that he's still proud of it today and sings it regularly in his concerts is proof of that. Compare it to something like "The Death of Emmett Till" - a similar theme but written earlier in his career, and the difference in lyricism is evident.
I love how this song starts so directly and matter-of-factly. It isn't a "whodunnit" or an intrigue. It's a cry of pain for victims who are so often forgotten. It's full of empathy and sadness.
im 72 and this songs still gives me goosebumps
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️
Bob said early on this was the one song that teared him up
@@babeeblues lovely do you have google chat???
@@BobDylan-1literally nobody has had google chat for almost 2 decades.
This is one of my most favorite Dylan songs. It shows him not doing the popular thing, but using his powers to give voice to a silenced victim of senseless racial violence. I'm sure Miss Hattie Carroll is in heaven and I know one day she will meet Mr. Dylan there and kiss his cheek!😘
Zantchickenzinger is somewhere else with a vast gulf fixed between him and Hattie. He can’t even get a drop of water and he’s roasting.
When the rain comes ,the boats do bow
A few years ago I was moved to tears by this song while riding in the backseat of a car through Southern Idaho. It's been my favorite song ever since. There's a clarity and a conviction to it that I haven't found anywhere else. It shows humanity's best through a reaction to its worst.
This is a magnificent comment. Heartfelt, recollective, conclusive.
Bob Dylan's "Hurricane" also moves me deeply.
RIP Hattie Carroll 1911-1963
We are blessed to have this man in our pathetic existence
Nevertheless... JESUS IS LORD - TO THE GLORY OF GOD.
Simply the greatest piece of Dylan storytelling. It's a timeless masterpiece. Underrated by many, but those who fall in love with it will never be without it.
Amen brother Scott, amen.
This song along with every other song on Times they are a-changing is a work of poetic art. Most are serious but non partisan points of view based on strong compassion and intent.
Oh how the tables have turned. Fake trials for J6 tourists vs. may 2020 rioters.
The anger when he sings "and she never done nothing to William Zanzinger"
Right? He never betrayed it in his interviews - he was no fool, but anyone that can ignore the violence of his anger never listened to the man!
From him I learned also what a man may do with rage.
Masters of War plenty enraged, Here, as IDed above, [SPOILER ALERT]T his change in the last chorus: "NOW is the time"
One of the best written songs of all time. Perfect example of storytelling
This song makes me tear up everytime. Even the few innocuous lines strike a chord for some reason. The hauntingly sad cadence never fails to elicit a kind of melancholy that is cathartic and deeply personal..
It's hitting your heart sir !!!
The effect of Bob
Now is the time for your tears. Which follows the heartbeat of the guitar. Astonishing words, and only 21 years old. Dear me.
Bob Dylan can rhyme words that don't rhyme. Not just genius. Genius royalty.
This quality is in 'meters' !
Johnny Rotten- l am an anarchist , l am the anti-Christ . Does that rhyme?
I am visiting family in Baltimore Maryland and we visited the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower. We learned about this song there. What a tragedy. Unfortunately, the rich still get away with murder.
He owns the english language.
@@turboturtle5575 There is even more than that going on, IMO. The song "It's all right Ma", the tongue literally does a dance, step by step. Even "he" thought that was a unique song. He was also, once, a very impressive guitar player. But yes, he was a genius of phrasing.
"with a cane that he twirled around his diamond ring finger". Dylan has such a way with words. Perfect poetry that paints Zantzinger as the truest evil villain.
Only if you're a plutophobe, what it does is establish his wealth & status.
@@johnbismarck3841 A Plutophobe? Did you make that up? You're saying that it is a stretch to see evil in that particular lyric and that's right but it's kind of clear that lmc... is listening to the song and all the lyrics and making a judgement about the wealthy and their disdain for lesser folks and servants that can sometimes border on evil. The evil in this story (not just that one lyric) is apparent with how some rich whites behave towards the underclass that happen to be people of color. The evil is also in the Justice system that can be bought with money so that favorable outcomes are sometimes available for the rich. Richard Prior's line about the courts is apropos "Yeah, there's justice in the courts, there's just us!"
Are you implying that plutocracy in our American plural society is acceptable, maybe a good thing? I might agree if you include plutocrats like the Roosevelts and Kennedys but those kind of guys are long gone from government. You could argue that we do have good guys like Gates and Buffet spending their wealth for good purposes... still the song is about an evil character or don't you agree with that?
Dylan was desperate to avoid the label "protest singer". He claimed to be a song and dance man and yet he just kept up with his social commentaries about racial injustice decades later (Rubin Carter).
This Epstein story we are presently learning about has the taint of evil, no? If you have so much wealth that you can't spend it all you invest you wealth in illegal acts like sexually abusing children?
@@johnwedgbury6817 You're right. Zantzinger was a run of the mill evil person.
the villian he truly was.....dylans spoke for those that had no voice of their own...empatheticaly , ellequently and to the point he could cut ya down , like a big ol tree
@@murderhill1947 damn you must have been good in english class....you should be in litigation lol peace bro...you tell em
"In the courtroom of honor, the judge pounded his gavel. To show that all is equal, and that the courts are on the level. And that the strings in the books, ain't pulled and persuaded. And that even the nobles, get properly handled. Once that the cops, have chased after and caught him. And that the ladder of law, has no top and no bottom. Stared at the person, who killed for no reason. Who just happened to be feeling, that way without warning. And he spoke through his cloak, most deep and distinguished. And handed out strongly for penalty and repentance, William Zanzinger with a six-month sentence."
This is the greatest part of, not only this song, but this whole album, and possibly of Dylan's career, and could be offered to any one asking for a reason why Bob should have received the Nobel Prize in Literature.
it's an incredible paragraph in any milieu
"The ladder of law has no top and no bottom" is my favorite Dylan line
Dylan was the first rapper
You hit the nail on the head there with that statement...
Man, no kidding! Those last lyrics really have the image of the weight, the sacred integrity which "the courtroom of honor" represents. Then the final verse "And you who philosophize disgrace, and criticize all fears; bury the rag deep in your face, for now's the time for your tears".Powerful. Puts a tear in my eyes every time.
May Ms.Hattie Rest in peace.
May we all.
36 years after first hearing this song as a 14 year old boy, I cried then (I was a sensitive kid) and I still cry today when I listen to this. Damn you Dylan.
Well if you wanna cry over libel. You must vote Democrat
Hattie's great nephew is on youtube. He mentioned this because a Bob Dylan song was playing on a show he was reacting to
What is his name? How can I find him on youtube?
Music is so connective ❤
@@bsnf-5 I forgot worry
This song hit me between the eyes when I first heard it. Aged 15 in 83. Brilliant Dylan.
I remember the first time I heard it too, the way the last line changes, just knocks you out.
Shame justice was never served. For this women
This song has brought tears to my eyes so many times, but reading the comments shook me to the core. Thank you dear Lord for so many souls of perception and integrity.
🙏🏼
There will never be another poet-singer like this great singer. Dylan is one of a kind! Love this sad song.
56 years on and the world still needs to learn from this song.
I love how Dylan refuses to let the listener give into their emotion too early - though tragic, murder happens and the story's not got to its real point yet.... the real tragedy is the final line of the last verse, "a 6 month sentence" - that's when Dylan finally lets you bury your face. That's the moment you know society is hopeless and the listener can only weep and rage.
So little has changed in 56 years.
The worst charge for any of Breonna Taylor's murderers was equivalent to fraud of under $1000.
Bury the rag most deep in your face. Now is the time for your tears.
Most certainly it is. If I were breonna Taylor’s dad, I would not stop until everyone involved rested in the same dirt.
The song has nothing to do with racism it's about the corruption of the legal system and the elite that abuse it. It's the age old story look at Dirty Joe, Obama, and countless others. Unfortunately Tsylors bf fired a gun and the truth will never be told. I hate when individuals turn something into racism which never was meant to be. America is NOT a racist country the police are not racist the country is morally broken and the entire system is shattered by corruption. This song was about the wealthy and how they use the law while the poor are treated different. Hattie Carol could have been white.
Oh shut up. These two situations have absolutely nothing to do with each other. Quit using poor people's tragedies to push your authoritarian political agenda you racist fucking creep.
@@guntotinmedic then you would deserve the death penalty you psychopathic moron.
@@silasxiii You could just say you disagree rather than showing everyone that you're the sort of person Dylan wrote songs *about* rather than for.
Something's going on, but you don't know what it is, do you?
Enjoy your day, Mr Jones.
This song always puts a bubble in my throat so unique.
This entire song is perfect but the final verse is particularly good. The way Dylan slowly builds up to the climactic declaration of the sentence, the tension and suspense is incredible even though you can guess what's coming. The pause before the "six-month sentence" line, the way his voice trembles with anger and sadness. Just amazing.
A critic once said that this was the most perfect recording of a song ever in the sense that there is no way you could improve on this studio version of the song. I'm inclined to agree with him.
One of his greatest songs
the cbc performance of the song is really quite moving as well its very early footage check it out....i agree with all you said.....peace n love
GreatDarkWing0491 the last verse is genius.
I can't really notice the pause before the sentence like you mentioned... But I kind of imagined it to be so too, earlier.
@@golubvolodemerovich7512 Yes maybe "pause" isn't the correct word but I can definitely sense a hesitation before he says "six"
The greatest musician and poet ever!!!! My Idol!!!
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️
Poetic storytelling, an ancient bardic tradition. Dylan is a master
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️
Incredible song, how could such a young man come up with this ?
because his songs were inspirational. He took from others, the best poets and artists. Watch the documentary "No Direction Home".
There's a whole news article on the actual events this song is based upon
Based on a true story
"For now's the time for your tears."
Indeed, God speaks to us through Dylan.
No god, just Dylan!
Someone has too.
The most moving line of the lyrics, after the multiple repetitions of "this is not time for your tears."
I dunno, if there was a wise and benevolent god, surely we'd have no Zantzinger? Maybe Dylan is closer to the moral compass we need so badly?
Thats one of the few things about Dylan's life that i dont understand,his conversion to Christianity, a religion i detest as the other 2 Abrahamic ones. Glad he eventually left it
This song should by a part of every history book across America. It should be memorized like the national anthem.
AMEN!
@@davisworth5114 A masterpiece, the way Bob Dylan described the event was top notch. He has a great way with lyrics and description. I think it's the best song on the album, followed by Only a pawn in their game. The whole album is very good though. 👍
I would like to see a movie made on this song.
@@paulkinsella6536 yes not just the album, the song is like in top 5 of all his songs from the 60s.
This song, an early Dylan masterpiece, was not merely another indictment of the judicial system; it is based on an actual incident. Although some small license has been taken, the protagonists of the song are the historic characters of true story.
The killer died not very long ago.
We need more Bob Dylan in 2020.. Always relevant, always on point. Bob Dylan, save us.
...and now we have!
www.bobdylan.com/albums/rough-and-rowdy-ways/
While "witnessing" the protests of this past summer, I consistantly said "where are the musicians in the Dylan tradition these days"......not many being heard. Hearing Dylan's songs fr om this time period really harken back the passion we all had in those days for righting the many many wrongs.......will that passion re-ignite in the 2020s.........this can't be repeated again....can it?
@@kathleenkosel9368 i think there's a lot of people writing songs about current events but they tend to be either very obscure or much less eloquent than Dylan was.
Alice Howe / a comer for Dylannsms !!
@Kathleen Kosel .......I don’t think we’ll *ever* again see musicians writing quality protest songs like they did in the ‘60’s, and certainly not songwriting musicians of Bob Dylan’s calibre. However, Australian Hip Hop act, Hilltop Hoods try (admirably) to convey their anger and frustration of contemporary world issues. They’re not really my thing (and very different to Dylan) but I like to give credit where it’s due. You might like to give this track a listen?...... th-cam.com/video/0b_9VQcnQZY/w-d-xo.html........Apologies, I thought the lyrics accompanied the first link. This is the only version I can find with lyrics (and then, they’re cut off at the end), but nonetheless, I think this song is a fair example of a more recent “Protest” composition.......th-cam.com/video/HTnTA9Quh64/w-d-xo.html
one law for the rich, one law for the poor: the eternal folk song theme. money and all that springs from it isn't natural. eliminate or laugh at folk songs at your peril. Dylan has always been a folk singer at heart, imho. As humble as the air people breathe. Tis odd how that reality often gets misread.
People, by and large are FUCKING STUPID!
@@johnbismarck3841 You mean the type of people who believe it happened like Dylan said it did?
great comment rip poor hattie carroll
You know I've just finally been doing a deep dive on Dylan and I've always kinda had the impression that he's this pretentious songwriter who writes these purposely esoteric lyrics and who barely tried to sing, but I was way off. Listening to him now I hear nothing but raw honesty and love of forgotten people and places. I guess I had to grow into him.
@@jonazo7188 He was the Hero (or anti-hero) of the 60's generation. You've struck gold. Ever heard of Joni Mitchell? God bless.
Wonderful song bobat his voice is best
Polyphonic just did an incredible video on this song
Thanks
a tru story ,a piece of history and a slice of life during the civil rights movement. ....a dylan masterpiece
RIP hattie carrroll
You hear Cage the Elephants cover of this song? Let me know what you think :)
And so it goes on and on and on!
What a wonderful song... I'm drunk but this track drove me mad... I listened to it four times... And my opinion hasn't changed: THE TIMES THEY'RE A CHANGING is one of the best albums of Dylan's Life
Thanks Bob Dylan for putting me on the road to seeking the truth in all things, things of This world and God’s Kingdom to come.
So brilliant and devastating - That change of lyrics in the final chorus packs such a punch - “Now IS the time for your tears” vs the earlier “Now ain’t the time for your tears” - plus the amazing imagery such as the “rag” on “your face” - both a handkerchief for tears and also a veil disguising/hiding the brutal truth...also the judge putting on a performance to lie that the “letter of the law has no top and no bottom...”
This is a brilliant socially conscious “murder ballad” as they are called in songwriting tradition - and the horrible truth of it is just heartbreaking. It takes my breath away.
Joan Baez thought this was one of Bob's best songs of all of 'em
?
who is Joan Baez?
@@elliottyeomans654 Famous singer and his former girlfriend
I agree with her absolutely!!!
Happy 82nd Birthday Robert Allen Zimmerman. Thank you for all your ballads honoring those forgotten.
For such a basic of basic guitar strumming imagines with words a persons life Genius!!
One of the most moving songs/poems ever written and one of the most poignant social comments ever raised against a society. Bob was a genius.
IS a genius.
I came close to crying the first time I heard this.
mistery-ed “But you who philosophize disgrace and criticize fears, take the rag away from your face, now ain’t the time for your tears.” This part makes me cry every time I hear it.
"Now ain't the the time for your..."
Two other songs that get me the same way are Hurt by Jonny Cash and The Band Played Waltzing Matilda by the Pogues
Me, too. I actually cried.
Cried? Why? His vocals are bad but not that bad
What a sad story. Beautiful song. Thanks a lot.
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️
This is a masterpiece.
What an amazing track and artist!
Just heard this for the first time today ,what a tune ,so sad that such injustice exists 😢
We loved Dylan when we were teenagers, trying to work out what was going on with the world, our place in it...............we listened to this song and, although our life experience had taught us of the great injustice and class issues, this gave us another dimension to realise. Beautiful song, but bittersweet, very much so.
I’m 35 and only discovered bobs music 12month omg he’s melted my face with a lot of these songs and gave the bottom of spine a thump that’s the best way I can describe with no exaggeration
This cannot be improved! Absolutely brilliant 👏 Dylan is National treasure !
"Percys Song "by Bob is similar and just as powerful.
@@morristonian thanks
I never heard it but now love it
And she never did nothin to William Zanzigger.
That's the line.
"The judges considerately deferred the start of the jail sentence until September 15, to give Zantzinger time to harvest his tobacco crop."-- Time, 9/6/1963
Bought Dylan freewheeling album
When I was 15 I am now 73
Dylans song are still relevant now as they were then
Just brilliant
"DETERMINED TO DESTROY ALL THE GENTLE" - Even tho I've listened to this song many times, over 50 years - I'd NEVER heard that line before! I JUST heard it. Seems to me THAT's what the song's all about. The way many 'RULERS just HAVE to DESTROY THE GENTLE! Just coz THEY CAN.THAT's what "RULERS" DO!
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️
Happy 80th Birthday, Bob. May you stay forever young! 😎
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️
Never again: "I was so much older then." The wisdom of experience.
If there is a holy spirit, Bob Dylan must have possessed it to write such a heartbreaking description of injustice in our world. The meek shall inherit the earth
There is never a reason, and there never will be.
I have been listening to this masterpiece for over 50 years, it stil sounds magnificent, the ladder of law has no top and no bottom, what a line. In the canon of the Bard of Minnesota's work this song is huge.
My favourite line too. And the singing is extraordinary.
What a creative period for BD that was... 1963-1967. Unbelievable. And this is one of the very best songs he ever wrote imo.
Imagine picking up the New York Times, reading an article, being outraged, and then sitting down and writng this? It's perfect. A song-writing masterclass. And what a vocal performance!
PS Hattie Carroll wasnt actually 'killed by a blow', but I bet you already knew that. And that fact doesn't change the song's importance one jot re the injustice and inequality described. The times they are not a-changing.
This song will stand forever.
You who philosophize disgrace and criticize fears..Take the rag away from your face!!💥
and SEE: The Letter of ‘ YOUR’ Law has no top and no bottom!!..iaw.: Think! Be honest👌 Now ain’t the time for your tears! Dedicated to Hattie Carroll🌹💫 and right now for ALL, especially #GeorgeFloyd, I’m sure!! Thanks DearDylan❤️🌹👌🌞
Maybe this is the best "protest" ( or against privilege, intollerance,injustice) song ever written
Best song ever about the failure of the justice system
Glad to see good quality recordings are being added onto TH-cam.
It's about time. Most Dylan studio recordings are removed for copyright infraction. Live songs are allowed. Unless of course you want to pay for TH-cam Red. Then you can listen all you want. As long as you pay all over again for music you probably already bought when it came out. I'm glad I've got all his records but it would be nice to listen on TH-cam too. I'm not sure why Dylan and the Eagles are some of the only artists not allowed on TH-cam. It's not as though their music isn't available everywhere.
tru dat
This is the prettiest sad song I know of
thanks to me
had lousy selection til i got here introduced love, terry ried , dylan, natalie etc etc
This song inspired me to take up the guitar during Covid 19. (I'm no good), but I have used song and trying to play...to evidence my voice. Im not a performer nor is that the point. But until I am ready to journal my personal thoughts publically, (that is scarier to me than 'covering a song' , even poorly....I'd rather that than be direct with my thoughts.
How can I? That is not the world we live in. So it is far better to identify and quote someone else, I guess... I'm a wimp- lol! But not you, Bobby! You inspire my spirit. Perhaps one day I might be brave enough to write my own songs. What I love about you, Zimmerman...is your lyrics are timeless. I have seen you play many times...You're freggin awesome. I hope to meet you!
For some kind of reason this song...became the inspired thought I had to just try. Hats off, Mr. Zimmerman! Thank you for your light in this world; your light will never go out.
-heather
(you tube acct name: "Journaling with heather")
love ya'll
Would that be a reference to Heather Cox Richardson? And Kudos to you
Such a sad song, but what a fantastic film this would make, and playing this haunting song in the background, wow Dylan is a one off.
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️
In 2022, I've just know this song today. This song really lives through time. So glad my musician friend suggest me to listen to Bob Dylan. Hello all Dylan fans, sorry im a late newbie. Have a good day observing life. With love of music.
I love how the strumming gets more erratic towards the end of the song, especially in the description of the sentencing. You, and everyone in the courtroom, is hanging on the verdict, but already know how it is going to turn out.
Anyone else here after Polyphonics video?
In my case, before the video
Same
Haha yeah
what's a polyphonics video? like a smart toaster?
@@Anthony-hu3rj haha no. Its a youtibr channel that has amazing content. th-cam.com/video/bcI4iGnOVyc/w-d-xo.html
Check this to understand this Dyaln song better
Recorded history an he's just amazing with his lyricism an truth differently at Top of my playing list🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Words cannot describe his words of truth 🙏
Bob Dylan is GENIUS
And loves to slander
Utter complete masterpiece. Saddest song I could name
More relevant than ever
Classic song.... also a true story!
yes it is yes it is......rip
Bob Dylan is the light that has lighted the world!
This boy from Minnesota who focused the consciousness of a surging young generation.
How lucky. how lucky were we?
If I were an eternal soul and could choose any era to reincarnate into, it'd be this exact one. Just to be able to experience Dylan.
sadly that dream of equality faded over time , and now there's the people the current potus eggs in against it , he's worse than zanzinger by light years
@@bluesriot2 I truly pity you if you believe that.
@@williamhenning4700 pity away
@@bluesriot2 you choose to be blind, you do yours. It's nothing I want to contribute to though.
One of Dylan's best in my opinion.
One of the best songs in the world
Just this one song is a testament to decency.
I bought this album when I was about 14 and have to say it is one of my favourite Dylan albums. This song in particular I've loved since first hearing it about 50 years ago and along with North Country Blues, one of my favourites off the album. Love that Woody Guthrie -esque album cover photo too.
A great song with genius lyrics!
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️
What typically brings me to tears, and maybe Bob myself, is the switch in the last chorus: a technique he went on to use to great effect in several other songs. Also the RStones in Wild Horses blowing me away. Many others. Here, [SPOILER ALERT] no longer "take the rag away from your face."
I’ve grown up listing to bob dylan my mum and dad would always listen to him well before my time but I love this music because he’s music as so much meaning
2:40 "Lay slain by a cane" for the longest time I thought this line said "lay slain by a _king._ " I guess I never caught on in part because, even if it had been "king" it would still have fit with the tone and sentiment of the song.
It’s a true story. He beat her and others working because they were black and he was angry and drunk . He was also a virulent racist who ironically, would himself serve time min prison for tax theft. He served 18 mos - longer than when he took an actual human life.
Will we ever see the day this doesn't still feel horribly, urgently relevant? Will our grandchildren?
Such a strange shift to go from this to Rosemary, Lily and the Jack of Hearts in my Bob Dylan playlist. The times they are a-changing is at the height of his activism, he goes on to do Another Side of Bob Dylan and tones it down a bit and shows more of his sense of humor, love songs and others just fun and lighthearted. People thought some of his stuff at this time was too intense and preachy and he succumbed to the criticism as well as he may have not wanted to get trapped in a box and be able to do other things. The times they are a-changin stands out to me because he’s deadly serious the entire album, I mean, look at his face on the album cover. He’s disillusioned by the suffering and injustice around him. He’s heartbroken from parting with his girlfriend and muse. He wants people to be united with one voice against injustice. One too many mornings sounds like he’s deeply sad about torn relationships and disagreements in his life, looking back at the places where so many fond memories occurred and that person is no longer around. Boots of Spanish leather is about his girlfriend who, I believe, actually leaves to Spain, and left him in 63 before this album was released. Not sure if it’s written before or after the breakup, like if they broke up before she went to Spain. There’s obviously so much more on this album I could talk about all night. I think anyone that only cares about the pain and suffering and injustice against their own ethnicity and people group are philosophizing disgrace and criticizing all fear. It’s hypocrisy, and it gives off a foul odor. Most people out there aren’t part of some conspiracy they’re just average Joe’s. If you can’t see that the whole of mankind is capable of the most heinous of evils, including yourself, you’re in danger of becoming that very thing. Stay humble and keep on rockin in the freeworld as Neil Young would say, I guess Nardwaur too 😂
One of his best
Nobody understands song like Bob
I came close to crying the first time I heard this.
Sad this story repeats itself even to this day.
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️
This song made me a lifelong fan at 15.
You guys are helping a lot with my analysis on this peice.
exactly. that's why I always read Dylan comment sections. lol
Happy upcoming 80th Bob
Hey Bob, how the hell are there not 10 million subscribers. Love you brother
Incredible. Poetry...in motion.
one of my fave dylan tunes.. thumbs up, sailor!
I love you Bob. God bless you . Forever wise and heart full
As well as the romantic and the mysterious songs, there are three Bob Dylan songs that have metaphorically punched me in the stomach: Masters of War, With God on Our Side, and this one.
Right on. Me too.
Tom Evans.....the songs you cited never fail to move me, but Bob has written many gut-wrenching, thought-provoking songs. “North Country Blues”, “The Ballad of Hollis Brown” and the heartbreaking (factual) “The Death of Emmett Till” affect me just as profoundly.
stunning storytelling on one of bob's most effective protest songs.
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan thank you for your wonderful comments on my post it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listening to my music…..❤️❤️❤️
Yes, a stand-out. Others back then mightily crafted. Perhaps the prime foundation of his Nobel? His lyrical peak to me came just before he "went electric." E.g. It's Alright Ma' : The lines Bob rattles off in his 2004 60 minutes interview to illustrate the "magic" he channeled back then.
@@babeeblues lovely can I get it….
Sure. The song is It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding). Originally released 2 albums later on Bringing It All Back Home. Also on some compendiums, TH-cam, streaming services. Here's the 60 Minutes link where he rattles off some lines. Wistfully. th-cam.com/video/2WENXCJqpDk/w-d-xo.html
Is there any other song that illustrates the failures of the justice system better than this? Don't think so. It so poignant, sad, haunting, and true...
There was no failure in the justice system. He was convicted of what he shoukd have been convicted of.
Seth Stine......I think Dylan’s song “The Death of Emmett Till” is every bit as disturbing as this one. Another factual account, Emmett was only 14 years old when he was abducted and viciously tortured to death. Reports vary, but Emmett supposedly spoke to (some say whistled at) Carolyn Bryant who ran the local store. Being a Negro boy, his interaction with a white woman was deemed unacceptable in the ‘60’s American South. Bryant’s husband and his half-brother saw fit to mete out their own brutal form of justice by abducting Emmett and torturing him to death. Both offenders were charged and after being promptly acquitted by an “all white” jury, were (reportedly) seen laughing on the Courthouse steps. Decades later, Bryant admitted she’d lied about everything! Hattie’s case wasn’t even tried by a jury, Zantzinger had a panel of 3 (white) judges. In a cruel twist, Zantzinger’s sentence was handed down on the same day that Martin Luther King made his “I have a dream” speech.
@@jerrypeters2095 he was given a slap on the wrist you dense fuck
poor people get more than that for traffic violations
Emmet Till's murderers getting off scott free, Ian Cranston getting sentenced to ten years for a killing comitted in self defense, etc. The Justice System has always been ruled by politics and money.
The rules and constitution make it one of the best in the world in theory, but in practice it is corrupt.
@@jerrypeters20956 months for murder, that’s definitely justice … keep exposing yourself
Thank you Mr Dylan