Let Me Die In My Footsteps - Visions of Dylan, the stories behind the songs of Bob Dylan - Episode 3

It can be argued that “Let Me Die in my Footsteps” is the first song that Dylan actually composed the melody line to. Up to this point, it can be argued that his early ventures into song writing somewhat borrow from, Woody Guthrie songs. This is the first song we have come across so far which could be considered entirely original.
It was written in February 1962, one year after his arrival in New York and was one of the first songs selected for Dylan’s second album, the seminal ‘Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan’
However by the time he recorded it in April of that year, it seems he had already out grown the song and it was promptly dropped from the albums track listing as well as his live shows. I find that incredible, for it is song that many songwriters of the time and indeed any time, would have died to have written, but so prolific was his writing at this stage he probably felt it’s simple topical outlook wouldn’t stand the test of time as well as the more ambiguous and universal songs such as Blowin’ in the Wind and Hard Rain.
It was dropped at the same time as he was told by his record label that he wouldn’t t be able to include a controversial song called John Birch paranoid blues on his album and this triggered a clearance of some of the songs originally pencilled in for inclusion on the album.
It’s as though Dylan at this stage was developing so quickly as a poet and a songwriter, he struggled to keep up with himself.
I actually think it belongs on Freewheelin’ but I also think it’s a shame he didn’t write it in time to feature on his first album because I think it would have been perfect In those very early recordings.
The song itself is inspired by the late 50s and early 60s hysteria that provoked people to build underground fall out shelters and live in fear of a nuclear war. Rather than succumbing to this fear mongering Dylan decides he is more afraid of not living than dying and encourages the listener to throw caution to the wind and experience life rather than be afraid of it. It’s quite a philosophical song that challenges the response the general public have when confronted with fear.
I actually think contrary to what Dylan thought in the 60’s that this song does has a timeless quality because he we are 60 years later and still we are living in fear. So I’m taking a leaf out of Dylan’s book and am going to die living my life rather than being afraid of it.

[@RobVader-p5f]

As cool as ever, I will never forget you playing this in the Netherlands in a small village, it was sleeping until you played, you rocked it buddy ;)

[@VisionsOfDylanUK]

Ah mate, I loved that roadtrip and remember that gig, thanks for writing Rob, lovely to hear from you, I hope you are well, been too long Mr Brandi, sorry about that, my bad. Xxx. Gonna call you right now.

[@Joelygill]

“The lyrics are hokey” - I remember Bob saying that in don’t look back
Me who loves the song - going what the heck!?!?
Could listen to ppl talk about Dylan forever

[@VisionsOfDylanUK]

Thanks for having a watch of the vid and reaching out, appreciate that. They are awesome lyrics aren't they? It's hard to imagine why Dylan would think they aren't just goes to show how much he was growing at the time.