This is not a “best from 1973” list, just 5 Great songs Bob Dylan recorded in 1973.

Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door

Burbank Studios
Burbank, California
February 1973

2nd Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid session, produced by Gordon Carroll.

Firs released on PAT GARRETT & BILLY THE KID, July
13, 1973.

Mama, take this badge off of me
I can’t use it anymore
It’s gettin’ dark, too dark for me to see
I feel like I’m knockin’ on heaven’s door

Nobody ‘Cept You

Village Recorder
Santa Monica, California
2 November 1973

1st Planet Waves session.

Released on THE BOOTLEG SERIES (RARE & UNRELEASED) 1961-1991, 26 March 1991.

There’s nothing ’round here I believe in
’Cept you, yeah you
And there’s nothing to me that’s sacred
’Cept you, yeah you

Dirge

Village Recorder
Santa Monica, California
14 November 1973

6th and last Planet Waves session.

Released on PLANET WAVES, 17 January 1974.

I hate myself for lovin’ you and the weakness that it showed
You were just a painted face on a trip down Suicide Road
The stage was set, the lights went out all around the old hotel
I hate myself for lovin’ you and I’m glad the curtain fell

–

Forever Young (Slow Version)

Village Recorder
Santa Monica, California
14 November 1973

6th and last Planet Waves session.

Released on PLANET WAVES, 17 January 1974.

May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young

–

Going, Going, Gone

Village Recorder
Santa Monica, California
5 November 1973

2nd Planet Waves session.

Not released.

I’ve just reached a place
Where the willow don’t bend
There’s not much more to be said
It’s the top of the end
I’m going
I’m going
I’m gone

Great version featuring only Dylan & his Guitar (some band sounds leaking in way in the background):

Previous in this series:

• Bob Dylan: 5 great songs recorded in 1961
• Bob Dylan: 5 great songs recorded in 1962
• Bob Dylan: 5 great songs recorded in 1971
• Bob Dylan: 5 great songs recorded in 1981
• Bob Dylan: 5 great songs recorded in 1973

-Hallgeir/Egil