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August 25: Bob Dylan released “Not Dark Yet” in 1997

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Redirecting to a newer version of this post….

‘ Not Dark Yet ‘ is many folks’ favourite song on Dylan’s 1997 album, and for sure it pushes all the right buttons: a gorgeous vocal, a brooding melody, the darkling worldview and that seemingly effortless way he captured the dusk in his veins.
~Clinton Heylin (Still On The Road)[/vc_message][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Wikipedia:

Released August 25, 1997
Format CD
Recorded January 1997
Genre Blues rock
Length 6:29
Label Columbia
Writer(s) Bob Dylan
Producer(s) Daniel Lanois

“Not Dark Yet” was released on his 1997 album Time Out of Mind and also as the first single on August 25, 1997. The song appears on the album The Passion of the Christ: Songs Inspired by The Passion of the Christ, and also features on the Wonder Boys soundtrack. It is also played in the ending part of the documentary Why We Fight.

Shadows are falling and I’ve been here all day
It’s too hot to sleep, time is running away
Feel like my soul has turned into steel
I’ve still got the scars that the sun didn’t heal
There’s not even room enough to be anywhere
It’s not dark yet, but it’s getting there

In our poll:  Bob Dylan’s best songs from the 90s it finished on top.

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Some facts:

  • Dylan has played “Not Dark Yet” 152 times live
  • First time was @ Columbus Civic Center, Columbus, Georgia –  October 30, 1997.
  • Last performance was @ Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT – Sept 8, 2012
  • Peak year: 1999 he played it 57 times

Here are 3 great live versions:

Well, my sense of humanity has gone down the drain
Behind every beautiful thing there’s been some kind of pain
She wrote me a letter and she wrote it so kind
She put down in writing what was in her mind
I just don’t see why I should even care
It’s not dark yet, but it’s getting there




Madison Square Garden
New York City, New York
30 June 1999

Well, I’ve been to London and I’ve been to gay Paree
I’ve followed the river and I got to the sea
I’ve been down on the bottom of a world full of lies
I ain’t looking for nothing in anyone’s eyes
Sometimes my burden seems more than I can bear
It’s not dark yet, but it’s getting there

Meadows Music Theater
Hartford, Connecticut
24 July 1999

I was born here and I’ll die here against my will
I know it looks like I’m moving, but I’m standing still
Every nerve in my body is so vacant and numb
I can’t even remember what it was I came here to get away from
Don’t even hear a murmur of a prayer
It’s not dark yet, but it’s getting there

Stirling Castle
Stirling, Scotland
13 July 2001

  • Bob Dylan (vocal & guitar)
  • Charlie Sexton (guitar)
  • Larry Campbell (guitar, mandolin, pedal steel guitar & electric slide guitar)
  • Tony Garnier (bass)
  • David Kemper (drums & percussion)

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Alldylan / Borntolisten @ Facebook

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-Egil

11 thoughts on “August 25: Bob Dylan released “Not Dark Yet” in 1997”

  1. Is Not Dark Yet Dylan’s greatest recording? Beautifully written, perfect vocal, great production, and the band nails it. My favourite song by any artist – ever.

  3. (oops, i think you mixed up my comments…and are responding to something i tried to add to the Lucinda “Sweet Old World” post”). regards!

  4. To my ears (and soul), Dylan’s greatest song and studio recording of the past 30-plus years–since Angelina, Groom Still Waiting at the Altar, Every Grain of Sand, Blind Willie McTell and Jokerman in the early 80s…and likely better than all of them!!

    The mixture of great humor and pathos in the lines (and vocal delivery) such as “I know it looks like I’m moving, but I’m standing still/ Every nerve in my body is so vacant and numb/ I can’t even remember what it was I came here to get away from” is a stupendous achievement.

    Thanks!!

    1. I think the album is full of gems and her Which Will cover is a highlight, I agree.

      Thanks for your comment!

      Moved to where it should be, sorry

      – Hallgeir

  5. I’ve followed the river and I got to the sea ~

    with much Love and many thanks for all that is, your perseverance in the meanderings of music is awesome

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