Oh, the ragman draws circles
Up and down the block
I’d ask him what the matter was
But I know that he don’t talk
And the ladies treat me kindly
And furnish me with tape
But deep inside my heart
I know I can’t escape
Oh, Mama, can this really be the end
To be stuck inside of Mobile
With the Memphis blues again
Once upon a time you dressed so fine
You threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn’t you?
People’d call, say, “Beware doll, you’re bound to fall”
You thought they were all kiddin’ you
You used to laugh about
Everybody that was hangin’ out
Now you don’t talk so loud
Now you don’t seem so proud
About having to be scrounging for your next meal
How does it feel
How does it feel
To be without a home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?
A real gem from the warm-up shows in Los Angeles 1978, fast & furious.
Universal Amphitheater Los Angeles, California 1 June 1978
If today was not an endless highway If tonight was not a crooked trail If tomorrow wasn’t such a long time Then lonesome would mean nothing to you at all Yes, and only if my own true love was waitin’ Yes, and if I could hear her heart a-softly poundin’ Only if she was lyin’ by me Then I’d lie in my bed once again
A BEAUTIFUL version of “Tomorrow Is A Long Time”.
Roma Palaeur Rome, Italy 3 October 1987
Musicians:
Bob Dylan (vocal & guitar)
Mike Campbell (guitar)
Benmont Tench (piano).
I can’t see my reflection in the waters I can’t speak the sounds that show no pain I can’t hear the echo of my footsteps Or can’t remember the sound of my own name Yes, and only if my own true love was waitin’ Yes, and if I could hear her heart a-softly poundin’ Only if she was lyin’ by me Then I’d lie in my bed once again
There’s beauty in the silver, singin’ river There’s beauty in the sunrise in the sky But none of these and nothing else can touch the beauty That I remember in my true love’s eyes Yes, and only if my own true love was waitin’ Yes, and if I could hear her heart a-softly poundin’ Only if she was lyin’ by me Then I’d lie in my bed once again