’Twas in another lifetime, one of toil and blood
When blackness was a virtue and the road was full of mud
I came in from the wilderness, a creature void of form
“Come in,” she said, “I’ll give you shelter from the storm”
And if I pass this way again, you can rest assured
I’ll always do my best for her, on that I give my word
In a world of steel-eyed death, and men who are fighting to be warm
“Come in,” she said, “I’ll give you shelter from the storm”
“Shelter From The Storm” is among Dylan’s finest songs and there many fantastic live versions available.
Here are 10.
The best one is off course:
Hughes Stadium Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado 23 May 1976
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?
Five Seasons Center
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
3 April 2000
Bob Dylan (vocal & guitar)
Charlie Sexton (guitar)
Larry Campbell (guitar, mandolin, pedal steel guitar & electric slide guitar)
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you’re mine, I walk the line
World Arena
Colorado Springs, Colorado
6 June 1999
Bob Dylan (vocal & acoustic guitar)
Paul Simon (vocal & electric guitar)
Mark Stewart (electric & acoustic guitar, dobro. Mandolin, cello)
Vincent Nguini (electric guitar)
Chris Botti (trumpet)
Jay Ashby (slide trombone, percussion)
Andy Snitzer (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone, synthesizer)
The guilty undertaker sighs
The lonesome organ grinder cries
The silver saxophones say I should refuse you
The cracked bells and washed-out horns
Blow into my face with scorn
But it’s not that way
I wasn’t born to lose you
I want you, I want you
I want you so bad
Honey, I want you
La Malagueta Bull Ring
Málaga, Spain
17 April 1999
Bob Dylan (vocal & guitar)
Bucky Baxter (pedal steel guitar & electric slide guitar)
