Blind Willie McTell (by Bob Dylan)

This song's been covered many times. Personally, I like the ripe, soulful, country voice of Levon Helm's verses in The Band's version of this song. Though they all do a good job. It takes you away to a time and place, much like a good book can. There's an authenticity to Levon's style that makes you feel like you're hearing the story first hand. I was also fortunate enough to hear the Allman Brothers Band play it (who also famously cover a Blind Willie McTell original, "Statesboro Blues") this year at the Beacon. Hell of a version. But as with many songs that have been covered and performed many times over, we tend to forget who originally wrote them. And many times the answer to that question, no matter who is covering the song, is Bob Dylan.

I'm not going to get into a discussion concerning Bob Dylan right now because they'll run out of electronic paper long before I'm done, but I will say that this song is a phenomenal example of his ability to tell a captivating story lyrically, and pair that with the perfect kind of musical arrangement. Originally, this song was intended to be included on the album Infidels from 1983. A great album in it's own right (in my opinion), but if this song had been included on it, well, I think it would have been propelled much higher in the ranks.

The melody is based off the song "St. James Infirmary Blues,"which is loosely based off of an 18th century traditional English folk song called "The Unfortunate Rake" (among other titles). I listened to the song, and I have to admit, most of these english folk songs sound the same to me. Maybe its their somber vocal nature and similar accompaniments, but it's hard for me to tell one apart from the other. Nonetheless, it's interesting to see where Dylan pulls his inspiration and ideas from. Why not go back to a largely excluded style of music that perfectly conveys the type of emotion you're going for. 

Further to the musical aspect of the song, the best players in the business were available to record this song with Dylan, as they were called in for the Infidels album. The premiere rhythm duo Sly and Robbie (Sly Dunbar on drums and Robbie Shakespeare on bass) were there. Mick Taylor, the Rolling Stones lead guitarist from 1969-74 was present (I also happen to think he was the best guitarist, skill wise, the Stones ever had). Mark Knopfler and Alan Clark of Dire Straits fame were also involved with the album. So Dylan had quite a few choices. For Blind Willie McTell, Dylan decided that he would play the black and whites, while Mark Knopfler sat down with the 12-string guitar, Blind Willie's instrument of choice. Together they created a moving melody, that any lyrics would have benefited from. 

But it wasn't just any lyrics that were put to this song. This song was given that lyrical touch that Dylan was famous for, though it was at a time when things were changing in his music and obviously in the world (the 1980's are by far the oddest decade. Ever). Each verse ends with same line, drilling it into the heart and mind: "Nobody can sing the blues, like Blind Willie McTell." It reads simple enough, but when you hear that refrain over and over through the song, its really starts to mean something more than the words themselves. 

So I've decided I'd like to just post the lyrics of this song, sans music today. Why? Well when you have to read the lyrics without any distractions or music to frame them in, I think you can understand the actual words a bit better. And granted, the music gives this song life, but just look at these lyrics and tell me you're not immersed in the story. I dare you. 

I also must point out one last thing that I think is very important. This song was not released on an album. It was recorded for Infidels in 1983, but was only heard when bootleggers released the outtakes from that album, and when it was officially released 8 years later on the album The Bootleg Series Volumes 1-3 (Rare & Unreleased) 1961-1991. When it was finally out there, the song was compared to the best of Dylan's creations like Tangled Up In Blue and Watchtower. To think that this song was never actually intended for a release, and was most likely a demo of some kind is amazing. Dylan only started playing the song live because he heard The Band doing it!  He actually said that the song that was released was never really completed (could have fooled me). This is an amazing insight into Dylan himself, because we're given an opportunity to view his work at an unfinished stage. To think where it could have gone. Well to be frank, I'm not all that interested. I'm thrilled to have the version as is. 

Blind Willie McTell

(verse 1)

Seen the arrow on the doorpost

Saying "This land is condemned

All the way from New Orleans

To Jerusalem."

I traveled through East Texas

Where many martyrs fell

And I know no one can sing the blues

Like Blind Willie McTell.

(verse 2)

Well, I heard that hoot owl singing

As they were taking down the tents,

The stars above the barren trees

Were his only audience.

Them charcoal gypsy maidens

Can strut their feathers well,

But nobody can sing the blues

Like Blind Willie McTell.

(verse 3)

See them big plantations burning,

Hear the cracking of the whips,

Smell that sweet magnolia blooming,

See the ghosts of slavery ships.

I can hear them tribes a-moaning,

(I can) Hear the undertaker's bell,

(yeah) Nobody can sing the blues

Like Blind Willie McTell

(verse 4)

There's a woman by the river

With some fine young handsome man:

He's dressed up like a squire,

Bootlegged whiskey in his hand.

There's a chain gang on the highway,

I can hear them rebels yell

And I know no one can sing the blues

Like Blind Willie McTell

(verse 5)

Well, God is in Heaven

And we all want what's his,

But power and greed and corruptible seed

Seem to be all that there is.

I'm gazing out the window

Of the St. James Hotel

And I know no one an sing the blues

Like Blind Willie McTell

And if you want to hear the song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxNcRT06WgM

This is THE BAND's version, off their 8th studio album called Jericho. The album is truly a collage of musicians, songs, and styles. One not to be missed.

Unfortunately, it's quite difficult to find the Dylan version online, so you're going to have to do your due diligence if you're really interested.