It may be potentially dangerous to say this, but “Knockin’ on Heavens Door” is Bob Dylan’s most perfect recording. In his entire catalogue. And I can make a convincing argument about why.
Potentially dangerous thesis? Absolutely! Yet, “Bravo!” You’ve stunned me with staggering truths about the short, sweet, and deceptively simple elements of a perfect song, heretofore considered a rare “snoozer” by me, mainly due to overlong “all-star” renditions and BD’s own extended performances. Yes indeed, I am now gobsmacked when I listen to the sincerely velvet tone of BD’s voice. The other stellar point you make for me is the power of the universal “Mama.” The brilliance of that heart felt call to our Mother had eluded me. Heavenly, indeed! Thank you.
Agreed! Not his best song, by any means (1. Desolation Row 2. Visions of Johanna 3. Shelter from the Storm 4. Up to Me 5. Tamborine Man, or something like that!) but his best recording. Perfection. Thanks for the deep dive.
Have to say, two of my faves are Wedding Song and Dirge…2 sides of a coin, each cutting like steel in naked candor.
Oh God yes, devastatingly beautiful and cutting songs.
Glorious moment in an OK movie.
Where exactly can I find this version? Is it on Pecos Blues? Is it live from somewhwere?
The album version
Potentially dangerous thesis? Absolutely! Yet, “Bravo!” You’ve stunned me with staggering truths about the short, sweet, and deceptively simple elements of a perfect song, heretofore considered a rare “snoozer” by me, mainly due to overlong “all-star” renditions and BD’s own extended performances. Yes indeed, I am now gobsmacked when I listen to the sincerely velvet tone of BD’s voice. The other stellar point you make for me is the power of the universal “Mama.” The brilliance of that heart felt call to our Mother had eluded me. Heavenly, indeed! Thank you.
Thank you for such a beautiful comment
Agreed! Not his best song, by any means (1. Desolation Row 2. Visions of Johanna 3. Shelter from the Storm 4. Up to Me 5. Tamborine Man, or something like that!) but his best recording. Perfection. Thanks for the deep dive.
Agree with every word! Thank you for posting this. I didn,t realize until now how the change from minor to major chords contribute to the magic.
Knocking on heaven’s door is so beautiful but Billy 1 and Billy 4
Hell yeah! Billy 1 is cathartic