Maggie's Farm

Million Dollar Bashers, Stephen Malkmus & the Million Dollar Bashers, Stephen Malkmus, Bob Dylan

About Maggie's Farm

"Maggie's Farm" is a song written by Bob Dylan, recorded on January 15, 1965, and released on the album Bringing It All Back Home on March 22 of that year. Like many other Dylan songs of the 1965–66 period, "Maggie's Farm" is based in electric blues. It was released as a single in the United Kingdom on June 4, 1965, and peaked at #22 on the chart. Dylan only needed 1 take to record the song; unlike many of his other songs at the time, as seen on The Cutting Edge.


Year:
2007
5:26
371 
#2

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I ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more
I ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more
Well, I wake up in the morning, fold my hands and pray for rain
With a head full of ideas drivin' me insane
It's a shame the way she makes me scrub the floor
Now I ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more

I ain't gonna work for Maggie's brother no more
I ain't gonna work for Maggie's brother no more
He hands you a nickel, and he hands you a dime
Asks you with a grin if you're havin' a good time
Then he fines you every time you slam the door
Said, I ain't gonna work for Maggie's brother no more

I ain't gonna work for Maggie's pa no more
I ain't gonna work for Maggie's pa no more
He puts out his cigar in your face for kicks
Well, his bedroom windows are made out of bricks
The National Guard stands around his door
Said, I ain't gonna work for Maggie's pa no more

I ain't gonna work for Maggie's ma no more
I ain't gonna work for Maggie's ma no more
She talks to all the servants about man and God and law
Everybody tells me she's the brains behind pa
Sixty-eight, but says she's twenty-four
But I ain't gonna work for Maggie's pa no more

I ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more
I ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more
Well, I try my best to be like I am
Everybody wants you to be like them
They say sing while you slave, I get bored
Said, I ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more

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Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan ( /ˈdɪlən/; born Robert Allen Zimmerman; May 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, author, poet and artist. He has been an influential figure in popular music and culture for more than five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s when he was an informal chronicler and a seemingly reluctant figurehead of social unrest. A number of Dylan's early songs, such as "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are a-Changin'", became anthems for the US civil rights and anti-war movements. Leaving his initial base in the culture of folk music behind, Dylan's six-minute single "Like a Rolling Stone" has been described as radically altering the parameters of popular music in … more »

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Written by: Bob Dylan

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Music Genre
"Maggie's Farm" by Bob Dylan is considered a folk rock song, incorporating a blend of rock and folk music elements.
Song Inspiration
The song is often interpreted as Dylan's declaration of independence from the protest folk movement that had initially influenced his career.
Album Inclusion
"Maggie's Farm" was included in Dylan's 1965 album, "Bringing It All Back Home," which was his fifth studio album.
Live Performance Debut
Dylan famously played "Maggie's Farm" at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965, where he controversially went electric for the first time.
Musical Style Shift
This performance symbolized Dylan's shift from acoustic folk to electric rock 'n roll, a move that initially upset many folk purists.
Influence
"Maggie's Farm" has been covered by numerous artists including Rage Against the Machine and U2, illustrating its impact on various genres of music.
Cultural References
The song title has been adopted for various purposes, including a cannabis company in Colorado and the title of a play by theatre company Shared Experience.
Political Interpretation
Some people interpreted "Maggie's Farm" as a protest song against capitalism, as it describes the narrator's experiences and anger working on Maggie's farm.
Lyrical Structure
"Maggie's Farm" is composed of four verses and no chorus.
Popularity and Critic Review
"Maggie's Farm" is one of Dylan's top tracks, widely appreciated by critics and fans alike.
Instruments
Besides Dylan's guitar and harmonica, the song features electric guitars, bass, and drums which was a departure from his previous acoustic-focused work.
Awards and Recognition
Though "Maggie's Farm" itself did not win any awards, the album "Bringing It All Back Home" has been certified Double Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Symbolism
The song's title and narrative have been extensively analyzed, with "Maggie's Farm" interpreted as a symbol for the music industry, the political establishment, or any system of perceived oppression.

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