Love Minus Zero/No Limit

Bob Dylan

About Love Minus Zero/No Limit

"Love Minus Zero/No Limit" (read "Love Minus Zero over No Limit") is a song written by Bob Dylan for his fifth studio album Bringing It All Back Home, released in 1965. The song was originally written as a tribute to Dylan's future wife Sara Lownds. Its main musical hook is a series of three descending chords, while its lyrics articulate Dylan's feelings for his lover, and how she brings a needed zen-like calm to his chaotic world. The song uses surreal imagery, some of which recalls Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven" and the biblical Book of Daniel. The style of the lyrics is reminiscent of William Blake's poem "The Sick Rose". Dylan has performed "Love Minus Zero/No Limit" live on several of his tours. Since its initial appearance on Bringing It All Back Home, live versions of the song have been released on a number of Dylan's albums, including Bob Dylan at Budokan, MTV Unplugged (European versions), and The Bootleg Series Vol. 5: Bob Dylan Live 1975, The Rolling Thunder Revue, as well as on the reissued Concert for Bangladesh album by George Harrison & Friends. Live video performances have been included on the Concert for Bangladesh and Other Side of the Mirror: Live at Newport Folk Festival 1963–1965 DVD releases. 


Year:
2002
3:16
114 

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

My love, she speaks like silence
Without ideals or violence
She doesn't have to say she's faithful
Yet she's true like ice, like fire
People carry roses
And make promises by the hour
My love she laughs like the flowers
Valentines can't buy her

In the dime stores and bus stations
People talk of situations
Read books, repeat quotations
Draw conclusions on the wall
Some speak of the future
My love, she speaks softly
She knows there's no success like failure
And that failure's no success at all

The cloak and dagger dangles
Madams light the candles
In ceremonies of the horsemen
Even the pawn must hold a grudge
Statues made of matchsticks
Crumble into one another
My love winks she does not bother
She knows too much to argue or to judge

The bridge at midnight trembles
The country doctor rambles
Bankers' nieces seek perfection
Expecting all the gifts that wise men bring
The wind howls like a hammer
The night wind blows cold n' rainy
My love, she's like some raven
At my window with a broken wing

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


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 »

33 fans

Written by: Bob Dylan

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


9 facts about this song

Song Composition
"Love Minus Zero/No Limit" is a song written by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan for his fifth studio album, "Bringing It All Back Home", released in 1965. Dylan is well-known for his ability to weave intricate patterns of images into his lyrics, which is well-demonstrated in this song.
Bob Dylan's Perspective
Dylan has often refrained from explaining his songs, but he has said that "Love Minus Zero/No Limit" is a 'sustaining type of song' and that 'the woman behind it doesn't create chaos, she accepts it.'
George Harrison Cover
English musician George Harrison covered the song in his album "Live in Japan", released in 1992. Harrison was an avid fan of Dylan and performed the song as a tribute. The Dylan song was part of the concert's acoustic set, demonstrating Harrison's proficiency as a solo artist.
Joan Baez's Interpretation
Joan Baez, American folk singer and Dylan's one-time love interest, has also covered this song. Baez's rendition is noted for its beauty and authenticity; her relationship with Dylan allows her a unique understanding of the song's deeper meaning.
Song Reception
"Love Minus Zero/No Limit" is one of Dylan's lesser-known songs, but it is a favorite among fans and critics alike. Many consider it one of his most beautiful love songs due to its highly metaphorical and symbolic lyrics.
Song's Inspiration
While Dylan has not confirmed this, many believe that the song is about his girlfriend at the time, Sara Lownds. In this interpretation, the song is a tribute to her quiet strength and calm demeanor in the face of chaos.
Song Lyrics
The lyrics of "Love Minus Zero/No Limit" are poetic and cryptic. They paint a picture of a woman who is both strong and accepting, giving the song a dreamlike and deeply complex quality.
Live Performances
Dylan has performed "Love Minus Zero/No Limit" in numerous live shows throughout his career. Each performance brings something new to the song, whether it's a slight lyrical change or a different musical arrangement.
Song Title
The title "Love Minus Zero/No Limit" does not actually appear in the song's lyrics. This is a common practice in Dylan's music, adding to the enigmatic nature of his songwriting.

Discuss the Love Minus Zero/No Limit Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Love Minus Zero/No Limit Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/18402934/Bob+Dylan/Love+Minus+Zero-No+Limit>.

    Missing lyrics by Bob Dylan?

    Know any other songs by Bob Dylan? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Love Minus Zero/No Limit

    983.9K
    6,689     116

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    What is the name of Sia's first album?
    A Colour the Small One
    B Healing is Difficult
    C OnlySee
    D Some People Have Real Problems

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Bob Dylan's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Bob Dylan tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Love Minus Zero/No Limit

    »
    • Masked and Anonymous L.E.