Too Much of Nothing
Bob Dylan
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Too much of nothing Can make a man ill at ease One man's temper might rise While another man's temper might freeze In the day of confession We cannot mock a soul Oh, when there's too much of nothing No one has control Say hello to Valerie Say hello to Vivian Give them all my salary On the waters of oblivion When there's too much of nothing It can 'cause a man to weep He can walk the streets and boast like Of what it's like to keep But it's all been done before It's all written in the book And where there's too much of nothing Nobody should look Say hello to Valerie Say hello to Vivian Give them all my salary On the waters of oblivion And too much of nothing Can make a man a liar It can 'cause one man to sleep on nails It can 'cause others to eat fire Everybody's doin' somethin' I heard it in a dream But when there's too much of nothing It just makes a fella mean Say hello to Valerie Say hello to Vivian Give them all my salary On the waters of oblivion
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Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
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15 facts about this song
Artist Background"Too Much of Nothing" is a song by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. He is known for his multiple contributions to the musical genres of folk, rock, and country.
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Album ReleaseThe song was first released in 1967 as part of Dylan's album titled "The Basement Tapes."
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Songwriting"Too Much of Nothing" was composed during Dylan's self-imposed exile from public life, following a motorcycle accident in 1966.
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ThemesThe song's lyrics are recognized for their evocative nature and thematic explorations of excess, emptiness, and the futility of material wealth.
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First PerformancesThis song was among the first Dylan recorded with The Band in Woodstock, New York.
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Cover VersionsIt has been covered by many artists, notably by Peter, Paul and Mary, who scored a chart hit with it in 1967.
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Band InvolvementThe members of The Band provided instrumental backing while Dylan performed the song.
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Double Album"The Basement Tapes" is a double album, with "Too Much of Nothing" featured as the tenth track on side 2.
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Production Fun FactIn typical Dylan fashion, it's believed that Bob Dylan didn't rehearse the song before taking it into the studio. The recording was reportedly created on the first take.
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Release VariationsThere exist two different versions of "Too Much of Nothing." The version found on the majority of "The Basement Tapes" includes a line that is not in the version released by Peter, Paul and Mary.
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GenreThough many of Dylan's early works can be characterized as folk music, "Too Much of Nothing"—like much of "The Basement Tapes"—is best described as rock.
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Lyrics InterpretationThe song’s title and recurring line, “Too much of nothing/Can make a man ill at ease,” is often interpreted to reflect Dylan’s largely successful attempts to live a private life away from the spotlight.
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Commercial SuccessThe song was commercially successful, reaching no. 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
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Lasting LegacyOver five decades after its release, "Too Much of Nothing" remains a popular song within Dylan's vast discography, testament to Dylan's enduring impact and influence.
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Record LabelThe song was released by Columbia Records, a label Dylan was associated with for most of his career.
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Citation
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"Too Much of Nothing Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1933523/Bob+Dylan/Too+Much+of+Nothing>.
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