I Am a Lonesome Hobo
Bob Dylan
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I am a lonesome hobo Without family or friends Where another man's life might begin That's exactly where mine ends I have tried my hand at bribery Blackmail and deceit And I've served time for everything 'Cept beggin' on the street Well, once I was rather prosperous There was nothing I did lack I had fourteen-karat gold in my mouth And silk upon my back But I did not trust my brother I carried him to blame Which led me to my fatal doom To wander off in shame Kind ladies and kind gentlemen Soon I will be gone But let me just warn you all Before I do pass on Stay free from petty jealousies Live by no man's code And hold your judgment for yourself Lest you wind up on this road
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: BOB DYLAN
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
15 facts about this song
Song Background"I Am a Lonesome Hobo" is a song written and performed by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan.
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Album ContributionIt appeared on Dylan's eighth studio album, "John Wesley Harding", released in 1967.
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Genre ClassificationThe song carries elements of folk, country, and blues genres reflecting Dylan's new musical direction during that period.
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Acknowledged InfluenceDylan acknowledged his songwriter friend, Bruce Langhorne, as a significant influence for the sound of this song (and others on the John Wesley Harding Album).
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Narrative StyleThis song follows a narrative style, with the speaker being a hobo who warns others about the consequences of dishonesty and betraying one's family.
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Signature DylanDylan's harmonica becomes a key instrument in the song.
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Unique in ThemeCompared to other songs in Dylan's repertoire, "I Am a Lonesome Hobo" stands unique in its concise and explicit moral warning against treachery.
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Less PerformedDespite being part of one of Dylan's most acclaimed albums, the song isn't among his frequently performed live songs.
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Lyric LineageThe lyrics bear some resemblance to the traditional folk song, "Hobo's Lullaby."
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Song MessageThe song imparts a message of regret and the lamentations of a hobo who had lived a life of dissent and treachery.
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Album ImportanceThe "John Wesley Harding" album was an important work in Dylan's career, marking a return to his acoustic roots after three pioneering electric rock records. "I Am a Lonesome Hobo" contributes to this cohesive album sound.
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Religious UndertoneSome critics view the album, and therefore songs like "I Am a Lonesome Hobo," as influenced by Dylan's study of the Bible.
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Rich ImageryThe lyrics show Dylan's ability to paint a picture through words, using vivid imagery to get the raw emotion across to the listener.
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Song StructureLike many of Bob Dylan's songs, "I Am a Lonesome Hobo" is written in verse form without a recurring chorus or bridge.
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Timeless Appeal"I Am a Lonesome Hobo" remains relevant and appreciated among music listeners for its thematic integrity and Dylan's distinctive vocal delivery.
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Citation
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"I Am a Lonesome Hobo Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1991291/Bob+Dylan/I+Am+a+Lonesome+Hobo>.
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