Lord Protect My Child

Bob Dylan

About Lord Protect My Child

"Lord Protect My Child" is a song written by Bob Dylan, who recorded it at New York City's The Power Station in ten takes on May 2, 1983. The song is an outtake from Dylan's album Infidels that was later included in The Bootleg Series Volumes 1–3 (Rare & Unreleased) 1961–1991 on Volume 3. It is not known why Dylan decided not to include "Lord Protect My Child" on Infidels. It is a Christian song, the lyrics of which express concern for Dylan's child. Reviewer Jonathan Lethem called the song "an achingly candid blues-plea which [provides] a rare glimpse of Bob Dylan-the-parent". Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, and Dave Brubeck performed a cover version of "Lord Protect My Child", which was produced by Chris Brubeck and used as the theme song for the human trafficking documentary film Not My Life. 


Year:
1991
142 
#3

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For his age, he's wise
He's got his mother's eyes
There's gladness in his heart
He's young and he's wild
My only prayer is, if I can't be there,
Lord, protect my child

As his youth now unfolds
He is centuries old
Just to see him at play makes me smile
No matter what happens to me
No matter what my destiny
Lord, protect my child

While the world is asleep
You can look at it and weep
Few things you find are worthwhile
And though I don't ask for much
No material things to touch
Lord, protect my child

He's young and on fire
Full of hope and desire
In a world that's been raped, raped and defiled
If I fall along the way
And can't see another day
Lord, protect my child

There'll be a time I hear tell
When all will be well
When God and man will be reconciled
But until men lose their chains
And righteousness reigns
Lord, protect my child

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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


11 facts about this song

SONGWRITING
"Lord Protect My Child" was written by the legendary Bob Dylan who is respected worldwide for his profound and thought-provoking lyrics.
ALBUM
The song is a part of Bob Dylan's 26th studio album titled "The Bootleg Series Volumes 1–3 (Rare & Unreleased) 1961–1991."
RELEASE YEAR
"Lord Protect My Child" was released to the public in 1991 along with the album.
UNRELEASED STATUS
Although the song was recorded during sessions for the "Infidels" album in 1983, it didn’t make the cut and remained unreleased until appearing on "The Bootleg Series" in 1991.
GENRE
Like many of Dylan's songs, "Lord Protect My Child" is within the folk rock genre which is marked by its fusion of folk and rock music.
LYRICS
The song's heartfelt lyrics convey the universal sentiment of a parent's desire to keep their child safe from harm and the reasonable fear that they might not always be there to do so.
PERFORMANCES
Despite its popularity among fans, Dylan has never performed the song live according to his official website.
REINTERPRETATIONS
Various artists have performed and recorded their versions of "Lord Protect My Child". One noteworthy cover is by Susan Tedeschi in 1998.
MUSICIANS
The recording features not only Dylan on guitar and vocals but also Mark Knopfler on guitar, Alan Clark on piano, and Rob Stoner on bass.
STUDIO
The song was recorded at Power Station, a widely respected studio in New York City, where other music legends like Bruce Springsteen and Chic have also recorded.
CRITICAL RECEPTION
Even though the song was unreleased for a long time and is underplayed, it has been recognized by many Dylan fans and critics as one of his best songs, bearing a timeless and deeply resonant message.

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