Let Me Die In My Footsteps
Bob Dylan
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I will not go down under the ground "Cause somebody tells me that death's comin' 'round An' I will not carry myself down to die When I go to my grave my head will be high, Let me die in my footsteps Before I go down under the ground. There's been rumors of war and wars that have been The meaning of the life has been lost in the wind And some people thinkin' that the end is close by "Stead of learnin' to live they are learning to die. Let me die in my footsteps Before I go down under the ground. I don't know if I'm smart but I think I can see When someone is pullin' the wool over me And if this war comes and death's all around Let me die on this land 'fore I die underground. Let me die in my footsteps Before I go down under the ground. There's always been people that have to cause fear They've been talking of the war now for many long years I have read all their statements and I've not said a word But now Lawd God, let my poor voice be heard. Let me die in my footsteps Before I go down under the ground. If I had rubies and riches and crowns I'd buy the whole world and change things around I'd throw all the guns and the tanks in the sea For they are mistakes of a past history. Let me die in my footsteps Before I go down under the ground. Let me drink from the waters where the mountain streams flood Let me smell of wildflowers flow free through my blood Let me sleep in your meadows with the green grassy leaves Let me walk down the highway with my brother in peace. Let me die in my footsteps Before I go down under the ground. Go out in your country where the land meets the sun See the craters and the canyons where the waterfalls run Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho Let every state in this union seep in your souls. And you'll die in your footsteps Before you go down under the ground.
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Written by: BOB DYLAN
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
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10 facts about this song
Origin"Let Me Die In My Footsteps" is a song by legendary American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. It was written and composed in 1962, during the early stages of his career.
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AlbumAlthough initially slated to be part of Dylan's second studio album, "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan," the song was ultimately dropped from the final version. However, it was later included in the compilation album "The Bootleg Series Volumes 1–3 (Rare & Unreleased) 1961–1991" released in 1991.
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ThemeThe song's lyrics are imbued with an anti-war sentiment, reflecting the tension and fear during the time of its creation, which was during the peak of the Cold War era. The lyrics couple Dylan's longing for peace with powerful nature imagery.
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InspirationDylan was reportedly inspired to write "Let Me Die In My Footsteps" after visiting a fallout shelter. The song's message rejects the fear and mass hysteria that come with war, encouraging others instead to stand their ground and enjoy the beauty of the world.
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ReceptionDespite not being included in the initial album release, the song was well-received by listeners and critics alike. It quickly became part of the popular protest song movement that was prominent during the 1960s.
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Performance"Let Me Die In My Footsteps" was performed by Dylan in 1963 at the renowned Carnegie Hall. Dylan, however, did not perform the song often in his live concerts.
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VersionsThere are two known versions of the song, a "protest" version from December 1961 and a "love" version from April 1962. Both recorded during the time when Dylan was regularly expressing protest sentiments and romantic feelings in his songs.
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Cover VersionsWhile Dylan himself has not released any live recordings of the song, it has been covered by artists like Joan Baez, giving it a place in the larger folk and protest music canon of the time.
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Usage in MediaA live three-verse version of "Let Me Die in My Footsteps," recorded during Bob Dylan’s July 2, 1961, live radio performance on WBAI, was used in Martin Scorsese's documentary No Direction Home.
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LegacyToday, "Let Me Die In My Footsteps" is regarded as one of Bob Dylan's most poignant and powerful anti-war songs, and it remains a testament to his unparalleled lyricism and ability to capture the zeitgeist of his era.
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Citation
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"Let Me Die In My Footsteps Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 30 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/22674833/Bob+Dylan/Let+Me+Die+In+My+Footsteps>.
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