If Not for You

Bob Dylan

About If Not for You

"If Not for You" is a song by Bob Dylan, recorded for his 1970 album New Morning. Dylan recorded the album version in August 1970, having first recorded the song in a session with George Harrison on May 1 of that year. In addition to appearing on the album in October 1970, the August recording was released as a single in Europe; the May recording remained unreleased until its inclusion on The Bootleg Series Volumes 1–3 (Rare & Unreleased) in 1991. In November 1970, a month after Dylan's original had appeared, George Harrison released a version of the song on his triple album All Things Must Pass. Another well-known cover of the song was recorded by Olivia Newton-John, who had the only US charting version of the song, in 1971. 


Year:
1985
2:42
201 
#4

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If not for you
Babe, I couldn't find the door
Couldn't even see the floor
I'd be sad and blue
If not for you

If not for you
Babe, I'd lay awake all night
Wait for the mornin' light
To shine in through
But it would not be new
If not for you

If not for you
My sky would fall
Rain would gather too
Without your love I'd be nowhere at all
I'd be lost if not for you
And you know it's true

If not for you
My sky would fall
Rain would gather too
Without your love I'd be nowhere at all
Oh! What would I do
If not for you

If not for you
Winter would have no spring
Couldn't hear the robin sing
I just wouldn't have a clue
Anyway it wouldn't ring true
If not for you

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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


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"If Not for You" is a song by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, from his 1970 album "New Morning".
George Harrison Cover
Later that same year, ex-Beatle member George Harrison did a well-received cover of the song for his first solo album "All Things Must Pass".
Album Success
"All Things Must Pass" topped the charts worldwide and Harrison's rendition of "If Not for You" was a big contributing factor to that success.
Song Characteristic
The song possesses a light, folksy feel that marked a departure from Dylan's previous work.
Notable Performances
Bob Dylan and George Harrison performed the song together during the rehearsals for the Concert for Bangladesh in 1971, which is featured in the 2005 documentary, The Concert for Bangladesh.
Olivia Newton-John Version
Australian singer Olivia Newton-John also covered the song, and it became the title track for her 1971 debut album. Her version hit #1 on the Billboard Easy Listening chart and #25 on the Hot 100.
Song Inspiration
It is said that Bob Dylan wrote the song as a love letter, showcasing a more vulnerable side to his songwriting.
Dylan's Views
In his book "Chronicle", Dylan spoke warmly of Harrison's cover of the song, praising its arrangement and Harrison's delivery.
Legacy
Over the years, "If Not For You" has been covered and performed by many artists across different music genres. It continues to be one of the most recognizable songs from Bob Dylan’s catalogue.
Recognition
Despite its popularity, the song was not released as a single by either Bob Dylan or George Harrison. It was however, a staple in their live performances.

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