My Back Pages

Bob Dylan

About My Back Pages

"My Back Pages" is a song written by Bob Dylan and included on his 1964 album Another Side of Bob Dylan. It is stylistically similar to his earlier folk protest songs and features Dylan's voice with an acoustic guitar accompaniment. However, its lyrics—in particular the refrain "Ah, but I was so much older then/I'm younger than that now"—have been interpreted as a rejection of Dylan's earlier personal and political idealism, illustrating his growing disillusionment with the 1960s' folk protest movement with which he was associated, and his desire to move in a new direction. Although Dylan wrote the song in 1964, he did not perform it live until 1988. "My Back Pages" has been covered by artists as diverse as Keith Jarrett, the Byrds, the Ramones, the Nice, Steve Earle, and the Hollies. The Byrds' version, initially released on their 1967 album Younger Than Yesterday, was also issued as a single in 1967 and proved to be the band's last Top 40 hit in the U. S. 


Year:
1964
4:28
98 

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Crimson flames tied through my ears, rollin' high and mighty traps
Pounced with fire on flaming roads using ideas as my maps
"We'll meet on edges, soon," said I, proud 'neath heated brow
Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now

Half-wracked prejudice leaped forth, "rip down all hate," I screamed
Lies that life is black and white spoke from my skull, I dreamed
Romantic facts of musketeers foundationed deep, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now

Girls' faces formed the forward path from phony jealousy
To memorizing politics of ancient history
Flung down by corpse evangelists, unthought of, though somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then. I'm younger than that now

A self-ordained professor's tongue too serious to fool
Spouted out that liberty is just equality in school
"Equality," I spoke the word as if a wedding vow
Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now

In a soldier's stance, I aimed my hand at the mongrel dogs who teach
Fearing not that I'd become my enemy in the instant that I preach
My existence led by confusion boats, mutiny from stern to bow
Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now

Yes, my guard stood hard when abstract threats too noble to neglect
Deceived me into thinking I had something to protect
Good and bad, I define these terms quite clear, no doubt, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then I'm younger than that now

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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

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3 facts about this song

Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan originally recorded "My Back Pages" in 1964 for his fourth studio album, "Another Side of Bob Dylan". - The song represents Dylan's growing disillusionment with the 1960s' protest movements, and his departure from overt political messaging in his music. - Some fans regarded the song as controversial, as it marked a shift in Dylan's songwriting from the radical to the more philosophical and introspective. - "My Back Pages" features a complex Bob Dylan harmonica solo.
Ramones
Punk Rock band Ramones covered "My Back Pages" on their 1993 covers album, "Acid Eaters". - The Ramones version of the track has a more upbeat tempo and heavier guitar sound compared to the original. - Lead singer Joey Ramone, known for his unique vocal style, gave a new life and perspective to Dylan's lyrics. - The band’s rendition of the song stayed loyal to the original's lyrical content while incorporating their signature punk rock flair.
Steve Earle
Texan singer-songwriter Steve Earle also covered "My Back Pages" on his 2009 album "Townes", which is a tribute to his friend and mentor, Townes Van Zandt. - Earle's version of the song maintains the traditional acoustic guitar sound similar to the original, but with a more country/folk flair. - Adding his own touch, Steve Earle's cover has a resonating, organic feel that aligns with his rootsy Americana style. - The album "Townes", featuring "My Back Pages", was awarded as the Best Contemporary Folk Album at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards.

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