Ain't Talkin
Bob Dylan
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As I walked out tonight in the mystic garden The wounded flowers were dangling from the vine I was passing by yon cool crystal fountain Someone hit me from behind Ain't talkin', just walkin' Through this weary world of woe Heart burnin', still yearnin' No one on earth would ever know They say prayer has the power to heal So pray from the mother In the human heart an evil spirit can dwell I am a-tryin' to love my neighbor and do good unto others But oh, mother, things ain't going well Ain't talkin', just walkin' I'll burn that bridge before you can cross Heart burnin', still yearnin' There'll be no mercy for you once you've lost Now I'm all worn down by weeping My eyes are filled with tears, my lips are dry If I catch my opponents ever sleeping I'll just slaughter 'em where they lie Ain't talkin', just walkin' Through the world mysterious and vague Heart burnin', still yearnin' Walkin' through the cities of the plague Well, the whole world is filled with speculation The whole wide world which people say is round They will tear your mind away from contemplation They will jump on your misfortune when you're down Ain't talkin', just walkin' Eatin' hog eyed grease in a hog eyed town Heart burnin', still yearnin' Some day you'll be glad to have me around They will crush you with wealth and power Every waking moment you could crack I'll make the most of one last extra hour I'll revenge my father's death then I'll step back Ain't talkin', just walkin' Hand me down my walkin' cane Heart burnin', still yearnin' Got to get you out of my miserable brain All my loyal and my much-loved companions They approve of me and share my code I practice a faith that's been long abandoned Ain't no altars on this long and lonesome road Ain't talkin', just walkin' My mule is sick, my horse is blind Heart burnin', still yearnin' Thinkin' 'bout that gal I left behind Well, it's bright in the heavens and the wheels are flyin' Fame and honor never seem to fade The fire gone out but the light is never dyin' Who says I can't get heavenly aid? Ain't talkin', just walkin' Carryin' a dead man's shield Heart burnin', still yearnin' Walkin' with a toothache in my heel The sufferin' is unending Every nook and cranny has its tears I'm not playing, I'm not pretending I'm not nursin' any superfluous fears Ain't talkin', just walkin' Walkin' ever since the other night Heart burnin', still yearnin' Walkin' 'til I'm clean out of sight As I walked out in the mystic garden On a hot summer day, a hot summer lawn Excuse me, ma'am, I beg your pardon There's no one here, the gardener is gone Ain't talkin', just walkin' Up the road, around the bend Heart burnin', still yearnin' In the last outback at the world's end
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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"Ain't Talkin'" is a song written and performed by Bob Dylan. It appeared on his 32nd studio album "Modern Times," which was released in 2006.
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Track PositionIt is the last, and longest song on the album with 8 minutes and 48 seconds duration.
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Contemplative NatureThe song's monologue-style lyrics contemplate the hardships and moral complexities of the world, in a way only Bob Dylan can deliver.
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Literary ReferencesThe lyrics in "Ain't Talkin'" show influences and references from different literary works. For instance, the last line of the song "In the last outback, at the world’s end", is a possible allusion to the novel "At the World’s End" by T. Coraghessan Boyle.
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Musical StyleThe background violin throughout the song is noted for adding to its haunting and mournful tone, making it unique among Dylan's works.
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Cover VersionsSeveral artists have covered the song since its release. Notably, the Jerry Garcia Band included it in their live concert performances.
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Critical ReceptionMany critics have praised the song for its lyricism and dark, evocative storytelling. At the same time, it has also been described as one of Dylan's most mysterious songs due to its cryptic lyrics.
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Dylan's PerformanceIn typical Dylan style, he has performed "Ain't Talkin'" differently in live shows compared to the studio recording. These versions often bring new meanings to the song.
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Recurring ThemesThe song prominently features themes of loneliness and longing, which are commonly found in Dylan's work throughout his career.
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Notable RecognitionIn 2009, Rolling Stone magazine named "Ain't Talkin'" as one of "The 100 Best Songs of the Decade".
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Citation
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"Ain't Talkin Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/30084276/Bob+Dylan/Ain%27t+Talkin>.
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