It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry
Marianne Faithfull
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Well, I ride on a mail train, baby, can't buy a thrill Well, I've been up all night, leanin' on the window sill Well, if I die on top of the hill And if I don't make it, you know my baby will Don't the moon look good, mama shinin' through the trees? Don't the brakeman look good, mama flagging down the "Double E"? Don't the sun look good going down over the sea? But don't my gal look fine when she's comin' after me? Well, the wintertime is coming the windows are filled with frost I went to tell everybody but I could not get across Well, I wanna be your lover, baby I don't wanna be your boss Don't say I never wanted you when your train gets lost
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3 fans
Written by: BOB DYLAN
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
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7 facts about this song
Song Writing and Composition"It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry" is a song written by legendary American folk singer, Bob Dylan.
- The song was first released on Bob Dylan's seminal 1965 album "Highway 61 Revisited", it is characterized by its bluesy sound and poignant lyrics.
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Lyrics and ThemesThe song is renowned for its cryptic lyrics that paint a vivid, if somewhat opaque, narrative. This song features classic Dylan themes of love, despair, and sarcasm.
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Notable CoversThere have been numerous notable covers of the song over the years. One of the most prominent of these is by Blue Cheer, a hard rock band known for their pioneering role in the development of heavy metal music.
- Marianne Faithfull, a British singer, songwriter and actress also covered the song. Her version is featured on her 1989 album "Blazing Away", and is notable for its heartfelt and soulful delivery.
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Song's InfluenceDespite not being one of Dylan's most commercially successful songs, it has nonetheless had a notable influence. It holds a place within the RS 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list.
- The song is also considered one of the standouts in Dylan's discography, and has been praised for its blend of blues and folk elements, as well as its lyrical complexity.
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Critical ReceptionThe song has been universally lauded by critics. It is often cited as one of the highlights of "Highway 61 Revisited", and is frequently singled out for its evocative lyrics and emotional depth.
- The song showcases Dylan's skills as a songwriter, with many critics praising his ability to create a rich and vivid narrative within the confines of a single song.
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Live PerformancesThe song has regularly featured in Dylan's live performances throughout his career, and various renditions have been included on his many live albums.
- Marianne Faithfull also included this song on her live album "Blazing Away" which was recorded at St. Anne's Cathedral, Brooklyn in 1989.
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Various InterpretationsLike many of Bob Dylan's songs, "It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry" has been subject to various interpretations. Some see it as a love song, while others view it as a reflection on life's hardships. Despite this, the overall meaning of the song remains purposely elusive.
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"It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 27 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3539541/Marianne+Faithfull/It+Takes+a+Lot+to+Laugh%2C+It+Takes+a+Train+to+Cry>.
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