Mississippi
Bob Dylan
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Every step of the way, we walk the line. Your days are numbered, so are mine. Time is piling up, we struggle and we stray. We're all boxed in, nowhere to escape. City's just a jungle, more games to play. Trapped in the heart of it, trying to get away. I was raised in the country, I been working in the town. I been in trouble ever since I set my suitcase down. Got nothing for you, I had nothing before Don't even have anything for myself anymore Sky full of fire, pain pouring down Nothing you can sell me, I'll see you around. All my powers of expression, my thoughts so sublime Could never do you justice in reason or rhyme Only one thing I did wrong, Stayed in Mississippi a day too long Well, the devil's in the alley, mule's in the stall Say anything you want to, I have heard it all I was thinking about the things that Rosie said I was dreaming I was sleeping in Rosie's bed Walking through the leaves falling from the trees Feeling like a stranger nobody sees. So many things that we never will undo I know you're sorry, I'm sorry too. Some people will offer you their hand and some won't Last night I knew you, tonight I don't I need something strong to distract my mind I'm gonna look at you 'til my eyes go blind Well, I got here following the southern star I crossed that river just to be where you are Only one thing I did wrong Stayed in Mississippi a day too long. Well, my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast. I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past. But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free. I got nothing but affection for those who've sailed with me. Everybody moving, if they ain't already there. Everybody got to move somewhere Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow, Things should start to get interesting right about now My clothes are wet, tight on my skin Not as tight as the corner that I painted myself in I know that fortune is waiting to be kind So give me your hand and say you'll be mine Now the emptiness is endless, cold as the clay You can always come back, but you can't come back all the way Only one thing I did wrong Stayed in Mississippi a day too long
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Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Album Details"Mississippi" is one of the most popular songs of Bob Dylan, which appears on his 31st studio album, 'Love and Theft,' released in 2001.
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Writing ProcessThe song went through many drafts before the final version. David Fricke, an American journalist, mentioned that Dylan noted down at least 12 different versions of Mississippi.
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Inspiration"Mississippi" has hints of inspiration from the traditional folk music of America, which was a significant influence on Dylan's early music career.
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Critical ReceptionThe song, with its poignant lyrics and expressive melody, quickly gained favorable reviews. Many critics lauded Mississippi as the highlight of 'Love and Theft.'
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Album Theme"Mississippi," like the other songs on 'Love and Theft,' explores themes of love, loss, and regret, offering a deeper look into Dylan's introspective side.
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Gabriel's VersionPrior to Dylan's release, the song was first covered by Sheryl Crow for her album "The Globe Session" in 1998.
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Used in Film"Mississippi" was used in the closing credits of the film, "Wonder Boys," in which Dylan made a cameo appearance.
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Lyrics AnalysisThrough the lyrics, Dylan paints a picture of a person involved in a toxic relationship, longing for escape, with "Mississippi" symbolizing freedom and redemption.
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Grammy Nomination"Love and Theft," the album featuring "Mississippi," was nominated for three Grammy awards, further cementing the song's popularity and cultural significance.
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Symbolic ConnotationsWith the song, Bob Dylan metaphorically uses 'Mississippi' to refer to America's slave past and the struggle against racism, adding a deeper context to the song.
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Live PerformancesDespite the immense popularity and critical acclaim, "Mississippi" was not frequently performed live by Dylan, making each performance a rare encounter for fans.
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Citation
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"Mississippi Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/22083517/Bob+Dylan/Mississippi>.
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