Mississippi

Bob Dylan

About Mississippi

"Mississippi" is the second song on Bob Dylan's 2001 album Love and Theft. The song was originally recorded during the Time Out of Mind sessions (demo sessions in Fall 1996; official album sessions in January 1997), but it was ultimately left off the album. Dylan rerecorded the song for Love and Theft in May 2001. Described as having beauty and gravitas, the song features a pop chord progression and with a riff and lyrical theme similar to "Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again".  


Year:
2001
5:21
229 
#9

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Every step of the way we walk the line
Your days are numbered, so are mine
Time is pilin' up, we struggle and we scrape
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 workin' 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 pourin' down
Nothing you can sell me, I'll see you around

All my powers of expression and 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 thinkin' 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 somethin' 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 drownin' in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothin' but affection for all those who've sailed with me

Everybody movin' 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 waitin' to be kind
So give me your hand and say you'll be mine

Well, 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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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


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.
Writing Process
The 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.
Inspiration
"Mississippi" has hints of inspiration from the traditional folk music of America, which was a significant influence on Dylan's early music career.
Critical Reception
The song, with its poignant lyrics and expressive melody, quickly gained favorable reviews. Many critics lauded Mississippi as the highlight of 'Love and Theft.'
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.
Gabriel's Version
Prior to Dylan's release, the song was first covered by Sheryl Crow for her album "The Globe Session" in 1998.
Used in Film
"Mississippi" was used in the closing credits of the film, "Wonder Boys," in which Dylan made a cameo appearance.
Lyrics Analysis
Through the lyrics, Dylan paints a picture of a person involved in a toxic relationship, longing for escape, with "Mississippi" symbolizing freedom and redemption.
Grammy Nomination
"Love and Theft," the album featuring "Mississippi," was nominated for three Grammy awards, further cementing the song's popularity and cultural significance.
Symbolic Connotations
With 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.
Live Performances
Despite 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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