Ballad of Hollis Brown

Bob Dylan

About Ballad of Hollis Brown

"Ballad of Hollis Brown" is a folk-style song written by Bob Dylan, released in 1964 on his third album The Times They Are A-Changin'. The song tells the story of a South Dakota farmer who, overwhelmed by the desperation of poverty, kills his wife, children and then himself.


Year:
1964
5:06
511 
#5

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Hollis Brown
He lived on the outside of town
Hollis Brown
He lived on the outside of town
With his wife and five children
And his cabin fallin' down

You looked for work and money
And you walked a ragged mile
You looked for work and money
And you walked a ragged mile
Your children are so hungry
That they don't know how to smile

Your baby's eyes look crazy
They're a-tuggin' at your sleeve
Your baby's eyes look crazy
They're a-tuggin' at your sleeve
You walk the floor and wonder why
With every breath you breathe

The rats have got your flour
Bad blood it got your mare
The rats have got your flour
Bad blood it got your mare
If there's anyone that knows
Is there anyone that cares?

You prayed to the Lord above
Oh, please send you a friend
You prayed to the Lord above
Oh, please send you a friend
Your empty pockets tell ya
That you ain't a-got no friend

Your babies are crying louder
It's pounding on your brain
Your babies are crying louder
It's pounding on your brain
Your wife's screams are stabbin' you
Like the dirty drivin' rain

Your grass it is turning black
There's no water in your well
Your grass is turning black
There's no water in your well
You spent your last lone dollar
On seven shotgun shells

Way out in the wilderness
A cold coyote calls
Way out in the wilderness
A cold coyote calls
Your eyes fix on the shotgun
That's hangin' on the wall

Your brain is a-bleedin'
And your legs can't seem to stand
Your brain is a-bleedin'
And your legs can't seem to stand
Your eyes fix on the shotgun
That you're holdin' in your hand

There's seven breezes a-blowin'
All around the cabin door
There's seven breezes a-blowin'
All around the cabin door
Seven shots ring out
Like the ocean's pounding roar

There's seven people dead
On a South Dakota farm
There's seven people dead
On a South Dakota farm
Somewheres in the distance
There's seven new people born

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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


12 facts about this song

Artist Classification
"Ballad of Hollis Brown" is a song by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan.
Album Inclusion
The song was originally featured on his third studio album, "The Times They Are a-Changin", which was released in 1964.
Genre Categorization
This song is typically classified as folk and protest music. Dylan's stark lyrics engrossed with bitter tales of poverty and desperation fit well with the genre.
Song Reception
The song didn't receive much individual attention at the time of release because the album had other major hits, but over the years, it has been recognized for its exceptional storytelling through lyrics.
Dark Narrative
The song narrates a dark and tragic story of a poor farmer named Hollis Brown, who, out of desperation and inability to support his family, ends up murdering them and commits suicide.
Stirring Imagery
The song is well-known for its starkly powerful imagery. Dylan narrates the story in a gripping, cinematic style that is sparing yet evocative.
Instrumentation
“Ballad of Hollis Brown” is an excellent example of Dylan’s early guitar proficiency. He repeats a minor chord progression that glides along with his austere and sobering tale.
Cover Versions
Many artists have covered this song, including Nina Simone, The Stooges, and The Neville Brothers, amongst others, showing its impact and influence over the generations.
Live Performances
Despite its dark story, the song was performed live by Bob Dylan several times during the 1960s and featured less frequently in his concerts later on.
Songwriting Technique
In addition to narrating a gripping story, "Ballad of Hollis Brown" also exhibits Dylan's ability to write songs in a simple traditional ballad form while maintaining strong originality and impact.
Lineage Influence
The song echoes the lineage of folk and blues ‘murder ballads,’ a type of song that tells a story about a crime or a tragic event. However, Dylan puts his own twist on it through his hauntingly powerful lyrics.
Social Commentary
The song is often viewed as a vivid example of Dylan's ability to provide social commentary through his lyrics - highlighting the plight of poverty and rural desperation in this case.

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