Dignity
Bob Dylan
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Fat man lookin' in a blade of steel Thin man lookin' at his last meal Hollow man lookin' in a cottonfield For dignity Wise man lookin' in a blade of grass Young man lookin' in the shadows that pass Poor man lookin' through painted glass For dignity Somebody got murdered on New Year's Eve Somebody said dignity was the first to leave I went into the city, went into the town Went into the land of the midnight sun Searchin' high, searchin' low Searchin' everywhere I know Askin' the cops wherever I go Have you seen dignity Blind man breakin' out of a trance Puts both his hands in the pockets of chance Hopin' to find one circumstance Of dignity I went to the wedding of Mary-Lou She said I don't want nobody see me talkin' to you Said she could get killed if she told me what she knew About dignity I went down where the vultures feed I would've got deeper, but there wasn't any need Heard the tongues of angels and the tongues of men Wasn't any difference to me Chilly wind sharp as a razor blade House on fire, debts unpaid Gonna stand at the window, gonna ask the maid Have you seen dignity Drinkin' man listens to the voice he hears In a crowded room full of covered up mirrors Lookin' into the lost forgotten years For dignity Met Prince Phillip at the home of the blues Said he'd give me information if his name wasn't used He wanted money up front, said he was abused By dignity Footprints runnin' cross the silver sand Steps goin' down into tattoo land I met the sons of darkness and the sons of light In the border-towns of despair Got no place to fade, got no coat I'm on the rollin' river in a jerkin' boat Tryin' to read a note somebody wrote About dignity Sick man lookin' for the doctor's cure Lookin' at his hands for the lines that were And into every masterpiece of literature For dignity Englishman stranded in the black-heart wind Combin' his hair back, his future looks thin Bites the bullet and he looks within For dignity Someone showed me a picture and I just laughed Dignity never been photographed I went into the red, went into the black Into the valley of dry bone dreams So many roads, so much at stake Too many dead ends, I'm at the edge of the lake Sometimes I wonder what it's gonna take To find dignity
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Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
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10 facts about this song
Artist Information"Dignity" was written and performed by Bob Dylan, who is often regarded as one of the most influential figures in popular music since the mid-20th century.
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Album AppearanceAlthough initially written for Dylan's 1989 album "Oh Mercy", it was later left out of the final release. It then appeared on Dylan's 1994 album "Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits Volume 3".
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Recording HistoryThe song was initially recorded during the "Oh Mercy" sessions, but Dylan was reportedly unsatisfied with the outcome. Multiple attempts were made to accurately capture the mood and essence of the song, resulting in over 20 different versions being recorded.
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Contextual MeaningThe song, "Dignity", explores the elusive nature of human dignity while seeking spiritual fulfillment. It's a reflection of Dylan's lifelong quest for meaning, wrapped up in poetic, evocative lyrics.
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Notable Cover VersionsDignity was covered by the popular Irish band, "The Pogues", in 1996 on the tribute album, "The songs of Bob Dylan".
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Live Performance"Dignity" has rarely been performed live by Dylan, making these performances significantly rare and thus highly sought-after by fans.
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Signature LyricsThe song includes the lyric, "Dignity never been photographed", which fans and critics have often cited as a reflection of Dylan's disdain for fame and the public's prying eyes.
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Music VideoA music video was made for the song "Dignity" which predominantly featured footage of Dylan performing the song interspersed with images of various people and places that are seemingly unrelated, providing a visual representation of the elusive nature of dignity.
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Bounce-back SingleDespite its initial recording difficulties and omitted inclusion on "Oh Mercy", "Dignity" became a hit upon its release in 1994, reestablishing Dylan's presence in the music charts.
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Reissued and RemasteredThe song was reissued with a new mix on the album "Dylan" in 2007 and remastered for the album "MTV Unplugged" in 1995.
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Citation
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"Dignity Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/14424723/Bob+Dylan/Dignity>.
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