Spanish Harlem Incident

Bob Dylan

About Spanish Harlem Incident

"Spanish Harlem Incident" is a song written and performed by Bob Dylan which was released on his 1964 album, Another Side of Bob Dylan, on August 8 (see 1964 in music). The song has been described as "a gorgeous vignette" by critics and been praised for its multilayered, poetic dimensions. When Dylan himself has been questioned about the song's subject matter he has confessed that he has no idea. However, author Paul Williams describes the song as a portrait of a gypsy girl that Dylan has seen only fleetingly but who has completely captivated him. Williams goes on to say that within the context of the song, Dylan is falling in love with not only the gypsy girl but also with the whole idea of gypsies and of himself in love with one. 


Year:
2009
2:25
21 
#1

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Gypsy gal, the hands of Harlem
Cannot hold you to its heat
Your temperature's too hot for taming
Your flaming feet burn up the street
I am homeless, come and take me
To reach of your rattling drums
Let me know, babe, about my fortune
Down along my restless palms

Gypsy gal, you got me swallowed
I have fallen far beneath
Your pearly eyes, so fast an' slashing
An' your flashing diamond teeth
The night is pitch black, come an' make my
Pale face fit into place, ah, please
Let me know, babe, I'm nearly drowning
If it's you my lifelines trace

I been wond'rin' all about me
Ever since I seen you there
On the cliffs of your wildcat charms I'm riding
I know I'm 'round you but I don't know where
You have slayed me, you have made me
I got to laugh halfways off my heels
I got to know, babe, will you surround me?
So I can tell if I'm really real

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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


9 facts about this song

Song Background
"Spanish Harlem Incident" is a song from Bob Dylan’s fourth studio album "Another Side of Bob Dylan," released in 1964. The album represents Dylan’s departure from protest songs to more personal and introspective lyricism.
Song Inspiration
The song is inspired by Dylan's fascination with the beauty and culture of Spanish Harlem in New York City. It vividly describes the singer's interaction with a gypsy girl amidst the vibrant backdrop of the Spanish Harlem neighborhood.
Musical Style
Musically, the song is noteworthy for its rich acoustic sound, which was characteristic of Dylan's early music career. This style greatly contrasts with the electric mood he embraced later in his career.
Song Lyrics
The lyrics of "Spanish Harlem Incident" display Dylan's poetic genius, combining everyday imagery with profound emotional depth. They showcase his ability to weave complex narratives peppered with inventive and evocative metaphors.
Reception
While not one of Dylan's most popular songs, "Spanish Harlem Incident" is greatly admired by music experts for its lyrical sophistication and evocative storytelling.
Live Performances
Despite the quality of the song, Bob Dylan rarely performed "Spanish Harlem Incident" live in his concerts. The rarity of its live renditions adds to its allure among his fans.
Contemporary Relevance
The song has contemporary relevance with ongoing discussions about cultural diversity and integration in American society. It explores the cultural mosaic of Spanish Harlem, a symbol of America's diverse ethnic neighborhoods.
Cover Versions
Notably, the song has been covered by artists such as The Byrds and Chris Hillman, displaying its enduring appeal and influence over the years.
Song Interpretation
Some believe that the song, like many in Dylan’s portfolio, carries deeper existential themes. The flirtatious interaction with the gypsy woman may carry metaphoric symbolism, as gypsies are often used in literature and music as symbols of freedom, wanderlust, and the unconventional paths in life.

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