It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry

Bob Dylan

About It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry

"It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry" is a song written by Bob Dylan, that was originally released on his album Highway 61 Revisited. It was recorded on July 29, 1965. The song was also included on an early, European Dylan compilation album entitled Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits 2. An earlier, alternate version of the song has been released, in different takes, beginning with the appearance of one take on The Bootleg Series Volumes 1–3 (Rare & Unreleased) 1961–1991 in 1991. "It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry" has been covered by numerous artists, including The Grateful Dead, Super Session featuring Al Kooper, Mike Bloomfield and Stephen Stills, The Allman Brothers Band, Marianne Faithfull, Jerry Garcia, Stephen Stills, Iain Matthews, Leon Russell, Little Feat, Chris Smither, Taj Mahal, Steve Earle, Levon Helm, Toto, Tracy Nelson, Blue Cheer & Bun E. Carlos. 


Year:
2002
3:12
22 

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Well, I ride on a mail train, baby, can't buy a thrill
Well, I been up all night leanin' on the windowsill
Well, if I die on top of the hill
And if I don't make it, you know my baby will

Don't the moon look good, honey, shinin' through the trees
Don't the brakemen look good, baby, flaggin' down the "Double-E"
Don't the sun look good doin' down over the sea
But don't my gal look fine when she's chasin' after me

Now, the wintertime is comin', the windows are filled with frost
I went to tell everybody but I could not get across
Well, I want to be your lover, baby, I don't want to be your boss
Don't say I never warned you if your train gets lost

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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

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7 facts about this song

Song Writing and Composition
"It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry" is a song written by legendary American folk singer, Bob Dylan. - The song was first released on Bob Dylan's seminal 1965 album "Highway 61 Revisited", it is characterized by its bluesy sound and poignant lyrics.
Lyrics and Themes
The song is renowned for its cryptic lyrics that paint a vivid, if somewhat opaque, narrative. This song features classic Dylan themes of love, despair, and sarcasm.
Notable Covers
There have been numerous notable covers of the song over the years. One of the most prominent of these is by Blue Cheer, a hard rock band known for their pioneering role in the development of heavy metal music. - Marianne Faithfull, a British singer, songwriter and actress also covered the song. Her version is featured on her 1989 album "Blazing Away", and is notable for its heartfelt and soulful delivery.
Song's Influence
Despite not being one of Dylan's most commercially successful songs, it has nonetheless had a notable influence. It holds a place within the RS 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list. - The song is also considered one of the standouts in Dylan's discography, and has been praised for its blend of blues and folk elements, as well as its lyrical complexity.
Critical Reception
The song has been universally lauded by critics. It is often cited as one of the highlights of "Highway 61 Revisited", and is frequently singled out for its evocative lyrics and emotional depth. - The song showcases Dylan's skills as a songwriter, with many critics praising his ability to create a rich and vivid narrative within the confines of a single song.
Live Performances
The song has regularly featured in Dylan's live performances throughout his career, and various renditions have been included on his many live albums. - Marianne Faithfull also included this song on her live album "Blazing Away" which was recorded at St. Anne's Cathedral, Brooklyn in 1989.
Various Interpretations
Like many of Bob Dylan's songs, "It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry" has been subject to various interpretations. Some see it as a love song, while others view it as a reflection on life's hardships. Despite this, the overall meaning of the song remains purposely elusive.

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