I Want You
Bob Dylan
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The guilty undertaker sighs The lonesome organ grinder cries The silver saxophones say I should refuse you The cracked bells and washed-out horns Blow into my face with scorn, but it’s Not that way, I wasn’t born to lose you I want you I want you I want you, so bad Honey, I want you The drunken politician leaps Upon the street where mothers weep And the saviors who are fast asleep, they wait for you And I wait for them to interrupt Me drinkin’ from my broken cup And ask me to open up the gate for you I want you I want you Yes I want you, so bad Honey, I want you How all my fathers, they’ve gone down True love they’ve been without it But all their daughters put me down ’Cause I don’t think about it Well, I return to the Queen of Spades And talk with my chambermaid She knows that I’m not afraid to look at her She is good to me and there’s Nothing she doesn’t see She knows where I’d like to be but it doesn’t Matter I want you I want you Yes I want you, so bad Honey, I want you Now your dancing child with his Chinese suit he Spoke to me, I took his flute No, I wasn’t very cute to him, was I? But I did it, because he lied and Because he took you for a ride And because time was on his side and Because I Want you I want you Yes I want you, so bad Honey, I want you
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
20 facts about this song
Song Information"I Want You" is a popular song by the iconic American singer and songwriter 'Bob Dylan'.
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Album PresenceThe song was featured in Dylan's 1966 studio album, "Blonde on Blonde."
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Genre"I Want You" falls under the genres of folk rock and folk-pop.
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Popularity"I Want You" is one of Dylan's most popular songs, and it has been widely covered by other artists, including The Beatles' lead guitarist, George Harrison.
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RecordingThe song was recorded at the Columbia Music Row Studios in Nashville, Tennessee.
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Release and SuccessThe song, released as a single in June 1966, quickly rose to number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, and number 16 on the UK Singles Chart.
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Unique Lyrics StyleLike many of Dylan's songs, "I Want You" is known for its distinctive and enigmatic lyrics.
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Song MeaningWhile the meaning of the song has been the subject of speculation and debate, many believe it is a love song, with others suggesting the lyrics express a sense of urgency and desperation.
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Last Song Recorded for Album"I Want You" was one of the last songs Dylan recorded for the "Blonde on Blonde" album.
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Title and LyricsDespite the song's short, simple title, "I Want You," the lyrics are much more poetic and complex, featuring a myriad of characters and situations.
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Critical ReceptionCritics generally received the song favorably, praising its heartfelt lyrics and Dylan's singing style.
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InfluenceThe song continues to influence modern artists, covering various genres, thanks to its timeless appeal.
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Live PerformancesDylan has performed "I Want You" numerous times during his live performances and it remains a fan-favorite.
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Notable CoversAmong the numerous covers, a rendition by the 1970s folk duo 'Ian and Sylvia' is quite popular.
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Song DurationThe official duration of "I Want You" is 3:07 minutes.
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Music VideoInterestingly, an official music video for the song was only released in 2000, more than three decades after the song’s original release. The video features footage from Dylan's 1966 tour.
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The MusiciansIn addition to Dylan, the song features Nashville session musicians such as guitarist Wayne Moss and pianist Hargus "Pig" Robbins.
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Notable Performances"I Want You" was included in Dylan's famous 1975 Rolling Thunder Revue tour.
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In Pop CultureThe song is often heard on many television shows and movies, affirming its enduring appeal.
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Timeless AppealEven after more than 50 years of its release, the song remains relevant, and its appeal hasn't waned among music connoisseurs and Dylan's fans alike.
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Citation
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"I Want You Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 14 Feb. 2025. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1944342/Bob+Dylan/I+Want+You>.
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