Spanish Harlem Incident
Bob Dylan, Chris Whitley
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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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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.
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Song InspirationThe 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.
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Musical StyleMusically, 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.
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Song LyricsThe 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.
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ReceptionWhile not one of Dylan's most popular songs, "Spanish Harlem Incident" is greatly admired by music experts for its lyrical sophistication and evocative storytelling.
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Live PerformancesDespite 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.
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Contemporary RelevanceThe 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.
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Cover VersionsNotably, the song has been covered by artists such as The Byrds and Chris Hillman, displaying its enduring appeal and influence over the years.
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Song InterpretationSome 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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"Spanish Harlem Incident Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/32805011/Bob+Dylan/Spanish+Harlem+Incident>.
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