One of Us Must Know

Bob Dylan

About One of Us Must Know

"One of Us Must Know (Sooner or Later)" is a song written and recorded by Bob Dylan. It is the fourth track on his 1966 album Blonde on Blonde, and was released as the album's first single that February. The song is an emotional confession of misconnects and apologies from the singer to a woman who has tragically slipped out of his life. As a single, it peaked at No. 33 in the UK Singles Chart, but only reached No. 119 on US Billboard's Bubbling Under chart.


Year:
2001
4:56
106 
#4

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I didn't mean to treat you so bad
You shouldn't take it so personal
I didn't mean to make you so sad
You just happened to be there, that's all

When I saw you say "goodbye" to your friend and smile
I thought that it was well understood
That you'd be comin' back in a little while
I didn't know that you were sayin' "goodbye" for good

But sooner or later, one of us must know
That you just did what you're supposed to do
Sooner or later, one of us must know
That I really did try to get close to you

I couldn't see what you could show me
Your scarf had kept your mouth well hid
I couldn't see how you could know me
But you said you knew me and I believed you did

When you whispered in my ear
And asked me if I was leavin' with you or her
I didn't realize just what I did hear
I didn't realize how young you were

But sooner or later, one of us must know
That you just did what you're supposed to do
Sooner or later, one of us must know
That I really did try to get close to you

I couldn't see when it started snowin'
Your voice was all that I heard
I couldn't see where we were goin'
But you said you knew and I took your word

And then you told me later, as I apologized
That you were just kiddin' me, you weren't really from the farm
An' I told you, as you clawed out my eyes
That I never really meant to do you any harm

But sooner or later, one of us must know
That you just did what you're supposed to do
Sooner or later, one of us must know
That I really did try to get close to you

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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 © BOB DYLAN MUSIC CO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Release Details
"One of Us Must Know" was originally released on Bob Dylan's seventh studio album “Blonde on Blonde” in 1966.
Single Release
It was the first song to be released as a single from the album, although it only reached number 33 in the UK and didn't chart in the US.
Recording Location
The song was actually recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, even though most of his previous works were done in New York City.
Recording Session
It was recorded in a significantly long session that ended up stretching into the early morning hours and it took more than 19 takes to finalize the song.
Musicians Involved
Al Kooper played an organ and Mike Bloomfield played lead guitar on the recording. It was also the only song on “Blonde on Blonde” recorded without some of Nashville’s top studio musicians.
Recognition
Many have characterized "One of Us Must Know (Sooner or Later)" as being a classic Dylan song filled with regret and remorse, with some considering it to be one of Dylan's finest songs.
Song's Theme
"One of Us Must Know (Sooner or Later)" combines elements of a love song and a break-up ballad. It reveals Dylan's introspective and bitter perception on the aftermath of a failed relationship.
Unique Feature
The song stands out as the only one on the album “Blonde on Blonde” which was entirely recorded in one city, New York, with Dylan being backed by the Hawks members.
Inspiration
"One of Us Must Know" showcases the influence that the Romantic Poetry movement had on Dylan at that time, with the song's enigmatic lyrics and emotional freight.
Attempted Covers
Other artists, like Mick Hucknall of Simply Red, have attempted to cover "One Of Us Must Know", demonstrating its enduring appeal.
Live Performances
Despite its popularity, Dylan did not perform "One of Us Must Know" live until 1997 - more than three decades after its original release. It remains one of the least performed songs by Dylan from the "Blonde on Blonde" album.
Album Achievement
"Blonde on Blonde", the album which "One Of Us Must Know" is part of, was one of the first double albums in rock music and reached number 9 on the Billboard 200 chart.

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