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Abhijit C. Mehta

Writing 20: Assignment x3

September 9, 2002

Mr. Tambourine Man

Bob Dylan / The Byrds

Original: Written / Performed by Bob Dylan

• Album: Bringing it All Back Home
• Released March 22, 1965
• Produced by Tom Wilson
• Columbia Records

Cover: Performed by The Byrds

• Album: Mr. Tambourine Man
• Session Date: January 20, 1965
• Released June 21, 1965
• Columbia Records

Differences Between Two Versions:

Bob Dylan:

· Long ( > 5 min., 4 verses)

· Solo w/ guitar

· Deep, thoughtful, pondering

· Escapism theme

· Depressed about real world, yet hopeful

· Tone is pleading

· “Let me forget about today until tomorrow”

· “Far from the twisted reach of sorrow”

The Byrds:

· Short ( ~ 2 min., only 1 verse)

· Multiple voices, w/ piano, bass, drums, guitar

· Chose only 1 verse – light, “far out” tone

· Verse chosen is not very “deep” or depressing

· Missing verses about sorrow, weariness

· Cheerful sound

· Lullaby – like qualities, not a pleading tone

· Very successful on the radio

Sources:

http://www.bobdylan.com/

http://www.byrds.com/

http://www.byrdmaniax.com/byrds/discographybyrd.html/