About The Song
Description: “Mr. Tambourine Man” is a classic folk-rock song by The Byrds, released in 1965. It is a cover of Bob Dylan’s song and became one of The Byrds’ signature tracks. The song’s ethereal sound and poetic lyrics contributed to its significance in the folk-rock movement of the 1960s.
Facts:
- Bob Dylan’s Influence: “Mr. Tambourine Man” was originally written and recorded by Bob Dylan. The Byrds’ version, released in 1965, transformed the song into a folk-rock classic. The cover marked a significant departure from Dylan’s acoustic original, featuring jangly guitars and harmonies that became emblematic of The Byrds’ sound.
- Debut Single and Chart Success: The song served as The Byrds’ debut single, and it quickly ascended to the top of the charts. Released in June 1965, “Mr. Tambourine Man” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, solidifying The Byrds’ presence in the burgeoning folk-rock scene.
- Influence on Folk-Rock Genre: The Byrds’ rendition of “Mr. Tambourine Man” is often credited with popularizing the folk-rock genre. The blending of folk elements with rock instrumentation, especially the 12-string Rickenbacker guitar sound, became a defining characteristic of the genre and influenced many other bands.
- Harmonies and Vocal Arrangement: One of the distinctive features of The Byrds’ version is the tight vocal harmonies. The band’s harmonizing skills, coupled with the arrangement of the vocals, contributed to the song’s captivating and timeless quality. The harmonies became a hallmark of The Byrds’ sound throughout their career.
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: In recognition of their significant impact on the music landscape, The Byrds were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. “Mr. Tambourine Man” remains a key part of their legacy and is often celebrated as a pivotal moment in the fusion of folk and rock music.
Video
Lyrics
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going to
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle morning I’ll come following youThough I know that evening’s empire has returned into sand
Vanished from my hand
Left me blindly here to stand, but still not sleeping
My weariness amazes me, I’m branded on my feet
I have no one to meet
And the ancient empty street’s too dead for dreamingHey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going to
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle morning I’ll come following youTake me on a trip upon your magic swirling ship
My senses have been stripped
My hands can’t feel to grip
My toes too numb to step
Wait only for my boot heels to be wandering
I’m ready to go anywhere, I’m ready for to fade
Into my own parade
Cast your dancing spell my way, I promise to go under itHey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going to
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle morning I’ll come following youThough you might hear laughing, spinning, swinging madly across the sun
It’s not aimed at anyone
It’s just escaping on the run
And but for the sky there are no fences facing
And if you hear vague traces of skipping reels of rhyme
To your tambourine in time
It’s just a ragged clown behind
I wouldn’t pay it any mind
It’s just a shadow you’re seeing that he’s chasingHey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going to
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle morning I’ll come following youAnd take me disappearing through the smoke rings of my mind
Down the foggy ruins of time
Far past the frozen leaves
The haunted frightened trees
Out to the windy beach
Far from the twisted reach of crazy sorrow
Yes, to dance beneath the diamond sky
With one hand waving free
Silhouetted by the sea
Circled by the circus sands
With all memory and fate
Driven deep beneath the waves
Let me forget about today until tomorrowHey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there is no place I’m going to
Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle morning I’ll come following you