Bob Dylan’s ’64 “Mr. Tambourine Man” Performance Is His BEST Kept Secret

Mr. Tambourine Man

The one and only Bob Dylan graced the Newport Folk Festival in 1964 and silenced the crowd with unforgettable #1 hit “Mr. Tambourine Man” in the sweetest tone we have ever heard. Only Bob could pick us up with that voice and carry us away to simpler places, whether it’s just in our minds or not.

“Take me for a trip upon your magic swirling ship, all my senses have been stripped. And my hands can’t feel to grip and my toes too numb to step, wait only for my boot heels to be wandering…”

And, oh, that harmonica does things to us that we cannot explain, with his soft, articulate voice and sweet melody, Bob is truly one of the greats. Inspired by group trip from New York to San Fransisco, “Mr. Tambourine Man” became The Byrds’ first single and single-handedly launched the beginning of folk-rock music.

Interesting Quote: “Drugs never played a part in that song… ‘disappearing through the smoke rings in my mind,’ that’s not drugs; drugs were never that big a thing with me. I could take ’em or leave ’em, never hung me up.” – Bob Dylan

If there was ever a song to fall asleep to, it’s Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man” due to its soft and catchy harmony mixed with one of the greatest voices of the generation. We love you Bob! Enjoy.

+ Mr. Tambourine Man Lyrics +

Hey, Mr. Tambourine man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there ain’t no place I’m going to
Hey, Mr. Tambourine man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle morning, I’ll come followin’ you

Take me for a trip upon your magic swirling ship
All my senses have been stripped
And my hands can’t feel to grip and 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 it

Hey, Mr. Tambourine man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there ain’t no place I’m going to
Hey, Mr. Tambourine man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle morning, I’ll come followin’ you