Ticket 2 Ride

I’m changing things up a little this week. Here are five Bob Dylan songs, not necessarily my favorites, but ones I’d like to have him play for me if he’s ever in the neighborhood.

“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” – Soundtrack Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (1973). I’ve loved this song forever, and in the film, it comes at a sad moment. Dylan doesn’t sound like Dylan in the studio version, part of the song’s mystic. This song was a staple in his set list until 2003.

“Black Diamond Bay”- Desire (1976). An overlooked album, it’s more than just the song, “Hurricane.” A longer song, it swings. The violin has great effect. Looks like he’s only played it once in concert.

“Girl From the North Country” – Nashville Skyline (1969). Probably my favorite Dylan song. The version with Johnny Cash is phenomenal. He played this song fairly often, but according to setlist.com, he hasn’t played it in recent years.

“Lay, Lady, Lay” – Nashville Skyline (1969). Another great song from Nashville Skyline, an album I don’t own, but should. A staple until around 2010.

“Sweetheart Like You” – From Infidels (1983). Infidels is an underrated album, but it has some very strong songs and Dylan’s backing musicians are first rate. Although Dylan did his first ever music video for this song, apparently it has never been included in a set list. Amazing. Maybe if I asked, he would play it.

Honorable mention:

“You’re a Big Girl Now” – My favorite song from Blood on the Tracks. This song is never mentioned when the album is discussed. It’s a beautiful and sad song. “According to his official website, Dylan performed the song 212 times in concert between 1976 and 2007.”