Who is positively 4th street about

Ddespite the acrimony between the two troubadors, Dylan contended with Phil in much the same way as he had done with his notorious harasser and trash-mongerer, AJ Lieberman, from whom he continued to take late-night phone calls long after their highly publicized verbal and physical altercations.

While Phil and Bob maintained their strained on-again, off-again relationship, Ochs continued to admire Bob's works, and Bob condoned more than his share of "inappropriate conduct" from Phil. It's interesting that over the past years there's been remarkable new interest and questioning of who it was that Dylan's lyrics targeted in Positively 4th Street.

More proof that Bob's works continue to transcend the generations. Prior to , most longtime Dylan followers took it for granted -- albeit, silently -- that Bobby wrote the song with no one other than Phil Ochs in mind. The speculation began anew -- and among a new generation of Dylan fans -- with the recent release of the film "Factory Girl," based on the life of Edie Sedgwick, a Warhol's dilettante who'd had a minor affair with Dylan much briefer and significantly more minor than portrayed in the film.

For years after their famous feud, Dylan continued to befriend and offer assistance to Ochs, whose career was struggling during the '70s. So, by now you know my thoughts as to who Bob was thinking when he wrote the harsh lyrics to Positively 4th Street.

It was Possitively Phil Ochs. I know the reason That you talk behind my back I used to be among the crowd You're in with No, I do not feel that good When I see the heartbreaks you embrace If I was a master thief Perhaps I'd rob them zimmiegirl on April 21, Link. I'm sure it was a fake media-generated feud, like tons of other fake feuds. I've heard Phil speak of Dylan with reverence with not an ounce of sarcasm in his voice.

I think the song is just a general calling out of the phonies of the world. General Comment This song is acually about reporters cuz dylan hates them. He wrote it because they were always on his back and acted like his friends and then wrote bad things about him in newspapers and magazines Dylan is my absolute favorite singer ever, hes so real and so cool. I really started listening to him my freshman year of high school when a lot of my friends turned on me and this song helped me laugh at them and realize that I dont need them.

Its a great song and hes an unbelievable artist. General Comment I just want to say that I love the poetic structure of the lyrics, where nothing rhymes in a single verse, but the second and fourth lines of a pair of two verses rhyme. I'm not sure if "verses" is the accurate term to describe each group of four lines, but hopefully you know what I mean. Bluewaves on October 15, Link. Great call, I really like that, too. Maybe they're called stanzas. BobbyA on November 22, General Comment This was Dylan's "fuck you" to the folk community.

They'd turned on him since his musical evolution. Whether it's about someone specific, Ochs, as suggested below, or something more generalised. Dylan, I think, often used composites when writing songs, I'm particularly thinking of some of his 60s "love" songs, which seem to incorporate his many love interests of the time into the same songs. What I love about this song is that it's one of Dylan's most explicitly "poppy" arrangements.

And straight-forward, quite unlike Dylan lyrics. Which helped it become a Top 10 hit. I can only think it was designed as such to extra piss off the folkies! Rather brilliant. General Comment Heh heh, this song cheers me up no end when I'm in a foul mood. The bitterness is so heartfelt, yet he's got a sense of humour about the whole thing.

General Comment Yes I agree, The last 4 lines are the best! One of my fave Bob Quotes. Qsqaw on July 31, Link. General Comment It's been said this is about the folkies who turned on him after he went electric at Newport. I've heard it said recently that it was about Joan Baez, but I'd never heard that before and don't believe that interpretation. Diamond and Rust is about Bob by Joan, it is a sad song but sweet to.

Artists - B. You can also see details of our main sections on this site at the top of this page under the picture. The index to all the Dylan compositions and co-compositions that we have found on the A to Z page.

Try imagining a place where it is always safe and warm. On the other hand if you would like to write for this website, please do drop me a line with details of your idea, or if you prefer, a whole article.

Email Tony schools. And please do note The Bob Dylan Project , which lists every Dylan song in alphabetical order, and has links to licensed recordings and performances by Dylan and by other artists, links back to our reviews. All I know is that when this song comes on I always stop and listen to the incredible lyrics.

Like most of you I have heard the song countless times, but never get tired of hearing it. Bob Dylan fans do you now know the meanings behind this classic song? This is actually a nasty song, full of hate and resentment towards maybe either Irwin Silber or Izzy Young, towards whom Dylan is rumoured to have felt bitter, and both of whom felt that the song was utterly unfair if indeed it was directed at them.

I understood it was referencing his feelings about Albert Grossman , his manager before some events previous to this song. As though the meaning of the words is the important part. And that goes for all his songs. For me, the sound of his words as an integral part of the music is their relevance. I am actually grateful to the holder of this web page who has shared this impressive article at here. Great blog you have got here.. I truly appreciate people like you! Take care!! I have loved this music for 50 years now.

Feels like a rival to me, a professional one, or someone in the recording industry, could be anyone. The level of aggression and the perfect aim he takes at this guy imply to me that they are meeting on level ground, same weight class, so to speak. Your email address will not be published. Untold Dylan. Skip to content. Blowing in the wind Home Reviews. Jul 8, pm PT. By Jonathan Bing Plus Icon. More From Our Brands. Expand the sub menu Film.

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