Bob

Today marks 80 years of Bob Dylan’s otherworldly, soul-piercing existence on this world. We’ve been able to share nearly 60 years of his imagination, brilliance, mind-bending storytelling and inspired poetry which makes you and I very fortunate.

“But if I had the stars of the darkest night, and the diamonds from the deepest ocean, I’d forsake them all for your sweet kiss, for that’s all I’m wishin’ to be ownin’” – Boots of Spanish Leather

I can’t really pick a favorite Dylan song and the only reason I share Boots of Spanish Leather is because I like it a lot. I like the way it’s constructed and the story it tells and the message it gives me. And it’s one of the last ones I listened to.

Why do you like it a lot, you (don’t) ask? If I were to try and answer that in Dylan form I would probably say something like, “Oh, I don’t know. We all like different songs for different reasons, don’t you think?

To which I would say, “Yes, but why single this one out. What speaks to you?”

“I don’t think,” I would say. “That songs speak.”

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“Poets speak. Singers sing,” I answer.

“And songs”

“Are songs. Or frogs or whatever you want them to be.”

“Is there something special about this song that you quote it here,” I question.

“We don’t have enough time to talk about that.” I say. (Even though I know we probably do because I’m just sitting here and thinking and typing and time is what we make it)

“Is it because you like European footwear?” I ask.

“Well, I’ve never been to Europe so I can’t say.” I say.

“Have you ever been to England,” I ask.

“Well, I never been to England,” I say.

“But I kinda like the Beatles!” we both sing in unison and smile.

“Is it safe to say that you like the song because of the lyrics?”

“I like a lot of lyrics,” I answer.

“Where were you born?” I ask.

“Oklahoma,” I answer.

“Not Arizona?” I ask.

“What does it matter?” I say. “What does it matter. This is getting kind of silly now.”

“If that’s the word that comes to mind then yes.”

I decide it’s time to stop.

You probably have your favorite list of Bob Dylan songs and your reasons why. Maybe Boots of Spanish Leather is on it.