“I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine” is based upon the life and death of St. Augustine, an early Christian bishop, who died in 430. “As I Went Out One Morning” finds its foundation in the life of outlaw Revolutionary War patriot Tom Paine who was a symbol of unyielding protest no matter what the personal cost. “The Ballad Of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest” is a sermon filled with Biblical imagery. I am not sure if Dylan is totally sincere here but he creates an interesting journey for the listener.
There is a three song trilogy, “Drifter’s Escape,” “Dear Landlord” and “I Am A Lonesome Hobo” that return Dylan to the area of social consciousness.
The final two songs, “Down Along The Cove” and “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight” close the album on a positive note. They are poignant and sensitive love songs but more importantly they are rooted in country music and point toward Dylan’s future.
John Wesley Harding was a unique stop for Bob Dylan in his musical journey. It was a stark and beautiful release and remains as one of Dylan’s best.
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Article comments
1 - Slim Harpo
Also worth mentioning that Dylan asked Robbie Robertson to do some overdubbing on the album, but Robbie told him he liked the sparse arrangements better.
2 - kevin cramsey
I wouldn't have minded an overdubbed electric or piano on a few of the songs. Musically, this is a pretty monotonous affair.