Bob Dylan: “I’ve been shot at just like you”

By Tony Attwood and Denise Konkal

Denise has produced her final version of the lyrics of “Murder Most Foul” which are set out below.   As for Tony, here are his final thoughts after a full day of contemplation.


In my last look at “Murder Most Foul” I went through some of the allusions that Dylan incorporated to nursery rhymes, songs and historic events, generally reaching the conclusion that in thinking back to the murder of the President, these were the thoughts that flashed through the poet’s mind.  Thoughts encapsulated in events and (since the writer of the piece is the supreme songwriter of the age) songs.

And because the writer is the supreme songwriter of the age he references his own influences and preferences.

But in all this, one line keeps coming back to me.

The day that they killed him, someone said to me, "Son
The age of the Antichrist has only begun."

Is that just another couplet in a song of some 1378 words?  It is after all “someone” who said it.  Not a person important to the writer; just someone.  And interesting because a couple of lines later we get “Johnson sworn in at 2:38”.

A connection?  The start of the Fall into the 1000 years of darkness following the arrival of the four horsemen?

It is of course possible to consider the destruction of the environment as related to the arrival of the four horsemen, and the breaking of the sixth seal “and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; and the stars of the sky fell to the earth. The sky was split apart, every mountain and island were moved out of their places.  Mankind hides themselves in the caves and mountains acknowledging the presence of Him who sits on the throne and the wrath of the Lamb.”

It’s a possible interpretation, but I don’t think this is what Dylan means.  And I suppose that, perhaps unlike some commentators on Dylan, I don’t really see the benefit of analysing individual words and lines to find a meaning.  Rather I think that in many of his songs Dylan gives us a meaning through the whole song.

To go back to an earlier debate here, it was the meaning of the whole song that Jochen and I were arguing about with the debate on “Never Say Goodbye”; was Dylan writing and singing about a woman or the lake?  If the question could be answered, in my mind it can only be answered by considering the song as a whole.

In which case, what are we to make of the connection between the murder of the President and the huge list of songs that Dylan commands to be played at the end.  (I haven’t counted them but there must be around 50 such demands); 50 songs that for Dylan represent… well what?

The musical heritage that he wrapped around himself and which allowed him to write the 600 odd songs that he has created?   His understanding of what his country actually is, and what it represents?  His feelings on hearing of the death of Kennedy?

All of that I suspect.  I’ve never been able to date Dylan’s compositions exactly, which is why on this site I satisfy myself by putting them in what appears to be the right order and listing them by year.  But it does seem that “Restless Farewell” was written no later than October 1963 and “Guess I’m doing fine” was written in January 1964.  The gap between them is the time of the death of the President.

Of course I have reviewed “Guess I’m doing fine” on this site, but in doing that I must admit that I had no thought in my head of what had just happened.  My excuse is simple, “I’m English and younger than Dylan” so although the death of the President impacted on me, that impact could not have been anything remotely like that on Americans who were going about their daily lives working, rather than just being at school in another country.

Now looking back to “Guess I’m doing fine” with a recognition that this was Dylan’s first song after the death of the President we see something quite different (and I will be going back to change that review in the light of this understanding on my part).

Well, I ain’t got my childhood
Or friends I once did know
No, I ain’t got my childhood
Or friends I once did know
But I still got my voice left
I can take it anywhere I go
Hey, hey, so I guess I’m doin’ fine

And I’ve never had much money
But I’m still around somehow
No, I’ve never had much money
But I’m still around somehow
Many times I’ve bended
But I ain’t never yet bowed
Hey, hey, so I guess I’m doin’ fine

Trouble, oh trouble
I’ve trouble on my mind
Trouble, oh trouble
Trouble on my mind
But the trouble in the world, Lord
Is much more bigger than mine
Hey, hey, so I guess I’m doin’ fine

And I never had no armies
To jump at my command
No, I ain’t got no armies
To jump at my command
But I don’t need no armies
I got me one good friend
Hey, hey, so I guess I’m doin’ fine

I been kicked and whipped and trampled on
I been shot at just like you
I been kicked and whipped and trampled on
I been shot at just like you.
But as long as the world keeps a-turnin’
I just keep a-turnin’ too
Hey, hey, so I guess I’m doin’ fine

Well, my road might be rocky
The stones might cut my face
My road it might be rocky
The stones might cut my face
But as some folks ain’t got no road at all
They gotta stand in the same old place
Hey, hey, so I guess I’m doin’ fine

Yes, there it is.  “I’ve been shot at just like you.”

And that was that, for then Dylan took a different reflective turn with Hard times in New York Town (a satire on urban life), the lyrics to On Wisconsin (and the date of this piece is uncertain) and then I was young when I left home (the tragedy of the lonesome traveller).

These are not major pieces, at least not compared with the masterpieces already composed such as

*There is only one of these songs that might refer back to the death of Kennedy and on to “Murder Most Foul” and that is “What you gonna do?” which exists in two different versions.  Here is one…

Tell me what you’re gonna do
When you can’t play God no more
Tell me what you’re gonna do
When you can’t play God no more
Tell me what you’re gonna do
When you can’t play God no more
O Lord, O Lord
What shall you do?

So I’m not too sure that Dylan was that affected at the time.  Rather it is the music that he has listened to over the years that now causes him to look back and reflect.

Anyway, I think I need to move on, perhaps to return to this later.  But for now, here is our final version of the lyrics to Murder Most Foul by Bob Dylan

Twas a dark day in Dallas, November ’63
A day that will live on in infamy
President Kennedy was a-ridin’ high
Good day to be livin’ and a good day to die
Being led to the slaughter like a sacrificial lamb
He said, “Wait a minute, boys, you know who I am?”
“Of course we do. We know who you are.”
Then they blew off his head while he was still in the car
Shot down like a dog in broad daylight
Was a matter of timing and the timing was right
You got unpaid debts; we’ve come to collect
We’re gonna kill you with hatred; without any respect
We’ll mock you and shock you and we’ll put it in your face
We’ve already got someone here to take your place
The day they blew out the brains of the king
Thousands were watching; no one saw a thing
It happened so quickly, so quick, by surprise
Right there in front of everyone’s eyes
Greatest magic trick ever under the sun
Perfectly executed, skillfully done
Wolfman, oh wolfman, oh wolfman howl
Rub-a-dub-dub, it’s a murder most foul
Hush, little children. You’ll understand
The Beatles are comin’; they’re gonna hold your hand
Slide down the banister, go get your coat
Ferry ‘cross the Mersey and go for the throat
There’s three bums comin’ all dressed in rags
Pick up the pieces and lower the flags
I’m going to Woodstock; it’s the Aquarian Age
Then I’ll go to Altamont and sit near the stage
Put your head out the window; let the good times roll
There’s a party going on behind the Grassy Knoll
Stack up the bricks, pour the cement
Don’t say Dallas don’t love you, Mr. President
Put your foot in the tank and step on the gas
Try to make it to the triple underpass
Blackface singer, whiteface clown
Better not show your faces after the sun goes down
Up in the red light district, they’ve got cop on the beat
Living in a nightmare on Elm Street
When you’re down in Deep Ellum, put your money in your shoe
Don’t ask what your country can do for you
Cash on the ballot, money to burn
Dealey Plaza, make a left-hand turn
I’m going down to the crossroads; gonna flag a ride
The place where faith, hope, and charity died
Shoot him while he runs, boy. Shoot him while you can
See if you can shoot the invisible man
Goodbye, Charlie. Goodbye, Uncle Sam
Frankly, Miss Scarlett, I don’t give a damn
What is the truth, and where did it go?
Ask Oswald and Ruby; they oughta know
“Shut your mouth,” said the wise old owl
Business is business, and it’s a murder most foul
Tommy, can you hear me? I’m the Acid Queen
I’m riding in a long, black limousine
Riding in the backseat next to my wife
Heading straight on into the afterlife
I’m leaning to the left; got my head in her lap
Hold on, I’ve been led into some kind of a trap
Where we ask no quarter, and no quarter do we give
We’re right down the street from the street where you live
They mutilated his body, and they took out his brain
What more could they do? They piled on the pain
But his soul’s not there where it was supposed to be at
For the last fifty years they’ve been searchin’ for that
Freedom, oh freedom. Freedom cover me
I hate to tell you, mister, but only dead men are free
Send me some lovin’; tell me no lies
Throw the gun in the gutter and walk on by
Wake up, little Susie; let’s go for a drive
Cross the Trinity River; let’s keep hope alive
Turn the radio on; don’t touch the dials
Parkland hospital, only six more miles
You got me dizzy, Miss Lizzy. You filled me with lead
That magic bullet of yours has gone to my head
I’m just a patsy like Patsy Cline
Never shot anyone from in front or behind
I’ve blood in my eye, got blood in my ear
I’m never gonna make it to the new frontier
Zapruder’s film I seen the night before
Seen it 33 times, maybe more
It’s vile and deceitful. It’s cruel and it’s mean
Ugliest thing that you ever have seen
They killed him once and they killed him twice
Killed him like a human sacrifice
The day that they killed him, someone said to me, “Son
The age of the Antichrist has only begun.”
Air Force One coming in through the gate
Johnson sworn in at 2:38
Let me know when you decide to thrown in the towel
It is what it is, and it’s murder most foul
What’s new, pussycat? What’d I say?
I said the soul of a nation been torn away
And it’s beginning to go into a slow decay
And that it’s 36 hours past Judgment Day
Wolfman Jack, speaking in tongues
He’s going on and on at the top of his lungs
Play me a song, Mr. Wolfman Jack
Play it for me in my long Cadillac
Play me that “Only the Good Die Young”
Take me to the place Tom Dooley was hung
Play St. James Infirmary and the Court of King James
If you want to remember, you better write down the names
Play Etta James, too. Play “I’d Rather Go Blind”
Play it for the man with the telepathic mind
Play John Lee Hooker. Play “Scratch My Back.”
Play it for that strip club owner named Jack
Guitar Slim going down slow
Play it for me and for Marilyn Monroe
Play “Please Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”
Play it for the First Lady, she ain’t feeling any good
Play Don Henley, play Glenn Frey
Take it to the limit and let it go by
Play it for Karl Wirsum, too
Looking far, far away at Down Gallow Avenue
Play tragedy, play “Twilight Time”
Take me back to Tulsa to the scene of the crime
Play another one and “Another One Bites the Dust”
Play “The Old Rugged Cross” and “In God We Trust”
Ride the pink horse down the long, lonesome road
Stand there and wait for his head to explode
Play “Mystery Train” for Mr. Mystery
The man who fell down dead like a rootless tree
Play it for the Reverend; play it for the Pastor
Play it for the dog that got no master
Play Oscar Peterson. Play Stan Getz
Play “Blue Sky”; play Dickey Betts
Play Art Pepper, Thelonious Monk
Charlie Parker and all that junk
All that junk and “All That Jazz”
Play something for the Birdman of Alcatraz
Play Buster Keaton, play Harold Lloyd
Play Bugsy Siegel, play Pretty Boy Floyd
Play the numbers, play the odds
Play “Cry Me A River” for the Lord of the gods
Play Number 9, play Number 6
Play it for Lindsey and Stevie Nicks
Play Nat King Cole, play “Nature Boy”
Play “Down In The Boondocks” for Terry Malloy
Play “It Happened One Night” and “One Night of Sin”
There’s 12 Million souls that are listening in
Play “Merchant of Venice”, play “Merchants of Death”
Play “Stella by Starlight” for Lady Macbeth
Don’t worry, Mr. President. Help’s on the way
Your brothers are coming; there’ll be hell to pay
Brothers? What brothers? What’s this about hell?
Tell them, “We’re waiting. Keep coming.” We’ll get them as well
Love Field is where his plane touched down
But it never did get back up off the ground
Was a hard act to follow, second to none
They killed him on the altar of the rising sun
Play “Misty” for me and “That Old Devil Moon”
Play “Anything Goes” and “Memphis in June”
Play “Lonely At the Top” and “Lonely Are the Brave”
Play it for Houdini spinning around his grave
Play Jelly Roll Morton, play “Lucille”
Play “Deep In a Dream”, and play “Driving Wheel”
Play “Moonlight Sonata” in F-sharp
And “A Key to the Highway” for the king on the harp
Play “Marching Through Georgia” and “Dumbarton’s Drums”
Play darkness and death will come when it comes
Play “Love Me Or Leave Me” by the great Bud Powell
Play “The Blood-stained Banner”, play “Murder Most Foul”

What else is on the site?

We have a very lively discussion group “Untold Dylan” on Facebook with over 3400 active members.  (Try imagining a place where it is always safe and warm).  Just type the phrase “Untold Dylan” in, on your Facebook page or follow this link 

You’ll find some notes about our latest posts arranged by themes and subjects on the home page of this site.  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 598 Dylan compositions and co-compositions that we have found on the A to Z page.

If you are interested in Dylan’s work from a particular year or era, your best place to start is Bob Dylan year by year.

On the other hand if you would like to write for this website, or indeed have an idea for a series of articles that the regular writers might want to have a go at, please do drop a line with details of your idea, or if you prefer, a whole article to Tony@schools.co.uk

And please do note our friends at  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, plus links back to our reviews (which we do appreciate).

11 Comments

  1. Indeed, most of us in the US or Canada at that time still remember today exactly where we were when it was announced that President Kennedy has been shot.

  2. Tony,
    Such an incredible article you have presented to us here! Your commentary and queries certainly are very thought provoking and the videos (complete with lyrics) you have offered us are well, simply perfect! I absolutely love both of those songs! Thanks also for the song list you have provided.

    Yes it seems that everything is culminating into something tangible right now for me anyway. Of course I rose early and was first met with a video from A Woolhall’s channel, Tangled up in Blue which for me helped me deal with the overwhelming thoughts and feelings I have been experiencing since Bob’s shocking surprise! I commented on that song. I feel like I have been travelling all around this world and above it too! I wrote something about how all I could see was blue. Rather than leave you to guess please indulge me as I am including those comments I made while listening to Bob because they are without contrivance.
    There are as follows:
    “Thank you so much for this A! Right now for me it’ is still early morning with the light a thin line emerging on the horizon across the lake waiting for the sun to show. So many of my thoughts and feelings are culminating into blue. This blue song, blue planet, blue sky, blue water, blue hearts , blue eyes of JFK, Bob, and me, blue nation, blue world, bluebird kisses, the blues. Yesterday Bob’s release of MMF tore open the crypt of sorrow. I feel the grief I remember as a little child! Everyone was weeping everywhere I looked no one could conceal their emotions that day or for following days. I wept too! The curtain of social convention was stripped away and people were perhaps the most authentic I had ever seen. There was nothing covert in the people with true hearts only the deceivers hid in the shadows but the force of unity for good loomed far over that. Yes I feel that again. This song helped me to bring it to a tangible form, a place inside where I can pray with fervency of faith.”

    So as you can see I feel that this happening right now and especially Bob’s personal message; so timely with the calamity of world pandemic and subsequent pandemonium in many places People being instructed to isolate when many people in the world do not have the luxury or the resources to do so. Yes MMF unleashes the reality that conspiracy does indeed exist! I am not usually given to conspiracy theories but Bob with his message of gratitude, blessing, and warning about staying safe and vigilant (observant) is not to be ignored! I just keep thinking of 2 Chronicles 7:14. Food for thought anyway and perhaps some guidance to prayer.

    Tony as you posed: “The musical heritage that he wrapped around himself and which allowed him to write the 600 odd songs that he has created? His understanding of what his country actually is, and what it represents? His feelings on hearing of the death of Kennedy? I also want to offer my say to your questions that speak of the actual impact that it had on 23 year old Dylan. I am sure it impacted him greatly and when he says in the song:”If you want to remember, you better write down the names.” I do not doubt that observant Bob did indeed write down those names and also chronicled the whole social, media, political, and personal clime of the day and it has been processing ever since until he actually recorded this. I believe this was such a pivotal event for Bob that it has been a running thread of influence to all his writing ever since. That would be a worthwhile but highly mammoth study to say the least. I also think that this could indeed be the painted masterpiece Bob speaks of but painted with word. For does he not take us to the whole scene unfolding? I also think he offers JFK a voice in those final moments of clinging to life when everything flashes though the mind and music too! Therefore Dylan speaks for JFK, the first Lady, the perpetrators, himself, his country! The music he offers are an extension of that Every-man(?) voice which makes this so epic in thought. Yes it is a masterpiece which I think umbrellas all his many masterpieces.

    This is all I can comment on for now because I am writing this through deep emotion and tears.

    Thanks you so much Tony Attwood,

    love denise

  3. I have not read this review because I feel it is too early in my listening experience to read about this song. I noticed on another blog not too far from here that someone within hours of the songs release had posted a comment that “the song drags” and this was quickly followed up by another comment which agreed. It struck me as rather strange that someone so early in the process of listening to a new Bob Dylan song, and one as long, complex and unique as this, would be so quick to judge. Is this some kind of game or are these people simply, sorry, stupid ?
    I have listened to the song multiple times and a few times on repeat. Three days in and I cannot get all of the words, most but not all ( I greatly admired Tony’s initial transcription of the words and it was lovely to see that, like me, he could not catch all the words). Similarly, lines, and Dylan’s phrasing, which at first sounded out of sync now are beginning to flow and since Dylan has not changed his phrasing then my brain has gradually begun to truly hear the song. It was difficult to get the official version to load on my better sound system and I am grateful to Peter Sugarman for the upload to youtube so that I could hear the song on something better than my ipad. I am also starting to appreciate other aspects of the song such as the time shifts in the song and the way silent characters speak within the song. The abrasive and discordant music is still abrasive and discordant and will probably sound this way 200 plays from now. Who knows ?
    I remember an eminent Dylanologist several years ago on hearing the misguided snippets they released prior to an album’s actual release commented that the album was terrible then on hearing the full album said it was a great album. I deplore this attitude and the race to cast judgement especially since most devotees of Bob Dylan’s music know that his songs do not reveal themselves so quickly and can reveal layers of delights as time goes on. I believe that the initial positive reviews, comments, etc, etc are guided by the fact that they can hear someone singing to them in a way that articulates to them that what is being sung (almost reciting as the length of the song dictates ) is deeply felt and needs to be said. These listeners are probably also responding to the audacity and the ambition of the song. Finally, what a beautiful statement from Bob Dylan to his fans and followers, and what a wonderful gesture with the release of this song at this sorrowful time.

  4. “Bob Dylan’s “united field theory” – the Titanic is sinking, but the bands play on!

  5. The part Never Can Say Goodbye Girl is Michael Jacksons I think second or third hit with the JAckson Five in 67 or so would be my guessw

  6. It is great to see that the lyrics have now been released on bobdylan.com and unsurprising to see that Dylan does not sing the words as transcribed. The song is number one on the Billboard Chart !

  7. nissi k
    1 week ago (edited)
    Lyrics to Murder Most Foul by Bob Dylan

    Twas a dark day in Dallas, November ’63
    A day that will live on in infamy
    President Kennedy was a-ridin’ high
    Good day to be livin’ and a good day to die
    Being led to the slaughter like a sacrificial lamb
    He said, “Wait a minute, boys, you know who I am?”
    “Of course we do. We know who you are.”
    Then they blew off his head while he was still in the car
    Shot down like a dog in broad daylight
    Was a matter of timing and the timing was right
    You got unpaid debts; we’ve come to collect
    We’re gonna kill you with hatred; without any respect
    We’ll mock you and shock you and we’ll put it in your face
    We’ve already got someone here to take your place

    The day they blew out the brains of the king
    Thousands were watching; no one saw a thing
    It happened so quickly, so quick, by surprise
    Right there in front of everyone’s eyes
    Greatest magic trick ever under the sun
    Perfectly executed, skillfully done
    Wolfman, oh wolfman, oh wolfman howl
    Rub-a-dub-dub, it’s a murder most foul

    Hush, little children. You’ll understand
    The Beatles are comin’; they’re gonna hold your hand
    Slide down the banister, go get your coat
    Ferry ‘cross the Mersey and go for the throat
    There’s three bums comin’ all dressed in rags
    Pick up the pieces and lower the flags
    I’m going to Woodstock; it’s the Aquarian Age
    Then I’ll go to Altamont and sit near the stage
    Put your head out the window; let the good times roll
    There’s a party going on behind the Grassy Knoll

    Stack up the bricks, pour the cement
    Don’t say Dallas don’t love you, Mr. President
    Put your foot in the tank and step on the gas
    Try to make it to the triple underpass
    Blackface singer, whiteface clown
    Better not show your faces after the sun goes down
    Up in the red light district, they’ve got cop on the beat
    Living in a nightmare on Elm Street
    When you’re down in Deep Ellum, put your money in your shoe
    Don’t ask what your country can do for you
    Cash on the barrel head, money to burn
    Dealey Plaza, make left-hand turn

    I’m going down to the crossroads; gonna flag a ride
    The place where faith, hope, and charity died
    Shoot him while he runs, boy. Shoot him while you can
    See if you can shoot the invisible man
    Goodbye, Charlie. Goodbye, Uncle Sam
    Frankly, Miss Scarlett, I don’t give a damn
    What is the truth, and where did it go?
    Ask Oswald and Ruby; they oughta know
    “Shut your mouth,” said the wise old owl
    Business is business, and it’s a murder most foul

    Tommy, can you hear me? I’m the Acid Queen
    I’m riding in a long, black Lincoln limousine
    Riding in the backseat next to my wife
    Heading straight on in to the afterlife
    I’m leaning to the left; got my head in her lap
    Oh Lord, I’ve been led into some kind of a trap
    Where we ask no quarter, and no quarter do we give
    We’re right down the street from the street where you live
    They mutilated his body, and they took out his brain
    What more could they do? They piled on the pain
    But his soul’s not there where it was supposed to be at
    For the last fifty years they’ve been searchin’ for that

    Freedom, oh freedom. Freedom over me
    I hate to tell you, mister, but only dead men are free
    Send me some lovin’; tell me no lies
    Throw the gun in the gutter and walk on by
    Wake up, little Susie; let’s go for a drive
    Cross the Trinity River; let’s keep hope alive
    Turn the radio on; don’t touch the dials
    Parkland hospital, only six more miles
    You got me dizzy, Miss Lizzy. You filled me with lead
    That magic bullet of yours has gone to my head
    I’m just a patsy like Patsy Cline
    Never shot anyone from in front or behind
    I’ve blood in my eye, got blood in my ear
    I’m never gonna make it to the new frontier

    Zapruder’s film I seen night before
    Seen it 33 times, maybe more
    It’s vile and deceitful. It’s cruel and it’s mean
    Ugliest thing that you ever have seen
    They killed him once and they killed him twice
    Killed him like a human sacrifice

    The day that they killed him, someone said to me, “Son
    The age of the Antichrist has only begun.”
    Air Force One coming in through the gate
    Johnson sworn in at 2:38
    Let me know when you decide to thrown in the towel
    It is what it is, and it’s murder most foul
    What’s new, pussycat? What’d I say?
    I said the soul of a nation been torn away
    And it’s beginning to go into a slow decay
    And that it’s 36 hours past Judgment Day

    Wolfman Jack, speaking in tongues
    He’s going on and on at the top of his lungs
    Play me a song, Mr. Wolfman Jack
    Play it for me in my long Cadillac
    Play me that “Only the Good Die Young”
    Take me to the place Tom Dooley was hung
    Play St. James Infirmary and the Court of King James
    If you want to remember, you better write down the names
    Play Etta James, too. Play “I’d Rather Go Blind”
    Play it for the man with the telepathic mind
    Play John Lee Hooker. Play “Scratch My Back.”
    Play it for that strip club owner named Jack
    Guitar Slim going down slow
    Play it for me and for Marilyn Monroe

    Play “Please Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”
    Play it for the First Lady, she ain’t feeling any good
    Play Don Henley, play Glenn Frey
    Take it to the limit and let it go by
    Play it for Carl Wilson, too
    Looking far, far away at Down Gallow Avenue
    Play tragedy, play “Twilight Time”
    Take me back to Tulsa to the scene of the crime
    Play another one and “Another One Bites the Dust”
    Play “The Old Rugged Cross” and “In God We Trust”
    Ride the pink horse down the long, lonesome road
    Stand there and wait for his head to explode
    Play “Mystery Train” for Mr. Mystery
    The man who fell down dead like a rootless tree
    Play it for the Reverend; play it for the Pastor
    Play it for the dog that got no master
    Play Oscar Peterson. Play Stan Getz
    Play “Blue Sky”; play Dickey Betts
    Play Art Pepper, Thelonious Monk
    Charlie Parker and all that junk
    All that junk and “All That Jazz”
    Play something for the Birdman of Alcatraz
    Play Buster Keaton, play Harold Lloyd
    Play Bugsy Siegel, play Pretty Boy Floyd
    Play the numbers, play the odds
    Play “Cry Me A River” for the Lord of the gods
    Play Number 9, play Number 6
    Play it for Lindsey and Stevie Nicks
    Play Nat King Cole, play “Nature Boy”
    Play “Down In The Boondocks” for Terry Malloy
    Play “It Happened One Night” and “One Night of Sin”
    There’s 12 Million souls that are listening in
    Play “Merchant of Venice”, play “Merchants of Death”
    Play “Stella by Starlight” for Lady Macbeth

    Don’t worry, Mr. President. Help’s on the way
    Your brothers are coming; there’ll be hell to pay
    Brothers? What brothers? What’s this about hell?
    Tell them, “We’re waiting. Keep coming.” We’ll get them as well

    Love Field is where his plane touched down
    But it never did get back up off the ground
    Was a hard act to follow, second to none
    They killed him on the altar of the rising sun
    Play “Misty” for me and “That Old Devil Moon”
    Play “Anything Goes” and “Memphis in June”
    Play “Lonely At the Top” and “Lonely Are the Brave”
    Play it for Houdini spinning around his grave
    Play Jelly Roll Morton, play “Lucille”
    Play “Deep In a Dream”, and play “Driving Wheel”
    Play “Moonlight Sonata” in F-sharp
    And “A Key to the Highway” for the king on the harp
    Play “Marching Through Georgia” and “Dumbarton’s Drums”
    Play darkness and death will come when it comes
    Play “Love Me Or Leave Me” by the great Bud Powell
    Play “The Blood-stained Banner”, play “Murder Most Foul”

  8. nissi k
    1 week ago
    Lyrics to Murder Most Foul by Bob Dylan

    Twas a dark day in Dallas, November ’63
    A day that will live on in infamy
    President Kennedy was a-ridin’ high
    Good day to be livin’ and a good day to die
    Being led to the slaughter like a sacrificial lamb
    He said, “Wait a minute, boys, you know who I am?”
    “Of course we do. We know who you are.”
    Then they blew off his head while he was still in the car
    Shot down like a dog in broad daylight
    Was a matter of timing and the timing was right
    You got unpaid debts; we’ve come to collect
    We’re gonna kill you with hatred; without any respect
    We’ll mock you and shock you and we’ll put it in your face
    We’ve already got someone here to take your place

    The day they blew out the brains of the king
    Thousands were watching; no one saw a thing
    It happened so quickly, so quick, by surprise
    Right there in front of everyone’s eyes
    Greatest magic trick ever under the sun
    Perfectly executed, skillfully done
    Wolfman, oh wolfman, oh wolfman howl
    Rub-a-dub-dub, it’s a murder most foul

    Hush, little children. You’ll understand
    The Beatles are comin’; they’re gonna hold your hand
    Slide down the banister, go get your coat
    Ferry ‘cross the Mersey and go for the throat
    There’s three bums comin’ all dressed in rags
    Pick up the pieces and lower the flags
    I’m going to Woodstock; it’s the Aquarian Age
    Then I’ll go to Altamont and sit near the stage
    Put your head out the window; let the good times roll
    There’s a party going on behind the Grassy Knoll

    Stack up the bricks, pour the cement
    Don’t say Dallas don’t love you, Mr. President
    Put your foot in the tank and step on the gas
    Try to make it to the triple underpass
    Blackface singer, whiteface clown
    Better not show your faces after the sun goes down
    Up in the red light district, they’ve got cop on the beat
    Living in a nightmare on Elm Street
    When you’re down in Deep Ellum, put your money in your shoe
    Don’t ask what your country can do for you
    Cash on the barrel head, money to burn
    Dealey Plaza, make left-hand turn

    I’m going down to the crossroads; gonna flag a ride
    The place where faith, hope, and charity died
    Shoot him while he runs, boy. Shoot him while you can
    See if you can shoot the invisible man
    Goodbye, Charlie. Goodbye, Uncle Sam
    Frankly, Miss Scarlett, I don’t give a damn
    What is the truth, and where did it go?
    Ask Oswald and Ruby; they oughta know
    “Shut your mouth,” said the wise old owl
    Business is business, and it’s a murder most foul

    Tommy, can you hear me? I’m the Acid Queen
    I’m riding in a long, black Lincoln limousine
    Riding in the backseat next to my wife
    Heading straight on in to the afterlife
    I’m leaning to the left; got my head in her lap
    Oh Lord, I’ve been led into some kind of a trap
    Where we ask no quarter, and no quarter do we give
    We’re right down the street from the street where you live
    They mutilated his body, and they took out his brain
    What more could they do? They piled on the pain
    But his soul’s not there where it was supposed to be at
    For the last fifty years they’ve been searchin’ for that

    Freedom, oh freedom. Freedom over me
    I hate to tell you, mister, but only dead men are free
    Send me some lovin’; tell me no lies
    Throw the gun in the gutter and walk on by
    Wake up, little Susie; let’s go for a drive
    Cross the Trinity River; let’s keep hope alive
    Turn the radio on; don’t touch the dials
    Parkland hospital, only six more miles
    You got me dizzy, Miss Lizzy. You filled me with lead
    That magic bullet of yours has gone to my head
    I’m just a patsy like Patsy Cline
    Never shot anyone from in front or behind
    I’ve blood in my eye, got blood in my ear
    I’m never gonna make it to the new frontier

    Zapruder’s film I seen night before
    Seen it 33 times, maybe more
    It’s vile and deceitful. It’s cruel and it’s mean
    Ugliest thing that you ever have seen
    They killed him once and they killed him twice
    Killed him like a human sacrifice

    The day that they killed him, someone said to me, “Son
    The age of the Antichrist has only begun.”
    Air Force One coming in through the gate
    Johnson sworn in at 2:38
    Let me know when you decide to thrown in the towel
    It is what it is, and it’s murder most foul
    What’s new, pussycat? What’d I say?
    I said the soul of a nation been torn away
    And it’s beginning to go into a slow decay
    And that it’s 36 hours past Judgment Day

    Wolfman Jack, speaking in tongues
    He’s going on and on at the top of his lungs
    Play me a song, Mr. Wolfman Jack
    Play it for me in my long Cadillac
    Play me that “Only the Good Die Young”
    Take me to the place Tom Dooley was hung
    Play St. James Infirmary and the Court of King James
    If you want to remember, you better write down the names
    Play Etta James, too. Play “I’d Rather Go Blind”
    Play it for the man with the telepathic mind
    Play John Lee Hooker. Play “Scratch My Back.”
    Play it for that strip club owner named Jack
    Guitar Slim going down slow
    Play it for me and for Marilyn Monroe

    Play “Please Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”
    Play it for the First Lady, she ain’t feeling any good
    Play Don Henley, play Glenn Frey
    Take it to the limit and let it go by
    Play it for Carl Wilson, too
    Looking far, far away at Down Gallow Avenue
    Play tragedy, play “Twilight Time”
    Take me back to Tulsa to the scene of the crime
    Play another one and “Another One Bites the Dust”
    Play “The Old Rugged Cross” and “In God We Trust”
    Ride the pink horse down the long, lonesome road
    Stand there and wait for his head to explode
    Play “Mystery Train” for Mr. Mystery
    The man who fell down dead like a rootless tree
    Play it for the Reverend; play it for the Pastor
    Play it for the dog that got no master
    Play Oscar Peterson. Play Stan Getz
    Play “Blue Sky”; play Dickey Betts
    Play Art Pepper, Thelonious Monk
    Charlie Parker and all that junk
    All that junk and “All That Jazz”
    Play something for the Birdman of Alcatraz
    Play Buster Keaton, play Harold Lloyd
    Play Bugsy Siegel, play Pretty Boy Floyd
    Play the numbers, play the odds
    Play “Cry Me A River” for the Lord of the gods
    Play Number 9, play Number 6
    Play it for Lindsey and Stevie Nicks
    Play Nat King Cole, play “Nature Boy”
    Play “Down In The Boondocks” for Terry Malloy
    Play “It Happened One Night” and “One Night of Sin”
    There’s 12 Million souls that are listening in
    Play “Merchant of Venice”, play “Merchants of Death”
    Play “Stella by Starlight” for Lady Macbeth

    Don’t worry, Mr. President. Help’s on the way
    Your brothers are coming; there’ll be hell to pay
    Brothers? What brothers? What’s this about hell?
    Tell them, “We’re waiting. Keep coming.” We’ll get them as well

    Love Field is where his plane touched down
    But it never did get back up off the ground
    Was a hard act to follow, second to none
    They killed him on the altar of the rising sun
    Play “Misty” for me and “That Old Devil Moon”
    Play “Anything Goes” and “Memphis in June”
    Play “Lonely At the Top” and “Lonely Are the Brave”
    Play it for Houdini spinning around his grave
    Play Jelly Roll Morton, play “Lucille”
    Play “Deep In a Dream”, and play “Driving Wheel”
    Play “Moonlight Sonata” in F-sharp
    And “A Key to the Highway” for the king on the harp
    Play “Marching Through Georgia” and “Dumbarton’s Drums”
    Play darkness and death will come when it comes
    Play “Love Me Or Leave Me” by the great Bud Powell
    Play “The Blood-stained Banner”, play “Murder Most Foul”

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