Written by Eric Andersen
Recorded 4 March 1970
during the Self Portrait sessions,
and released on Bootleg Series 10:
Another Self Portrait (2013)
Tabbed by Eyolf Østrem
This is one of the songs where Dylan seems not to have rehearsed the song too well before going into the studio: In the first verse and chorus, he maintains the slight distinction between the two, chord-wise, but as the verses progress, this distinction fades, and what remains at the end is the constant repetition of the same falling bass figure.
It's a wonderful song, though, beautifully performed.
The G variants are suggestions.
G7sus4 3x3010 G7/6 323000
C Em You've long been on the open road, Dm G G7/6 You've been sleeping in the rain, C Em From the dirty words and muddy cells Dm G Your clothes are smeared and stained, C Em But the dirty words and muddy cells Dn G Will soon be judged insane *) C F So only stop and rest yourself Dm G G7sus4 Till you are off again
C F And take off your thirsty boots C F and stay for a while, C /b Am /g Your feet are hot and weary, Dm G G7sus4 from a dusty mile, C F And maybe I can make you laugh, C F maybe I can try, C /b Am /g I'm just looking for the evening, Dm G7sus4 C and the morning in your eye.
Now, tell me of the ones you saw, As far as you could see, Across the plain from field to town A-marching to be free And of the rusted prison gates That tumbled by degree Like laughing children, one by one, who look like you and me
C F And take off your thirsty boots F G7sus4 and stay for a while, C /b Am /g Your feet are hot and weary, Dm G from a dusty mile, C /b Am /g And maybe I can make you laugh, Dm G G7 and maybe I can try, C /b Am /g just looking for the evening, Dm G G7sus4 C and the morning in your eye.
C Em/b I know you are no stranger Dm G down the crooked rainbow trails C /b Am /g From dancing cliff-edged shattered sills F Dm G G7sus4 Of slandered, shackled jails C /b Am /g But the voices drift up from below Dm F G As the walls are being scaled C /b Am /g Yes, all of this, and more, my friend, Dm G G7sus4 Your song shall not be failed.
C /b Am /g And take off your thirsty boots F G and stay for a while, C /b Am /g Your feet are hot and weary, Dm G from a dusty mile, C /b Am /g And maybe I can make you laugh, Dm F G G7 and maybe I can try, C /b Am /g just looking for the evening, Dm G i C and the morning in your eye.
*) Andersen's original has: "Will soon be hid in shame"