Released in 1965, Bob Dylan's 'Like a Rolling Stone' is considered one of the greatest songs of all time. The song represents a significant cultural shift and highlights the disillusionment of the 1960s. Bob Dylan's unique lyrical style and powerful societal critique offer an excellent resource for English learners to explore complex vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Its storytelling format and vivid imagery make it an engaging learning tool.
Lyrics
Like a Rolling Stone — Bob Dylan
English
Once upon a time you dressed so fine
Threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn't you?
People call, say "Beware, doll, you're bound to fall"
You thought they were all a-kiddin' you
You used to laugh about
Everybody that was hangin' out
Now you don't talk so loud
Now you don't seem so proud
About having to be scrounging your next meal
How does it feel?
How does it feel
To be without a home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?
Aw, you've gone to the finest school all right, Miss Lonely
But ya know ya only used to get juiced in it
Nobody's ever taught ya how to live out on the street
And now you’re gonna have to get used to it
You say you never compromise
With the mystery tramp, but now you realize
He's not selling any alibis
As you stare into the vacuum of his eyes
And say, “Do you want to make a deal?"
How does it feel?
How does it feel
To be on your own
With no direction home
A complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?
Aw, you never turned around to see the frowns
On the jugglers and the clowns when they all did tricks for you
Never understood that it ain't no good
You shouldn't let other people get your kicks for you
You used to ride on a chrome horse with your diplomat
Who carried on his shoulder a Siamese cat
Ain't it hard when you discover that
He really wasn't where it's at
After he took from you everything he could steal?
How does it feel?
How does it feel?
To hang on your own
With no direction home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?
Aw, princess on the steeple and all the pretty people
They're all drinkin', thinkin' that they got it made
Exchangin' all precious gifts
But you'd better take your diamond ring, ya better pawn it, babe
You used to be so amused
At Napoleon in rags, and the language that he used
Go to him now, he calls ya, ya can't refuse
When ya ain't got nothin', you got nothin' to lose
You're invisible now, ya got no secrets to conceal
How does it feel?
Aw, how does it feel
To be on your own
With no direction home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?
Grammar
What you learn from this song
Present Perfect - Presente Perfecto
The Present Perfect tense is used to describe actions that occurred at an unspecified time in the past and have relevance to the present moment. It is formed by using 'have' or 'has' followed by the past participle of the verb. This structure is fundamental for English learners as it connects past actions to current states or experiences.
'You used to laugh about' — Refers to a habitual action in the past that is no longer true.
'You’ve gone to the finest school all right' — Indicates a completed action that impacts the present.
'You say you never compromise' — Illustrates a current statement referencing a past routine or belief.
Fun facts
Did you know?
Bob Dylan recorded 'Like a Rolling Stone' at Columbia Records in New York City, incorporating electric instrumentation that marked a pivotal moment in his career.
The song reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a significant achievement during a time when folk music was transitioning to rock.
'Like a Rolling Stone' has been covered by numerous artists, further solidifying its impact, including a notable rendition by Jimi Hendrix.
The song's innovative use of language and metaphor has stimulated extensive analysis and discussion among scholars and fans alike.
In 2014, Rolling Stone magazine ranked 'Like a Rolling Stone' as the number 1 song on its '500 Greatest Songs of All Time' list, securing Dylan's legacy in music history.
For students
Why learn English with this song?
This particular song is excellent for learning English due to its rich vocabulary and clear pronunciation. Bob Dylan's expressive delivery makes the lyrics easy to follow, while the use of repetition reinforces key phrases. Additionally, the themes and idiomatic expressions present in the song provide practical language skills that learners can apply in real-life situations.
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