Bob Dylan - Bob Dylan's Dream Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When was 'Bob Dylan's Dream' written and recorded?

   'Bob Dylan's Dream' was written by Bob Dylan in early 1963. It was recorded on April 24, 1963, and released a month later on the album 'The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan.'

2. Were there any other versions of 'Bob Dylan's Dream' released?

   Yes, besides the album version, a demo version recorded for M. Witmark & Sons was released in October 2010 on The Bootleg Series Vol. 9 – The Witmark Demos: 1962–1964. Live versions from performances in April and May 1963 were also released.

3. What inspired Bob Dylan to write 'Bob Dylan's Dream'?

   The song's inspiration is debated. One account suggests it recalls times spent with Hugh Romney in Greenwich Village. Another posits it reflects on the lost innocence of Dylan's adolescence in Hibbing, Minnesota.

4. What traditional ballad influenced the melody of 'Bob Dylan's Dream'?

   'Bob Dylan’s Dream' is credited with having a melody derived from the traditional broadside ballad 'Lord Franklin,' which is also known as 'Lady Franklin’s Lament.'

5. Where did Bob Dylan frequently perform when he first introduced 'Bob Dylan’s Dream'?

   Dylan frequently performed at Gerde’s Folk City in New York, where he played 'Bob Dylan’s Dream' during after-hours sessions before making it part of his regular repertoire.

6. Who were some key figures associated with the early performance history of 'Bob Dylan’s Dream'?

   Key figures include Hugh Romney (later known as Wavy Gravy), who lived above The Gaslight Cafe where he worked as entertainment director, and Gil Turner, emcee at Gerde’s Folk City.