Bob Dylan - Spirit on the Water Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What album features 'Spirit on the Water' by Bob Dylan?

   'Spirit on the Water' is featured on Bob Dylan's 2006 album titled 'Modern Times'. It is the second track on this critically acclaimed album.

2. Who produced 'Spirit on the Water'?

   Bob Dylan produced 'Spirit on the Water' himself under the pseudonym Jack Frost. He has used this pseudonym for much of his later work in his career.

3. What is unique about the harmonica in 'Spirit on the Water'?

   'Spirit on the Water' is notable for being the only song on 'Modern Times' to feature a harmonica solo. This song marks the first time Dylan played harmonica on a studio recording since 'Tryin' to Get to Heaven' nearly a decade earlier.

4. In which key is 'Spirit on the Water' played?

   The studio recording of 'Spirit on the Water' is played in the key of B-flat major. This key contributes to the light, jazzy atmosphere of the song.

5. What literary references are present in 'Spirit on the Water'?

   The song includes references to the Book of Genesis with the title phrase 'Spirit on the water' and the line 'Darkness on the face of the deep'. Additionally, the line 'Can't believe these things would ever fade from your mind' is a verbatim quote from Ovid's Black Sea Letters.

6. Is 'Spirit on the Water' covered by other artists?

   Yes, 'Spirit on the Water' has been covered by several artists, including Denny Freeman, a former Dylan band member, who did an instrumental jazz version on his 2012 album 'Diggin' on Dylan'. Danish singer-songwriter Steffen Brandt also covered the song in Danish as 'Mørke skygger over vandet'.