David Bowie - Song for Bob Dylan Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is 'Robert Zimmerman' mentioned in the song?

   'Robert Zimmerman' is the birth name of the American folk singer Bob Dylan. David Bowie addresses Dylan by his birth name in the lyrics of 'Song for Bob Dylan.'

2. When was 'Song for Bob Dylan' first premiered?

   'Song for Bob Dylan' was first premiered on June 3, 1971, during a BBC concert session where George Underwood, Bowie's school friend and bandmate, sang lead vocals.

3. Did Bowie intend for anyone else to originally sing 'Song for Bob Dylan'?

   Yes, David Bowie originally wrote 'Song for Bob Dylan' for his school friend and King Bees bandmate, George Underwood. Underwood even recorded a version in a studio before Bowie decided to sing the final version himself.

4. What musical elements mimic Bob Dylan's style in this song?

   The song employs Dylanesque musical progressions, a simple descending bass line, and an adenoidal voice resembling Dylan’s singing style. The musical elements in 'Song for Bob Dylan' intentionally reflect the folk-rock era of Dylan circa 1965.

5. Why is there debate about the intention behind the song?

   There is debate about whether 'Song for Bob Dylan' serves as a tribute or a critique of Bob Dylan. While some see it as a eulogy, others interpret it as a 'harangue.' Bowie himself said, 'This is how some see BD,' adding to the ambiguity.

6. What is the significance of the lyric 'voice like sand and glue'?

   The lyric 'voice like sand and glue' describes Bob Dylan's distinctive vocal style. This description is similar to how author Joyce Carol Oates characterized Dylan's voice as 'raw, very young, and seemingly untrained voice, frankly nasal, as if sandpaper could sing.'