Fans of the legendary album Blood on the Tracks are deciding on the “saddest song” from the classic Bob Dylan release.
The album celebrated its fiftieth anniversary earlier this year, and fans believe they have found the most heartbreaking song featured on the album. A question posted to the r/BobDylan subreddit had fans discuss what they believed to be the saddest song from Blood on the Tracks, with some suggesting the song in question has Dylan sounding more “emotionally desperate” than any of his other tracks. A user asked: “What is the saddest song off of Blood on the Tracks? I’d probably say Buckets of Rain or You’re a Big Girl Now.” Commenters were in agreement over the latter track, which was singled out by one listener as a moment which gives an “intimate” look into Dylan’s life.
They wrote: “I’m not sure Bob has ever sounded as emotionally desperate as he does on You’re a Big Girl Now. Supremely underrated. His performance sounds especially intimate emotionally, and I’ve always thought that it’s the most revealing track on the record in terms of writing and singing about his divorce. Lyrically, it feels very direct to its subject matter, and his vocal performance just seems next level “naked” to me, emotionally.”
Another agreed, adding: “It was definitely my first favourite Dylan song, and it honestly might still be.” Another added: “Dylan sounds so wounded on You’re a Big Girl Now, baring his heart before the attack of Idiot Wind.”
A third wrote: “You’re a Big Girl Now. The ache and cry are such that I’ll never get over that song.” A separate user suggested it was great to see fans suggesting different songs from the album. They shared: “The fact everyone’s answer is different shows how brilliant the whole thing is.”
Other suggestions from fans included Simple Twist of Fate, which one fan says features their “favourite Bob Dylan lyrics for sure” and You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go.
One user who agreed with the suggestion of Simple Twist of Fate added: “Both lyrics and melody, it’s got to be Simple Twist. The album is full of sadness, but this one is a punch to the gut.”
Another commenter suggested the version of the album is a major decider in which of the songs is the saddest. The New York Sessions were cited by one user, who says the stripped-back instrumentals lend themselves more to one song than others.
They shared: “Well, if you get the New York Sessions instead, it changes everything. My bet is on the original version of Idiot Wind, but You’re a Big Girl Now and Twist of Fate are up there.”
Another user replied: “I agree with you about Idiot Wind and If You See Her, Say Hello. The More Blood, More Tracks bootleg album also has Up to Me, which is easily a top-five Dylan song in my book.”
Have lots of Dylan’s albums since God was a boy every time l play and spin a different album most of the songs give a different meaning depending on the mood.
The whole album is incredible. “The Idiot Wind” is one of my favorites. But the two songs mention make me sad for Dylan. It’s always easier to look behind and imagine what could have been
Simple twist of fate is not only for Sara but draws on the relationship with Suzy Rotolo also (waterfront docks etc) — it’s the most melancholic to me— tho the NYC version of Idiot Wind is rife with regret and sadness also.
Totally agree that every time you play Blood on the tracks it can give you a different feeling depending what’s happening in your own life at the time