Bob Dylan fans believe a classic track by the veteran performer is the “most underrated song of the twentieth century.”
While there is no short supply of all-time great songs from Dylan, fans believe a track featured on Bringing It All Back Home is sorely underrated. Whether all fans agree It’s Alright Ma, I’m Only Bleeding is the hidden gem in Dylan’s discography is yet to be seen. A post to the r/BobDylan subreddit featured some suggesting it was one of the greatest songs in his discography, while others believe it’s far from being a hidden gem. A fan took to the forum and asked: “Is It’s Alright Ma, I’m Only Bleeding one of the most underrated songs of the twentieth century?” It’s quite the big question and one which had fans pulling not just from other examples of music from the twentieth century, but special moments from when the song was performed live.
One person wrote: “I remember him singing that line in concert in 1974, close to the end of Nixon’s presidency, and it got the loudest response of the night from the crowd.” Another added: “It’s appropriately rated as one of Dylan’s greatest songs, even if I don’t know what the hell he’s talking about. Handmade blade and a child’s balloon?”
A third has suggested the brilliance of the song is hidden in these lyrics, particularly the “provocative” flourish. A third listener wrote: “It’s provocative and it gets the people going.” While listeners were in agreement over the quality of the song, others were left wondering if it could be considered a true underrated track.
One listener wrote: “I don’t think it’s ever underrated exactly. I do think this song requires special consideration. The vocals are difficult but that’s because the lyrics are about disturbing truths. I think among Dylan fans, this song is never underrated. Among the general listening public, it maybe was dismissed as noisy and harsh. Pure Dylan.”
Another agreed, adding: “I don’t know about underrated, but yeah it kicks ass.” A third wrote: “If it’s on Dylan’s electric trilogy, it’s low-key not that underrated. There are more underrated Bob songs out there both among the general public and nerds.”
Many others were left calling it their “favourite song” not just from Dylan’s discography, but of all time. Another user suggested no song from Dylan can truly be considered underrated as he was a “God-tier” artist. A fan wrote: “I don’t know how you can call any Dylan song from that era underrated. He’s treated as God-tier.”
Another added: “It’s a very famous song by a very famous artist. There are hundreds of great artists who never got a thousandth of the fame Dylan has, so I don’t agree.” A third shared: “Calling any Dylan song underrated is insane.”
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