sad poem

"Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands" is a song by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. First released as the final track on Dylan's seventh studio album Blonde on Blonde (1966), the song lasts 11 minutes and 23 seconds, and occupies the entire fourth side of the double album. The song was written by Dylan and produced by Bob Johnston. On February 15, 1966, the recording session began at 6 pm, at Columbia Studio A, Nashville, Tennessee, but Dylan worked on the lyrics for several hours while the experienced Nashville session musicians booked to accompany him stood by. Four takes of the song were recorded in the early hours of February 16, 1966; the fourth take was released on Blonde on Blonde. The music is a waltz in 6/8 time.
Some listeners have concluded that the song refers to Joan Baez, but most critics are agreed that the song is about Dylan's wife Sara Lownds. Dylan refers to writing the song for his wife in his track "Sara" (1975). Commentators have pointed to literary allusions in "Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands" which include William Blake's "The Tyger", Algernon Swinburne's "Dolores", and verses of the Bible. "Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands" has polarized music critics. On its release, several reviewers found the lyrics impenetrable, but still rated the track favorably. Retrospective views often agree with this, praising the sound but dismissing the lyrics. Several critics have praised both the words and music, and the song has been highly rated in rankings of Dylan's work.
Dylan has never performed this song in concert. It has been covered by artists including Baez, on Any Day Now (1968) and Richie Havens, on Mixed Bag II (1974). Dylan's version has been cited as an influence by former Pink Floyd bassist and songwriter Roger Waters, and George Harrison wrote that the track influenced aspects of the Beatles song "Long, Long, Long".

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  1. C

    The Perfect Mask

    My heart is a shell, A hollow home to wear. Pain has no place to dwell, Though sorrow fills the air. Empty, like a summer night, Longing for something more. The memories bring no respite, My sadness is the only score. The surprise of brighter days, Held hostage by my mind. Depressed in...
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