About the song
Released in 1970, “Time Passes Slowly” is a song by Bob Dylan, featured on his album “New Morning.” This album marked a departure from the darker, more introspective tone of his previous work, “Nashville Skyline” and the abandoned sessions of “Self Portrait.” With a warm, almost pastoral quality, “Time Passes Slowly” reflects Dylan’s embrace of a quieter, more contemplative life, embodying the themes of contentment, simplicity, and reflection on the passage of time.
The Context and Recording of “New Morning”
By the late 1960s, Bob Dylan had stepped back from the turbulent social and political landscape that had defined much of his earlier career. After a near-fatal motorcycle accident in 1966, he retreated to a quieter existence in Woodstock, New York, focusing on family life and personal exploration. This shift profoundly influenced the tone and themes of “New Morning,” making it a record steeped in personal satisfaction rather than the protest-driven urgency of his mid-60s output.
“Time Passes Slowly” is a prime example of this change. Unlike his anthems of rebellion and restlessness, this song offers a slower, meditative reflection on the passage of time, suggesting that Dylan had found a kind of peace in domestic life. The lyrics paint a picture of someone watching the world move at a gentle pace, free from the pressures of fame or political expectation.
Musical Style and Lyrical Themes
Musically, “Time Passes Slowly” carries the folk-rock essence that defined Dylan’s later 60s and early 70s period, featuring piano-driven melodies, a relaxed tempo, and an earthy, organic arrangement. The song feels unhurried and reflective, almost as if Dylan himself is inviting the listener to slow down and appreciate life’s quieter moments.
Lyrically, Dylan embraces a simple yet profound perspective on time. He contrasts the urgency of youth and ambition with the slower rhythm of a life lived in harmony with nature and one’s surroundings. Lines like “Time passes slowly up here in the mountains” emphasize a setting where the pace of life is dictated by nature, not by human ambition.
Impact and Legacy
While “Time Passes Slowly” may not be as widely celebrated as Dylan’s greatest hits, it remains a hidden gem within his vast discography. The song reflects an important moment in his career—a transition from revolutionary poet to an artist more interested in personal peace and self-discovery.
For many listeners, “New Morning” and its songs, including “Time Passes Slowly,” represent a Dylan who has stepped away from the noise of the world, offering wisdom not through grand statements but through quiet observation. It stands as a testament to the idea that life’s deepest truths are often found in the simplest moments.
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Lyrics
Time passes slowly up here in the mountainsWe sit beside bridges and walk beside fountainsCatch the wild fishes that float through the streamTime passes slowly when you’re lost in a dreamOnce I had a sweetheart, she was fine and good-lookin’We sat in her kitchen while her mama was cookin’Starin’ out the window to the stars high aboveTime passes slowly when you’re searchin’ for loveAin’t no reason to go in a wagon to townAin’t no reason to go to the fairAin’t no reason to go up, ain’t no reason to go downAin’t no reason to go anywhereTime passes slowly up here in the daylightWe stare straight ahead and try so hard to stay rightLike the red rose of summer that blooms in the dayTime passes slowly and fades away