About the song
Released in 1965, “Positively 4th Street” by Bob Dylan is one of his most iconic songs, a track that embodies the turbulent energy and pointed lyricism that characterized much of Dylan’s mid-60s work. It was released as a non-album single, but its significance extends far beyond its initial release. The song captures the raw emotion and disillusionment that were permeating both Dylan’s personal life and the larger social atmosphere of the time. Its biting, sharp lyrics and compelling delivery make it one of Dylan’s most memorable and enduring tracks.
The song’s title, “Positively 4th Street,” refers to an actual street in Manhattan, New York, but it also carries symbolic weight. Dylan often drew from personal experience and the societal context around him, and this song is no exception. It is widely regarded as a commentary on betrayal, deception, and the alienation that comes with fame. While many have speculated that the song is aimed at specific individuals, including fellow musicians and figures in Dylan’s circle at the time, its universal themes of mistrust and bitterness resonate with listeners on a broader scale. The lines “You got a lotta nerve / To say you are my friend” quickly became some of the most memorable in Dylan’s catalog, emphasizing a sense of disillusionment with those he once considered close.
The meaning of “Positively 4th Street” also ties into the larger social upheaval of the 1960s. The mid-60s were marked by a rise in political activism, a generation grappling with idealism and disillusionment, and a culture of questioning authority. The song, with its sharp critique of personal betrayal, reflects a wider sense of alienation and frustration that was beginning to take hold in many parts of society. The generation that came of age in the post-World War II era was confronted with conflicting values and ideals, and Dylan’s music provided a soundtrack for those who felt disconnected from the status quo.
Dylan’s unique blend of folk, rock, and poetic lyricism created a sound that was not only distinct but also deeply influential on the music of the time. “Positively 4th Street” is no exception. It marked a departure from Dylan’s earlier, more acoustic folk sound, with its full-band arrangement and electric instrumentation. This shift was a major turning point in Dylan’s career, signaling his embrace of electric rock music, which would reach its peak with albums like “Highway 61 Revisited” and “Blonde on Blonde. The song’s energetic tempo and the punch of its electric guitar riff add to its feeling of disillusionment and frustration, making the track an emotional and musical high point in Dylan’s transitional period.
On a cultural level, “Positively 4th Street” became emblematic of the changing social dynamics of the 1960s. It spoke to the disillusionment that many felt as the 1960s unfolded—the idealistic promises of the previous decade often clashing with the harsh realities of political unrest, social inequality, and personal conflict. As a prominent figure in the folk music movement, Dylan was at the forefront of this cultural shift. His lyrics gave voice to a generation that was questioning everything from government policies to personal relationships.
Although the song was released as a single and did not appear on any of Dylan’s studio albums, “Positively 4th Street” became one of his most beloved tracks, charting in the top 10 in the United States and receiving significant radio play. Its impact on both Dylan’s career and the wider musical landscape was profound, influencing countless artists and shaping the sound of the decade.
The song’s legacy is also tied to the way it highlights Dylan’s unparalleled skill as a songwriter. The combination of personal bitterness and broader social critique in the lyrics, paired with his trademark blend of folk storytelling and rock sensibilities, set a new standard for what popular music could achieve. It was a message wrapped in a melody—a moment of sharp critique against betrayal that spoke to the broader themes of alienation and disappointment.
In conclusion, “Positively 4th Street” is not just a song about personal betrayal; it is a reflection of a time in history when individuals and societies were questioning their roles, their relationships, and their futures. Bob Dylan captured this moment in music with raw honesty, making this track one of his most enduring and influential songs. The song’s cultural impact, its social relevance, and its place in the shifting soundscape of the 1960s ensure that “Positively 4th Street” remains a powerful testament to the complexities of human emotion and the turbulence of the era.
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Lyrics
You’ve got a lotta nerve to say you are my friendWhen I was down you just stood there grinnin’You’ve got a lotta nerve to say you got a helping hand to lendYou just want to be on the side that’s winnin’You say I let you down, ya know its not like thatIf you’re so hurt, why then don’t you show it?You say you’ve lost your faith, but that’s not where its atYou have no faith to lose, and ya know itI know the reason, that you talked behind my backI used to be among the crowd you’re in withDo you take me for such a fool, to think I’d make contactWith the one who tries to hide what he don’t know to begin with?You see me on the street, you always act surprisedYou say “how are you?”, “good luck”, but ya don’t mean itWhen you know as well as me, you’d rather see me paralyzedWhy don’t you just come out once and scream itNo, I do not feel that good when I see the heartbreaks you embraceIf I was a master thief perhaps I’d rob themAnd tho I know you’re dissatisfied with your position and your placeDon’t you understand, its not my problem?I wish that for just one time you could stand inside my shoesAnd just for that one moment I could be youYes, I wish that for just one time you could stand inside my shoesYou’d know what a drag it is to see you