Hurricane Bob Dylan Lyrics: Unraveling the Captivating Story Behind the Controversial Ballad

Discover the poetic and politically charged lyrics to Hurricane by Bob Dylan, a song about the wrongful imprisonment of boxer Rubin Hurricane Carter.

Get ready to set sail with the lyrics to Bob Dylan's Hurricane. This song is a true masterpiece that tells the story of Rubin Hurricane Carter, a boxer who was wrongly convicted of murder. As you listen to the lyrics, you'll find yourself transported to a world of injustice, perseverance, and ultimately, hope. But beware - this isn't your average ballad. With Dylan's signature wit and humor, the lyrics are sure to make you laugh and think at the same time.

To start things off, let's take a look at the opening lines of the song: Pistol shots ring out in the barroom night / Enter Patty Valentine from the upper hall. Right away, we're thrown into the middle of a murder case, with the vivid imagery of gunshots and a mysterious woman. But who is Patty Valentine, and what does she have to do with anything? You'll have to keep listening to find out.

As the song continues, we learn more about Rubin Carter's life and the injustice he faced. Dylan's lyrics paint a picture of a man who was targeted by the police simply because of his race and reputation. The trial was a pig-circus, he never had a chance, Dylan sings. The judge made Rubin's witnesses drunkards from the slums / And to the black folks he was just a crazy n*****. It's a powerful indictment of the racism and corruption that can still be found in our justice system today.

But even in the face of such overwhelming injustice, Rubin Carter refused to give up. As Dylan notes in the chorus of the song, Here comes the story of the Hurricane / The man the authorities came to blame / For something that he never done / Put him in a prison cell, but one time he could-a been / The champion of the world. The lyrics are a testament to the human spirit and the ability to persevere in the face of adversity.

Of course, no Bob Dylan song would be complete without a healthy dose of humor. One of the most memorable lines in Hurricane comes when Dylan describes Rubin Carter's boxing style: He'd leave the ring 'bout the time / We'd get home at night. It's a playful jab at Carter's tendency to go the distance in his fights, and it adds a touch of levity to the otherwise serious subject matter.

Throughout the song, Dylan's lyrics are accompanied by a driving beat and a catchy melody that will stick with you long after the song is over. And if you're anything like me, you'll find yourself humming the tune and reciting the lyrics for days afterwards.

So what's the ultimate message of Hurricane? I think it can be summed up in one of the final lines of the song: Don't forget that you are white. It's a call to action for all of us to recognize our own privilege and use it to fight against injustice wherever we see it. With its powerful lyrics, memorable melody, and signature humor, Hurricane is a song that will stay with you long after you've finished listening.

In conclusion, the lyrics to Bob Dylan's Hurricane are a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the power of music to tell stories of injustice and perseverance. With its vivid imagery, catchy melody, and signature humor, this song is a true masterpiece that will stick with you long after you've finished listening. So sit back, relax, and let the words wash over you - you won't regret it.

Introduction

Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to one of the greatest songs ever written - Hurricane by Bob Dylan. It tells the story of Rubin Carter, a boxer wrongfully convicted of murder, and the quest for his freedom. But what makes this song truly remarkable is not just its poignant lyrics but also Dylan's unique way of delivering them. So, let's take a closer look at the lyrics to Hurricane and see how Dylan weaves his magic.

The opening lines

As soon as the song starts, Dylan grabs your attention with these words:

Pistol shots ring out in the barroom night
Enter Patty Valentine from the upper hall.

Who is Patty Valentine, you ask? Well, she was a witness in the case against Carter and her testimony helped convict him. But why is she coming from the upper hall? Did she hear the shots? Is she involved in the murder? These questions linger in your mind as Dylan sets the stage for the story.

The chorus

The chorus of Hurricane is catchy and powerful, and it sums up the injustice that Carter faced:

Here comes the story of the Hurricane
The man the authorities came to blame
For somethin' that he never done.
Put in a prison cell, but one time he could-a been
The champion of the world.

Dylan reminds us that Carter was not just a boxer but also a victim of racism and corruption. He deserved to be free and celebrated, not locked up in a cell.

The verses

The heart of Hurricane lies in its verses, where Dylan paints a vivid picture of Carter's life and struggles.

The first verse

In the first verse, Dylan describes how Carter rose to fame as a boxer:

From the Southern Illinois town of Du Quoin
A young boy with a guitar strapped around his shoulder
And a dream of becoming a star.

Wait, a guitar? I thought Carter was a boxer. Well, he was, but Dylan takes some poetic license here to show that Carter had other talents and aspirations.

The second verse

The second verse focuses on the murder case and the flawed evidence against Carter:

The trial was a pig-circus, he never had a chance
The judge made Carter's witnesses drunkards from the slums
And to the black folks he was just a crazy nigger.
No one doubted that he pulled the trigger.

Dylan doesn't mince words here. He exposes the racism and corruption that led to Carter's conviction and shows how the system failed him.

The third verse

In the third verse, Dylan portrays Carter's resilience and hope despite his imprisonment:

In Patterson that's just the way things go
If you're black you might as well not show up on the street
Unless you wanna draw the heat.
Alfred Bello had a partner and he had a rap for the cops
Him and Arthur Dexter Bradley were just out prowling around
He said, I saw two men running out, they looked like middleweights
They jumped into a white car with out-of-state plates.
And Miss Patty Valentine just nodded her head.
Cop said, Wait a minute boys, this one's not dead
So they took him to the infirmary
And though this man could hardly see
They told him that he could identify the guilty men.

Here Dylan brings in the characters of Bello and Bradley, who later recanted their testimony against Carter. He also mentions Patty Valentine again, implying that she was coerced or bribed into lying about Carter's involvement. But even in the face of such injustice, Carter doesn't give up hope.

The fourth verse

The fourth verse is a call to action, a plea for justice:

Now all the criminals in their coats and their ties
Are free to drink martinis and watch the sun rise
While Rubin sits like Buddha in a ten-foot cell
An innocent man in a living hell.
That's the story of the Hurricane
But it won't be over till they clear his name
And give him back the time he's done.
Put in a prison cell, but one time he could-a been
The champion of the world.

Dylan reminds us that justice has not been served yet, and that we must keep fighting for Carter's freedom. He also reiterates that Carter was not just a victim but also a hero, a champion who deserves our respect and admiration.

The closing lines

As the song winds down, Dylan leaves us with these haunting words:

Hurricane, hurricane
Rubin Carter and the Hurricane.

The repetition of the words hurricane and Rubin Carter echoes in your mind like a storm, a reminder of the injustice that still exists in our society.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks - the lyrics to Hurricane by Bob Dylan. It's a song that combines storytelling, social commentary, and poetic language in a way that only Dylan can. And even though it was written over 40 years ago, its message is still relevant today. So the next time you listen to Hurricane, pay attention to the lyrics and let them move you. Who knows, maybe you'll be inspired to fight for justice too.

Blowing in the Wind, Hurricane-Style

Bob Dylan's classic song, Blowing in the Wind, never sounded so appropriate as when it's being sung during a hurricane. The wind is blowing all right, and not just in the metaphorical sense. Hurricane Bob Dylan has taken over the airwaves, and his lyrics have been given a swirly makeover that would make the Weather Channel proud.

Hey Hurricane, Where'd You Get Those Eyes?

As the storm rages on, Dylan's poetic imagery is still on point. Hey Hurricane, where'd you get those eyes? he asks, as if the storm itself were a living, breathing entity. The rain may be pouring down in sheets, but Dylan's lyrical genius shines through like a beacon in the dark.

The Times They Are A-Changin' (to Category 5)

Dylan's sociopolitical musings take on a whole new meaning when they're mixed with meteorological madness. The times they are a-changin', he sings, as the winds pick up and the storm surge threatens to inundate the coastline. It's hard not to feel like the world is coming apart at the seams when you're facing down a hurricane.

Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head (Literally)

This ain't your average rainy day, folks. When Hurricane Bob Dylan comes to town, he brings the thunder and lightning with him. Raindrops keep fallin' on my head, he croons, as the roof shingles start to fly off and the power goes out. It's a wild ride, but at least Dylan's lyrics provide some comfort in the chaos.

Like a Rolling Stone...Through the Streets of Miami

Even Bob can't resist the call of a good hurricane party. As the storm rages on, he takes to the streets of Miami, singing Like a rolling stone at the top of his lungs. It's a surreal scene, with palm trees bending in the wind and waves crashing over the seawall. But somehow, Dylan's music makes it feel like everything will be okay.

Tangled Up in Blue Skies (or Lack Thereof)

Dylan's signature bluesy crooning takes on a whole new meaning when you're stuck in the eye of the storm. Tangled up in blue skies, he sings, as the clouds swirl around overhead. It's hard to tell which way is up and which way is down, but somehow Dylan's lyrics make sense of it all.

A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall (and Also Some Hail)

Dylan's apocalyptic lyrics have never felt more relevant than in the midst of a hurricane. A hard rain's a-gonna fall, he warns, as hailstones the size of golf balls pelt the windows. It's a scary scene, but somehow Dylan's words provide a sense of comfort in the chaos.

Mr. Tambourine Man, Can You Give Me a Ride Outta Here?

When the storm hits, it's time to get creative with your transportation options. Dylan's classic song Mr. Tambourine Man takes on new meaning when you're trying to escape the hurricane's path. Hey, Mr. Tambourine Man, can you give me a ride outta here? he pleads, as the floodwaters rise.

Shelter From the Storm...Good Luck Finding It Though

Dylan's plea for refuge takes on added urgency when the whole world seems to be coming apart at the seams. Shelter from the storm, he sings, but it's easier said than done. When the winds are howling and the rain is coming down in sheets, finding a safe place to ride out the storm can be a daunting task.

It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Dying of Claustrophobia in This Storm Shelter)

Hey, at least there's plenty of time to ponder life's big questions when you're trapped in a tiny room with your family and a bunch of canned goods. Dylan's song It's Alright, Ma takes on new meaning when you're stuck in a storm shelter, waiting for the hurricane to pass. I'm only dying of claustrophobia in this storm shelter, he laments, as the walls close in. But somehow, his music makes it all feel a little more bearable.

The Tale of Hurricane Dylan

The Legend of the Lyrics

There is a tale about a man named Bob Dylan who wrote a song about a fierce hurricane. It was said that he was inspired by the story of a boxer named Rubin Hurricane Carter who was wrongly convicted of murder. The lyrics to this song became a legendary masterpiece that captured the essence of the injustice that Carter faced.

The Humorous Perspective

Now, let me tell you something about these lyrics. They are not just any ordinary set of words. They are a work of art that deserves to be appreciated. However, if you look at them from a humorous perspective, you will see that they are quite comical.

Bob Dylan starts off by saying Pistol shots ring out in the barroom night. Now, I don't know about you, but that sounds like a pretty normal night at a bar to me.
Then he says, Here comes the story of the Hurricane. I mean, who calls a hurricane by its name? It's like he's introducing us to a new character in a TV show.
The authorities came to blame for something that he never done. Well, that's just great. Who needs evidence or a fair trial when you can just blame someone for something they didn't do?
All of Rubin's cards were marked in advance. Oh, so now we're playing poker? I thought this was about a hurricane and a boxer.
The trial was a pig-circus, he never had a chance. A pig-circus? Now that's just insulting to pigs. And why didn't he have a chance? Did he forget his lucky socks?
No one doubted that he pulled the trigger. Except for, you know, the actual evidence and witnesses.
The champion of the world in a prison cell. Well, that's just sad. But hey, at least he can still brag about being a champion, right?

As you can see, these lyrics are not just a serious commentary on injustice. They also have a humorous side that can make you smile. Bob Dylan truly is a master of his craft.

Table Information

Keyword	Definition
Hurricane	A severe tropical storm with strong winds and heavy rain.
Bob Dylan	An American singer-songwriter, poet, and visual artist who is considered one of the greatest musicians of all time.
Rubin Hurricane Carter	A former middleweight boxer who was wrongly convicted of murder and spent 19 years in prison before being exonerated.
Lyrics	The words to a song or poem.
Injustice	An unfair or unjust act or occurrence.

The Witty Conclusion to Hurricane Bob Dylan Lyrics

Well, folks, we have finally reached the end of our journey through the intricate and thought-provoking lyrics of Hurricane Bob Dylan. I hope you all enjoyed our little trip down memory lane, as we explored one of the most iconic protest songs of all time.

Now, if you're anything like me, you've probably spent the last few hours dissecting every line of this masterpiece, trying to uncover its hidden meanings and messages. But let's be real, who has time for that?

Instead, let's take a moment to appreciate the sheer brilliance of Bob Dylan's writing. From his clever wordplay to his poignant social commentary, this man truly was a lyrical genius.

Of course, it wouldn't be a proper analysis without mentioning the controversy surrounding the song's subject matter. Some have criticized Dylan for using the story of Rubin Carter to further his own agenda, while others have praised him for shedding light on an injustice that might have otherwise been forgotten.

Regardless of where you stand on the issue, one thing is for sure: Hurricane remains a powerful reminder of the power of music to inspire change and bring attention to important issues.

And let's not forget the infectious energy of the song itself. With its catchy melody and sing-along chorus, it's no wonder Hurricane has become a beloved classic in the decades since its release.

So, whether you're a die-hard Dylan fan or a casual listener, I encourage you to take some time to appreciate the artistry behind this timeless track.

And who knows, maybe you'll even be inspired to pick up a guitar and write your own protest song. After all, as Hurricane teaches us, the power of music knows no bounds.

With that said, I'd like to thank you all for joining me on this journey through Hurricane Bob Dylan lyrics. It's been a blast exploring this iconic piece of musical history with you all.

Until next time, keep on rockin' and never stop fighting for what you believe in!