Music Video

Bob Dylan - Blind Willie McTell (Studio Outtake - 1983 - Official Audio)
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Credits

PERFORMING ARTISTS
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Vocals
Mark Knopfler
Mark Knopfler
Guitar
COMPOSITION & LYRICS
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Composer
PRODUCTION & ENGINEERING
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Producer
Mark Knopfler
Mark Knopfler
Producer
Jeff Rosen
Jeff Rosen
Compilation Producer
Diane Lapson
Diane Lapson
Assistant Producer
Debbie Sweeney
Debbie Sweeney
Assistant Producer
Vickie Mathis
Vickie Mathis
Assistant Producer
Margarita Miller
Margarita Miller
Assistant Producer
Irene Provisiero
Irene Provisiero
Assistant Producer
Kathi Kathi
Kathi Kathi
Assistant Producer
Sam Sam
Sam Sam
Assistant Producer
Lauren Oliver
Lauren Oliver
Assistant Producer

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Seen the arrow on the doorpost
Saying, "This land is condemned
All the way from New Orleans
To Jerusalem"
I traveled through East Texas
Where many martyrs fell
And I know no one can sing the blues
Like Blind Willie McTell
[Verse 2]
Well, I heard that hoot owl singing
As they were taking down the tents
The stars above the barren trees
Was his only audience
Them charcoal gypsy maidens
Can strut their feathers well
But nobody can sing the blues
Like Blind Willie McTell
[Verse 3]
See them big plantations burning
Hear the cracking of the whips
Smell that sweet magnolia blooming
See the ghosts of slavery ships
I can hear them tribes moaning
Hear that undertaker's bell
Nobody can sing the blues
Like Blind Willie McTell
[Verse 4]
There's a woman by the river
With some fine, young handsome man
He's dressed up like a squire
Bootlegged whiskey in his hand
There's a chain gang on the highway
I can hear them rebels yell
And I know no one can sing the blues
Like Blind Willie McTell
[Verse 5]
Well, God is in His heaven
And we all want what's His
But power and greed and corruptible seed
Seem to be all that there is
I'm gazing out the window
Of the St. James Hotel
And I know no one can sing the blues
Like Blind Willie McTell
Written by: Bob Dylan
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