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Boots of Spanish Leather

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Marconoplay (talk | contribs) at 00:10, 29 March 2018 (no actual poem). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

If you would like to see the actual poem, here's the link <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boots_of_spanish_leather_poem>

"Boots of Spanish Leather"
Song

"Boots of Spanish Leather" is a ballad written and performed by Bob Dylan, and released in 1964 on his album The Times They Are a-Changin'.[1]

Dylan's recording features him solo on the acoustic guitar, playing the song using fingerpicking.

Lyrically, "Boots of Spanish Leather" is a "restless, forlorn ballad for the ages and sages—a classic Dylan tale of two lovers, a crossroads, and the open sea."[2] The song is written as a dialogue, with the first six verses alternating between the two lovers; however, the last three verses are all given by the lover who has been left behind. Within these nine verses, one of the lovers - a woman - goes across the sea. She writes, asking whether her lover would like any gift and he refuses, stating that he only wants her back. Towards the end it becomes clear that she is not returning, and she finally writes saying she may never come back. Her lover comes to realize what has happened and finally gives her a material request: "Spanish boots of Spanish leather."

Michael Gray says there is a strong parallel between this line and the traditional folk song "Blackjack Davey," which Dylan arranged and recorded for his 1992 album Good as I Been to You, and in which footwear of Spanish leather also plays a significant role.[3]

The song is included in the Norton Anthology of Poetry, 5th edition, in the section titled "Popular Ballads of the 20th Century."[4]

Though occasionally performed live since its composition, Dylan did not start performing "Boots of Spanish Leather" regularly until his Never Ending Tour began in 1988.[5]

Covers

"Boots of Spanish Leather" has been covered by many musicians, including:

See also

References

  1. ^ "The Times They Are A--Changin| The Official Bob Dylan Site". Sony Music. Retrieved 6 June 2013.
  2. ^ Trager, Oliver (2004). Keys to the rain: the definitive Bob Dylan encyclopedia. New York: Billboard Books. p. 80. ISBN 0823079740.
  3. ^ Gray, Michael (2002). Song & dance man III : the art of Bob Dylan. London: Continuum. p. 857. ISBN 0826463827.
  4. ^ The Norton anthology of poetry (5. ed.). New York: Norton. 2005. ISBN 0393979202. {{cite book}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  5. ^ "Search results for: "Boots of Spanish Leather" The Official Bob Dylan Site". Sony Music Corporation. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 6 June 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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