Bob Dylan - Changing of the Guards (Official Audio)

This song alone is worth a Nobel Prize. I play it whenever I need relief from the madness. So soothing, so inspiring, simply brilliant.

Once again, I am listening to and absorbing this album. It is probably my favorite. A verse I find particularly intriguing........."Gentlemen, he said. I don't need your organization. I've shined your shoes and marked your cards, but Eden is burning. Either getting ready for elimination, or else your hearts must have the courage for the changing of the guard". It's 2022 and I continue to be amazed by his lyrical genius. I'm 68 and must have a regular dose of Dylan. My list of favorites is endless, yet he has written so much more. It's so good to see that there are so many out there who appreciate z

Dylan acknowledged the lyrical ambiguity of this song in a 1978 interview, commenting: "It means something different every time I sing it. 'Changing of the Guards' is a thousand years old' - at another time he said 'What does it matter what a song means if it sounds good?'

Lyrics: Sixteen years Sixteen banners united over the field Where the good shepherd grieves Desperate men, desperate women divided Spreading their wings 'neath the falling leaves Fortune calls I stepped forth from the shadows to the marketplace Merchants and thieves, hungry for power, my last deal gone down She's smelling sweet like the meadows where she was born On midsummer's eve, near the tower The cold-blooded moon The captain waits above the celebration Sending his thoughts to a beloved maid Whose ebony face is beyond communication The captain is down but still believing that his love will be repaid They shaved her head She was torn between Jupiter and Apollo A messenger arrived with a black nightingale I seen her on the stairs and I couldn't help but follow Follow her down past the fountain where they lifted her veil I stumbled to my feet I rode past destruction in the ditches With the stitches still mending 'neath a heart-shaped tattoo Renegade priests and treacherous young witches Were handing out the flowers that I'd given to you The palace of mirrors Where dog soldiers are reflected The endless road and the wailing of chimes The empty rooms where her memory is protected Where the angels' voices whisper to the souls of previous times She wakes him up Forty-eight hours later, the sun is breaking Near broken chains, mountain laurel and rolling rocks She's begging to know what measures he now will be taking He's pulling her down and she's clutching on to his long golden locks Gentlemen, he said I don't need your organization, I've shined your shoes I've moved your mountains and marked your cards But Eden is burning, either getting ready for elimination Or else your hearts must have the courage for the changing of the guards Peace will come With tranquility and splendor on the wheels of fire But will offer no reward when her false idols fall And cruel death surrenders with its pale ghost retreating Between the King and the Queen of Swords (If you've read this far, to the end, then you realize what a Masterpiece of poetry Dylan has painted. What all it means is up to you, allegory or otherwise.)

I thought I had a favourite Dylan song, but it's not possible. One leads to the next.

I have to agree with all who say this is his most underrated album. In 1978 I was studying for my 'A' levels, the exams that would decide whether or not I got into university, when Dylan came to play six nights in London, right in the middle of my exams. I queued for 27 hours to get the maximum four tickets, took two of my exams on three hours sleep. Never regretted it.

You know it's a masterpiece when the lyrics move you without you comprehending them

I have been a Dylan fan since 1963. I have every album he made. Changing of the guard is better than people realise.

One of the worlds best songs. No one ever wrote such lyrics. Incredible masterpiece.

This song is criminally underrated. 💔

This song and “Jokerman” are two underrated masterpieces.

I've been with him on his journey and I cannot get enough. I'm 70 now.

supernatural song. Dylan said: "It means something different every time I sing it. 'Changing of the Guards' is a thousand years old'".

One of Bobs best Albums but for some reason people dont seem to get it. Too bad! Ive been listening to Street Legal for 40 years....Love it...

One thing I love about Dylan is the undertones of rebelliousness. His music just speaks to my soul in a way no other artist could.

His influence ,on the music ,is immeasurable .Not just in 60's and 70's 80's and 90's . Even today .He IS a genuine American legend . Not just in u.s.a ,but around the world

"But Eden is burning! Either get ready for elimination or your hearts must have the courage for the changing of the guards." When Bob is right, he's very, very right.

that opening line SIXTEEN YEARS so simple and yet so powerful, even now after all these years I keep finding stuff in this song, a masterpiece

It is so fascinating how almost every sentence of this song paints a picture that one must stand in awe studying, yet still keeping the mystery of it all. I never ever get enough of it.

One of Dylan's best songs both lyrically and musically. Thank you eternally Bob.