About the song
“My Back Pages,” a song famously associated with Bob Dylan, took on a new and electrifying dimension in 1989 when it was performed by an all-star ensemble of rock legends: Roger McGuinn, Tom Petty, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, and George Harrison. This rendition was a highlight of the “30th Anniversary Concert Celebration” held at Madison Square Garden in October 1992, a monumental event celebrating Dylan’s profound influence on music and culture over three decades.
Originally released by Bob Dylan on his 1964 album *Another Side of Bob Dylan*, “My Back Pages” is a reflective and introspective piece that represents a pivotal moment in Dylan’s career. The song stands out for its lyrical exploration of disillusionment and the evolution of personal and artistic perspectives. It reached number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a significant point in Dylan’s trajectory as a transformative figure in popular music.
The 1992 performance, which featured a stellar lineup of musicians, brought a fresh, collaborative energy to Dylan’s classic. Roger McGuinn, renowned for his role in The Byrds and his distinctive jangle pop guitar style, joined forces with Tom Petty, whose powerful vocals and songwriting had made him a prominent figure in rock. Neil Young’s raw and emotive guitar work added a touch of his signature grunge style, while Eric Clapton’s blues-infused guitar mastery and George Harrison’s celebrated Beatles-era contributions provided a rich, multifaceted sound.
This collaboration was not just a tribute to Dylan’s work but also a celebration of the interconnectedness of their musical journeys. The diverse backgrounds and styles of these artists brought a unique, dynamic edge to the performance. The song’s reflective and self-aware lyrics were delivered with a depth and nuance that highlighted each musician’s interpretive skills, making it a memorable and powerful rendition.
The “30th Anniversary Concert Celebration” was more than just a tribute; it was a historic gathering that underscored the lasting impact of Dylan’s songwriting on generations of musicians. The performance of “My Back Pages” stood out as a testament to Dylan’s influence and the continued relevance of his work, resonating with audiences through its celebration of both past achievements and ongoing creative exploration.
For an older and educated audience, this performance is a striking example of how classic songs can be reinterpreted and revitalized through collaboration among great artists. The combined talents of McGuinn, Petty, Young, Clapton, and Harrison, alongside Dylan’s original vision, created a rendition that is both nostalgic and innovative, reflecting the enduring power of Dylan’s music and the timeless quality of his songwriting.
In summary, the 1989 performance of “My Back Pages” by Bob Dylan and his esteemed collaborators is a landmark moment in music history. It serves as a powerful reminder of Dylan’s profound impact on the industry and the continued relevance of his work, celebrating a legacy that spans decades and inspires new generations of musicians and listeners alike.
Video
Lyrics
Crimson flames tied through my ears, rollin’ high and mighty traps
Pounced with fire on flaming roads using ideas as my maps
“We’ll meet on edges, soon, ” said I, proud ‘neath heated brow
Ah, but I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now
Half-wracked prejudice leaped forth, “rip down all hate, ” I screamed
Lies that life is black and white spoke from my skull, I dreamed
Romantic facts of musketeers foundationed deep, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now
Girls’ faces formed the forward path from phony jealousy
To memorizing politics of ancient history
Flung down by corpse evangelists, unthought of, though somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then. I’m younger than that now
A self-ordained professor’s tongue too serious to fool
Spouted out that liberty is just equality in school
“Equality, ” I spoke the word as if a wedding vow
Ah, but I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now
In a soldier’s stance, I aimed my hand at the mongrel dogs who teach
Fearing not that I’d become my enemy in the instant that I preach
My existence led by confusion boats, mutiny from stern to bow
Ah, but I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now
Yes, my guard stood hard when abstract threats too noble to neglect
Deceived me into thinking I had something to protect
Good and bad, I define these terms quite clear, no doubt, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then I’m younger than that now