Bob Dylan, explored
‹ The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Cover of The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan

The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan · 1963

Don't Think Twice, It's All Right

A finger-picked breakup song, it became a hit for Peter, Paul and Mary in 1963.

lovethe road

The words

A man leaving a failed love tells her, with a mix of hurt and shrugging pride, not to dwell on it.

A man leaving a relationship at daybreak speaks to the woman he is walking away from. He tells her not to wonder why, not to call after him, and not to blame herself too much, while making it clear he feels he gave more than he got back. Each verse mixes tenderness and resentment, and the refrain shrugs off the parting as if it costs him nothing. It is set to quick, rolling finger-picked guitar.

Lyrics on bobdylan.com ↗

Listen and watch

The words

A man leaving a failed love tells her, with a mix of hurt and shrugging pride, not to dwell on it.

A man leaving a relationship at daybreak speaks to the woman he is walking away from. He tells her not to wonder why, not to call after him, and not to blame herself too much, while making it clear he feels he gave more than he got back. Each verse mixes tenderness and resentment, and the refrain shrugs off the parting as if it costs him nothing. It is set to quick, rolling finger-picked guitar.

Lyrics on bobdylan.com ↗

Connections

Covered byDon't Think Twice, It's All RightPeter, Paul and Mary · 1963Peter, Paul and Mary had a hit with the song the same year Dylan released it.Borrowed the tune ofWho's Gonna Buy You Ribbons (When I'm Gone)Paul ClaytonDylan built the song on a melody and phrase from his friend Paul Clayton's folk song.Same theme asIt Ain't Me Babe1964Both are bitter farewells to a lover, written in his early folk years.Same theme asBallad in Plain D1964Both come out of his relationship with Suze Rotolo, the first as it frayed and the second after it ended.
Start a thread from hereSee it on the map

On the map

In threads

The same year · 1963

Read onWikipedia ↗MusicBrainz ↗