Written about the 1963 murder of Medgar Evers, Dylan sang it at the March on Washington.
The words
It argues that the man who killed a civil-rights leader was a tool of politicians who stoke racial hatred.
The song tells of the murder of a civil-rights leader, shot in the back, and then looks past the gunman to the people behind him. The singer argues that a poor white man has been taught hatred by politicians, sheriffs and leaders who use it to keep power, and that he is a tool in a bigger scheme. Each verse ends by naming him as just a pawn. The tone is cool and analytical rather than mournful, set to a plain, steady guitar.
Lyrics on bobdylan.com ↗Listen and watch
The words
It argues that the man who killed a civil-rights leader was a tool of politicians who stoke racial hatred.
The song tells of the murder of a civil-rights leader, shot in the back, and then looks past the gunman to the people behind him. The singer argues that a poor white man has been taught hatred by politicians, sheriffs and leaders who use it to keep power, and that he is a tool in a bigger scheme. Each verse ends by naming him as just a pawn. The tone is cool and analytical rather than mournful, set to a plain, steady guitar.
Lyrics on bobdylan.com ↗Connections
On the map
In threads
The same year · 1964
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- With God on Our SideThe Times They Are a-Changin'
- Chimes of FreedomAnother Side of Bob Dylan
- Boots of Spanish LeatherThe Times They Are a-Changin'
- My Back PagesAnother Side of Bob Dylan
- It Ain't Me BabeAnother Side of Bob Dylan
- All I Really Want to DoAnother Side of Bob Dylan
- The Lonesome Death of Hattie CarrollThe Times They Are a-Changin'
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