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Bob Dylan — Just Like a Woman
Album: Blonde on Blonde
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3212









Released: 1966
Length: 4:48
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Nobody feels any pain
Tonight as I stand inside the rain
Ev'rybody knows
That Baby's got new clothes
But lately I see her ribbons and her bows
Have fallen from her curls
She takes just like a woman, yes she does
She makes love just like a woman, yes she does
And she aches just like a woman
But she breaks just like a little girl.

Queen Mary, she's my friend
Yes, I believe I'll go see her again
Nobody has to guess
That Baby can't be blessed
Till she finally sees that she's like all the rest
With her fog, her amphetamine and her pearls
She takes just like a woman, yes she does
She makes love just like a woman, yes she does
And she aches just like a woman
But she breaks just like a little girl.

It's was raining from the first
And I was dying there of thirst
So I came in here
And your long-time curse hurts
But what's worse
Is this pain in here
I can't stay in here
Ain't it clear that.

I just can't fit
Yes, I believe it's time for us to quit
When we meet again
Introduced as friends
Please don't let on that you knew me when
I was hungry and it was your world
Ah, you fake just like a woman, yes you do
You make love just like a woman, yes you do
Then you ache just like a woman
But you break just like a little girl.
Comments (226)add comment
A total, total hero. Forever.
 Jelani wrote:

Has anyone done a cover of this?


Who cares?
oooooh

the softer side of Bob

hes just a romantic at heart
 easmann wrote:

I truly respect the impact Bob's had on the industry and other artists, I do.

This one sounds just a little too much like a comedian's parody of Bob for me though. 
I think of it as Bob exploring the limits of that particular Dylan style, on this and a few other tunes around that time, and deciding to pull it back a bit thereafter. I've often said you don't truly know where the limits lie until you've exceeded them.
But that's me and hey, if you like it, it ain't none'a my business.
Peace.

P.S. I would add, in that cover photo, he seems a little unfocused.  ; P


You're right. This song was voted by someone, somewhere, as the Dylan song that sounds most like a parody of a Dylan song. I'm sure of it.
 jelgator wrote:



I will pay more than what I already pay if Bob Dylan is eliminated from the playlist.

:)


RIP fool.
 mike2131 wrote:

Stop playing this song. Its awful. Bob is so over rated.



Stop listening. Clearly you are not worthy.
 h9xh9xh9x wrote:

i wish i had something good to say about this song 😂



Then please do.
Love the bridge.  The whole song is magnificent but the bridge is fundamentally striking. Just sayin ....

 
 tinypriest wrote:

Public Service Announcement: Please pay for RP. Send them $5 a month or MORE. I give and we should all do so. Nothing stays free. Support Radio Paradise. (I'm not paid to say this, just a fan, who pays for you to enjoy).



After hearing this AMAZING variety of music at work every day for a month, I decided I HAD  to start a monthly stipend.  SO worth it. I can't work with out it! 
Stop playing this song. Its awful. Bob is so over rated.
 tinypriest wrote:

Public Service Announcement: Please pay for RP. Send them $5 a month or MORE. I give and we should all do so. Nothing stays free. Support Radio Paradise. (I'm not paid to say this, just a fan, who pays for you to enjoy).



I pay $15/mth    Its only fair. SDince I pay that for itunes.
 stephen2 wrote:

His harmonica solos kill me. It's all in there.



go hear him live in 2023

his piano playing is quite good

hes got a Monk vibe going

honest
 fraserji wrote:

One of the best songs ever written by one of the best songwriters that ever was.  



It really is quite a masterpiece. I knew the song for years but one day I was learning how to play it and really dove into all of the lyrics and the music behind it is quite intentional. Interesting perspective here: https://www.dylanchords.com/no...
This didn't age well... sadly
 Jelani wrote:

Has anyone done a cover of this?



Manfred Mann. They also did Mighty Quinn.
Its the Rocky & Bob Dylan show. (Bullwinkle=Bob Dylan)
The harmonica solo at the end…it's really all I need in this life. 
N non pas mal
His harmonica solos kill me. It's all in there.
 siriusrising wrote:

One of his worst songs. Much of Dylan's work  is very overrated. 




ROTFLMAO — A Nobel Prize and a Pulitzer Prize disagrees with you.
 jelgator wrote:



I will pay more than what I already pay if Bob Dylan is eliminated from the playlist.

:)



You sound like someone with Nobel Prize in Literature.
 tinypriest wrote:

Public Service Announcement: Please pay for RP. Send them $5 a month or MORE. I give and we should all do so. Nothing stays free. Support Radio Paradise. (I'm not paid to say this, just a fan, who pays for you to enjoy).




I will pay more than what I already pay if Bob Dylan is eliminated from the playlist.

:)
Such a classic!
 laverdakeith wrote:

Who would have thought.... Bob Dylan is actually an anagram of Play Something Different.

Play Some Dylan?

 siriusrising wrote:

One of his worst songs. Much of Dylan's work  is very overrated. 



Thanks for the clarification. You have no idea how wrong I was to appreciate his music all these years. You make such a strong case.
My first exposure to this song was a cover performed by the Canadian group The Philosopher Kings. Their version (YouTube) has a richer, full-band sound and excellent vocals, but if you're not familiar with the original, you might not realize that the bridge has completely different pacing. I only figured this out when I went to an Open Mike night many years ago and had two friends provide accompaniment to my singing; compared to Bob, I went flying through the middle of the song, to the complete surprise of the guys helping me. I appreciate Dylan's original and am in awe of his work in total, but I still prefer the one by The Philosopher Kings.
 debragh1 wrote:

Mostly I think your analysis of sexism or not in this Dylan song is pretty on target, but I think there are at least a couple of blatant examples and maybe some undertones, e.g. faking and taking can be derogatory. To me what's more to the point is that this is from 1966, around the time of the 2nd wave of feminism. NOW was just starting and getting feet. I don't think that the ideas of sexism and feminism, etc were well developed in our culture yet. So, it's hard to expect Dylan not to exhibit some sexism. It pervades the country and it's still here.  Musicians often treat female groupies like cattle, and the groupies have some responsibility too.  Drugs, sex, and rock and roll....




I mean, just look how young he is in that album cover!
Mostly I think your analysis of sexism or not in this Dylan song is pretty on target, but I think there are at least a couple of blatant examples and maybe some undertones, e.g. faking and taking can be derogatory. To me what's more to the point is that this is from 1966, around the time of the 2nd wave of feminism. NOW was just starting and getting feet. I don't think that the ideas of sexism and feminism, etc were well developed in our culture yet. So, it's hard to expect Dylan not to exhibit some sexism. It pervades the country and it's still here.  Musicians often treat female groupies like cattle, and the groupies have some responsibility too.  Drugs, sex, and rock and roll....
 Jelani wrote:

Has anyone done a cover of this?






Rod Stewart does a nice job with this one.
Public Service Announcement: Please pay for RP. Send them $5 a month or MORE. I give and we should all do so. Nothing stays free. Support Radio Paradise. (I'm not paid to say this, just a fan, who pays for you to enjoy).
Has anyone done a cover of this?
 mmartinwhite1938 wrote:
downrating, huge Dylan fan forever, but this is sounding off to me now... probably my least favorite Dylan tune 
 
I am not a Dylan fan, but I like this one.
Rod Stewart does a nice job with this one. 
 easmann wrote:
I truly respect the impact Bob's had on the industry and other artists, I do.

This one sounds just a little too much like a comedian's parody of Bob for me though. 
I think of it as Bob exploring the limits of that particular Dylan style, on this and a few other tunes around that time, and deciding to pull it back a bit thereafter. I've often said you don't truly know where the limits lie until you've exceeded them.
But that's me and hey, if you like it, it ain't none'a my business.
Peace.

P.S. I would add, in that cover photo, he seems a little unfocused. ; P
 

Put in the context of 1966. 'Good music was just starting to move in a lot of different directions. This was one of them. He was actually an important part of a significant movement culturally, musically, and political. Very dynamic time in American history. Bob was a catalyst in some important events. Thank you Mr. Dylan. You are a living American legend.
One of his worst songs. Much of Dylan's work  is very overrated. 
downrating, huge Dylan fan forever, but this is sounding off to me now... probably my least favorite Dylan tune 
Just like a God. 
Solid 10
11 if I could.
Who would have thought.... Bob Dylan is actually an anagram of Play Something Different.
Would this song be banned today?  I give it a "8"  
 dboseman wrote:
What an incredible songwriter.  It has only been in my latter years that I fully appreciated his talent.
 
Right? I don't break, but I sure ache....
What an incredible songwriter.  It has only been in my latter years that I fully appreciated his talent.
I truly respect the impact Bob's had on the industry and other artists, I do.

This one sounds just a little too much like a comedian's parody of Bob for me though. 
I think of it as Bob exploring the limits of that particular Dylan style, on this and a few other tunes around that time, and deciding to pull it back a bit thereafter. I've often said you don't truly know where the limits lie until you've exceeded them.
But that's me and hey, if you like it, it ain't none'a my business.
Peace.

P.S. I would add, in that cover photo, he seems a little unfocused.  ; P
 Steely_D wrote:
Calling the song "sexist" made me stop and think about it. True?

No, I think that's lazy. The song's really about adult vs childlike. So he frames the majority of it as "she's a grownup, tough, defined..." but when things go emotionally wrong "she's like a little child."

That's not sexism.
 
Well stated, and concise!  Thanks for that, I'll use it next time someone says this tune is sexist....Long Live RP and a recently turned 78 Bob Dylan!!
She bakes like a woman,,,,,,,,,,is that a good thing........signed Emily Latilla 
A great segue with this following Van M doing a Dylan song. Shows why Dylan's voice is best for his own music.
 jim1964 wrote:
I remember this being the album before his disappearance from the media, ....he was dead, he broke his neck. but he came back as country Bob.
 
 
Mr. Dylan had 4 children between 1967 and 1971 and took parenthood seriously and was apparently a good father.
Its the hair.

That explains it all. 
Calling the song "sexist" made me stop and think about it. True?

No, I think that's lazy. The song's really about adult vs childlike. So he frames the majority of it as "she's a grownup, tough, defined..." but when things go emotionally wrong "she's like a little child."

That's not sexism.
Bob Dylan as "toe curlingly sexist?" No news flash there. Alexa, skip all Bob Dylan songs. Quickly. And I said "all." OK, maybe you can leave on his Turn, Turn, Turn. Naw, skip that too.
I remember this being the album before his disappearance from the media, ....he was dead, he broke his neck. but he came back as country Bob.
 
Bobbie Bob Bob.....  thank goodness for PSD
 PockettVenus wrote:
Although it's regarded as a classic, I find the lyrics toe curlingly sexist. {#Think}

 
I do not.  

P.S.  Terrific set.
 expatlar wrote:

Oh c'mon. I doubt you have "honestly tried to understand" at all. This particular song may be dated(sexist), but even if one doesn't 'LOVE' Dylan, it's not hard to understand the draw of his writing, unless one is just playing the antagonist.
 
I don't get it either. I thought it might be a 'generational thing' but Joni Mitchell is on now and I love this song so it's not that. I just fail to understand the reverence for Dylan.
Doing so well today, but you couldn't resist ruining it with Bob Dylan. {#Biggrin}
Has there ever been a better opening line to any song than "Nobody feels any pain..."?  Maybe "They're selling postcards to the hanging..."
One of the best songs ever written by one of the best songwriters that ever was.  
SouthPark — Bob Dylan sounds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_H8XqA7WyLI  :)
Just saw Bob preform a week ago for the first time... Blew us away from the first note to last, who would of thought....{#Cheers}
 expatlar wrote:

Oh c'mon. I doubt you have "honestly tried to understand" at all. This particular song may be dated(sexist), but even if one doesn't 'LOVE' Dylan, it's not hard to understand the draw of his writing, unless one is just playing the antagonist.
<><><><><>
i don't doubt that at all, as I absolutely concur that this song is shite, even if one could look past the overt sexism. The god-awful nasal whining that passes for singing induces a visceral hatred in me. But even if the song was handed to an actual singer, it would still be a dry, sandpapery 💩 of a song. The pain lingers long after the event has passed. 

Just cringe-inducing agony from the first wobbly note to the can't-come-fast-enough ending. #diediedie 
 
 


 Canlistener wrote:
I've honestly tried to understand what people can possibly like about this guy...I don't get it, he's pure rubbish.

 
Oh c'mon. I doubt you have "honestly tried to understand" at all. This particular song may be dated(sexist), but even if one doesn't 'LOVE' Dylan, it's not hard to understand the draw of his writing, unless one is just playing the antagonist.
 PockettVenus wrote:
Although it's regarded as a classic, I find the lyrics toe curlingly sexist. {#Think}

 
Ah, you're English.  Here in the States, we are getting schooled in the ways of men who are toe curlingly sexist.  Maybe even elect one to Prez.  {#Fire} 
Although it's regarded as a classic, I find the lyrics toe curlingly sexist. {#Think}
years after years this song sound better and better for me!
I can't get enough from Dylan. Just like a genius!
 PopKombo wrote:
I love it ... you kinda hada be there ...

 
Love it too......and to offer hope ...my young adult kids love him too 
 
 Canlistener wrote:
I've honestly tried to understand what people can possibly like about this guy...I don't get it, he's pure rubbish.

 
Aren't you the guy who rated Subterranean Homesick Alien by Radiohead a 10? Seems some of the people you like, got it.
Are there any other songs that are as wholly good as this, written in the past 40 years? I'm racking my brains.

Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen?
 Steely_D wrote:
Why do we insult people that we disagree with?
 
I simply don't understand why someone would listen to a station when they dislike virtually all the music they play.
There are countless other stations available.
 Canlistener wrote:
I've honestly tried to understand what people can possibly like about this guy...I don't get it, he's pure rubbish.

 
"When we meet again
Introduced as friends
PLEASE don't let on that you knew me when I was hungry, and it was your world."

That's a good reason to like him. 
 On_The_Beach wrote:

A quick look at your ratings shows 300+ Sucko Barfos and about 30 Godlikes.
You apparently hate everything . . . except whining.

 
Why do we insult people that we disagree with?
 Canlistener wrote:
I've honestly tried to understand what people can possibly like about this guy...I don't get it, he's pure rubbish.
 
A quick look at your ratings shows 300+ Sucko Barfos and about 30 Godlikes.
You apparently hate everything . . . except whining.
 Canlistener wrote:
I've honestly tried to understand what people can possibly like about this guy...I don't get it, he's pure rubbish.

 
I missed him first time around, Can.

Ten, maybe twenty years on, you'll start to understand that 'this guy' created all the bands you're listening to today. And when that time comes, you'll break, just like a little girl.
I've honestly tried to understand what people can possibly like about this guy...I don't get it, he's pure rubbish.
I like to think I'm too tough to be tortured. You'll never get the plans from me!

And then I hear this song, and realize there are things no man can endure…

{#Frustrated} 
He sings just like a time lord.

 
bc wrote:
I didn't know that Dr. Who was also a singer!



 


I didn't know that Dr. Who was also a singer!


Yes Ev'rybody.
Towne Van Zandt a few minutes ago, and "I'ts all Over Now" by Van Morrison after. Then "To Ramona" and "Just like a woman". A friend of mine, Claude died this morning.
He liked Bob Dylan, Van Morrison and Towne. . I hope that where he is now,  he  listen to  Radio paradise.
Bob Dylan - great lyricist, some even say poet, but not the greatest performer of his own songs.

Many, many great covers of his songs out there though, by diverse artists.

The Nina Simone cover of Just Like A Woman is superb - a tender rendition that reveals the emotions contained within the song in a way Bob Dylan, I'm afraid, just can't.

Er, sorry Bob!
ONE OF THE FINEST RECORDS EVER PRESSED.   Not IMHO but fact.
This, and most other stuff by Dylan, is dated. Probably OK if you were young at the time, and had strong enough ears to listen to and care about the lyrics through the terribly loud mouth harp. PSD for me, every time that harp kicks in.

Generational I guess.
I don't hear the singer/writer speaking to me or about me.

I hear a lovely lady, once upon a time, she was becoming a woman and I a man.
The dance was lovely... the whirl around the city and countryside...

Then the music stopped.
What do I cherish, carry forward, remember...
And the music, smells, the feeling of magical times....

I'm glad I have her to occupy my thoughts rather than him and his voice...
He was just my conductor, tour guide, curator... of my journey.
Everybody's travels will be different.
The journey is not his fault. The memories are yours.
Maybe it's time to make some better ones.


Lyrics are creepy.
This is. So. Tired.
Don't worry many modern singers can't sing either

Sigh...I sat and thought about your last two words. What changed?
At 64 how the heck can I answer..or think that one through ... without sounding like the churlish old grump  ... that I probably am to most.
My mind replies with a torrent of things that changed in our..in my ..Universe.
- It contracted. How can you love this guy's music and words - like I do -  if you have three dozen electronic sensory stimuli going at once? If your brain cannot give you the time to listen past the dissonance?
- It expanded. The quietness between the sips of coffee and the cigarettes?.that silence that S&G sang about? the one you could listen to? .it got filled up with an electronic cacophony of tweets and blogs and commentary and opinions that we may not need, that cry down anything that's not today's shoe size.

Aw..what the heck... I'm just warming to voicing that twinge-y pain in my chest that the question unearthed and RP is alreday three songs on.

I guess that's it.
It changed.

 


Happy Father's Day Caitlyn Jenner
Love it.  Have this rated 10.

The entire Bob Dylan set is great! 
 rashad wrote:
. . . that silence that S&G sang about? the one you could listen to? .it got filled up with an electronic cacophony of tweets and blogs and commentary and opinions that we may not need, that cry down anything that's not today's shoe size. . .
 
Nice post. I particularly appreciated the bit above.
I so don't envy the "social media" generation.
 BBoyes wrote:
Proof that if you are a great poet and/or story teller (or have one writing for you) you don't really have to be able to sing. The harmonica is some compensation too. Johnny Cash didn't always sing, either. Back in the day that seemed OK. Would either of these two make it in today's music world? Are there performers like them today? I can't think of any. What changed?

 
Sigh...I sat and thought about your last two words. What changed?
At 64 how the heck can I answer..or think that one through ... without sounding like the churlish old grump  ... that I probably am to most.
My mind replies with a torrent of things that changed in our..in my ..Universe.
- It contracted. How can you love this guy's music and words - like I do -  if you have three dozen electronic sensory stimuli going at once? If your brain cannot give you the time to listen past the dissonance?
- It expanded. The quietness between the sips of coffee and the cigarettes?.that silence that S&G sang about? the one you could listen to? .it got filled up with an electronic cacophony of tweets and blogs and commentary and opinions that we may not need, that cry down anything that's not today's shoe size.

Aw..what the heck... I'm just warming to voicing that twinge-y pain in my chest that the question unearthed and RP is alreday three songs on.

I guess that's it.
It changed.
Proof that if you are a great poet and/or story teller (or have one writing for you) you don't really have to be able to sing. The harmonica is some compensation too. Johnny Cash didn't always sing, either. Back in the day that seemed OK. Would either of these two make it in today's music world? Are there performers like them today? I can't think of any. What changed?
I love it ... you kinda hada be there ...
 ginniet wrote:
At least this was recorded in the days when you could still understand him.

 
And he had learned to write a bridge.  He has never had a great voice but he sang quite well,imo, for streak of albums...Blood on the Tracks, Desire, and especially on Street Legal.
Stop. Stop Stop. When will it ever end? ARRRRRRRGH! He sounds like he's choking on a harmonica. Thank Goddess for the mute button.
Come on PSD, work your magic.
At least this was recorded in the days when you could still understand him.
About half the sounds that come out of Bob Dylan's mouth when singing are very similar to the sounds one would make if one was trying to hold back vomit.
One of the reasons poets (including Waits and Cohen) should sing.
 a_genuine_find wrote:

Funny.

Not sure that qualifies as singing.

Someone suggested listening for the 'implied melody'.

I think that's a PC way of saying he can't stay in key.

 
I'd probably sing like this if 80% of my brain was removed via lobotomy or I did about 2lbs of cocaine and meth a day.  Or maybe if I was an alien from another planet and had only actual read about singing but never heard what singing was.  Then maybe I'd sing like this, albeit with a lot of drool, but still not exactly this bad.  PSD.  
 TerryS wrote:
Some poets should never sing.

 
Funny.

Not sure that qualifies as singing.

Someone suggested listening for the 'implied melody'.

I think that's a PC way of saying he can't stay in key.
sounds a bit like Adelle.... having a movement.

https://goo.gl/AWkGYb
 kcar wrote:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUIhVPdwcRA

"Green Eggs and Ham" as sung by "Bob Dylan"  

 

Most Execellent
Apologies, but please count me among the ignorant.
 scrubbrush wrote:
Good God... three Dylan songs in a row... I love the songs but please tell me he's still with us and that this isn't some kind of memorial?!?

 
Was not feeling The Bob tonight, so when "Lay Lady Lay" came on I hit the PSD button...only to be transported to here. {#Naughty}

Oh PSD, oh Cruel Mistress. 

Am willing to bet that even Bob can only listen to so much of himself before he gags himself and flees into a soundproof chamber. And I say this as a Dylan fan.  

6/27/14: Years ago I posted here about a site called "Dylan Hears a Who" where a Bob impersonator sang Dr. Seuss. 

It

Was

Brilliant.

Sadly, lawyers waded in and forced the site to shut down. However--here's a song that survived. Even if you hate the real Bob, I think you'll like it. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUIhVPdwcRA

"Green Eggs and Ham" as sung by "Bob Dylan"  
 PBargain wrote:
Always relieved when this song ends. The one or the other might find the lyrics awesome, but the performance is awful.  

 
I feel so sad for your ignorance.
{#Clap} no words necessary
{#Clap}
Good God... three Dylan songs in a row... I love the songs but please tell me he's still with us and that this isn't some kind of memorial?!?
"I'm not questioning you because I don't expect an answer from you."





dang I just love it..{#Good-vibes}
Some poets should never sing.

Bob Dylan & Francoise Hardy, Paris 1966 by bp fallon
https://www.flickr.com/photos/bpfallon/

Photographer unknown.

Copyright All rights reserved

.
Hardy is mentioned in a poem by Bob Dylan, "Some other kinds of songs", which he wrote on the cover of his album Another Side of Bob Dylan, released in 1964.


Dylan in small amounts is good  {#Yes}
Always relieved when this song ends. The one or the other might find the lyrics awesome, but the performance is awful.  
 stalfnzo wrote:
There's two types of folks: Those who get Dylan, and those who don't. Sorry, Bill, but I'm in the latter and you've lost me for a while.

 
Try listening to One More Cup of Coffee or the whole Nashville Skyline album. It is easy to fall in love with those songs even if you hate Dylan now; it may open up the greatest songwriter in my and many people's opinion.
 Lazarus wrote:

Everybody in my church loves this marvelous song...
 

 
My church also loves this one and they ask me to give it a big FAT 10
 Cynaera wrote:

Totally agree. He didn't get his chops by being a "wannabe-DJ." He didn't wait for his ship to come in - he swam out after it!

Day-am, I LOVE RadioParadise! May it conquer that ClearChannel monster that's killed off everything it's ever touched. Bring back FM radio, with the caliber of music played here at RP. Yeah. I could get behind that... {#Sunny}
 
miss you so much, Cynaera...

love this marvelous song... 
Oh dear PSD button...how I have loved you for a long time...and now I must use you like an under appreciated tramp.
 paultron wrote:
Van Morrison - It's All Over Now, Baby Blue
Sinead Lohan - To Ramona
Bob Dylan - Just Like a Woman

A dynamic and beautiful Dylan ensemble. My 4-month-old daughter fell asleep in my arms while we listened. Made my day, thank you {#Jump}

 
Sitting here at work digging the same set.  Nice little piece of Dylan's mid-sixties output. 

Bob Dylan - 2012  by ~kaleidosc0pe
Christelle Bilodeau  ©2012-2013 ~kaleidosc0pe

Pencils on 11x14 paper



It's painful to hear that guy sing.