"How can, how can, you ask me again? It only brings me sorrow. The same thing I would want today, I would want again tomorrow." - Bob Dylan
The beautiful young girl walking arm in arm with Bob Dylan on the album cover of "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan" is none other than Suze Rotolo.
Bob Dylan was infatuated with Suze, and when she left him in 1962, to go to Italy, Bob felt betrayed. He was heartbroken and lonely, living in New York.
During this time, Bob Dylan penned three songs:
- Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
- Tomorrow Is A Long Time
- Boots of Spanish Leather
From a letter Bob Dylan wrote to Suze Rotolo:
"It's just that I'm hating time. I'm trying to stab it; stomp it; throw it on the ground and kick it.
Bend it and twist it with gritting teeth and burning eyes. I hate that I love you."
Suze Rotlo's response (in her book: "A Freewheelin' Time") > she says:
"In that Boots song, I guess it was inspired by my leaving and Bob having to deal with it.
Yet, no power on Earth could have kept me from running back to him in a New York minute."
What's the significance of "Spanish Leather"?
Says Suze: "Spanish Boots are cool and they're sexy."
The "made-up" dialogue in "Boots of Spanish Leather" has got to do with two lovers breaking up.
The girl (Suze Rotlo) is sailing away...while her boyfriend (Bob Dylan) stands on shore, watching her boat leave.
GIRL WHO IS LEAVING:
Oh, but I just thought you might want something fine, made of Silver or of Golden? Either from the Mountains of Madrid, or from the Coast of Barcelona.
BOYFRIEND STAYING BACK HOME:
Oh, but if I had the stars from the darkest night, and the diamonds from the deepest ocean, I'd forsake them all for your sweet kiss.
For that's all I'm wishin' to be ownin'.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
When Bob Dylan introduces this song at concerts, this is what he says (as he strums his guitar):
"This is called Boots of Spanish Leather. It's about when you can't get what you want and you gotta settle for less, type of song."
"Boots of Spanish Leather" / Bob Dylan / LP: The Times They Are A-Changin / Columbia Records / {1964}
Brucester
BONUS TRACK:
Mandolin Orange (aka: Watch-House)
singers: Emily Frantz & Andrew Marlin
Responses