The New Basement Tapes – Kansas City
Inspiration Behind Kansas City:
Bob Dylan’s 1967 handwritten lyrics from the Basement Tapes era inspired the song Kansas City 47 years later. These resurfaced notes led producer T Bone Burnett to recruit 5 musicians to create the melody for the lyrics to Kansas City. This recording is now known as the New Basement Tapes. In 1967, Bob Dylan had transformed from an obscure folk singer into a global rock icon in just five years of performing.
Biblical Application:
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus, Philippians 1:7-8.
Exegesis of Kansas City:
I listen to you time and time again
While you tell me just what’s right
And you tell me a thousand things a day
Then sleep somewhere’s else in the night
I’m going back to Kansas City
Listening to a song. the band or combination of fans/producer to get this sound right. Confiding in a friend while Dyfan had a desire to return to Kansas City.
And I love you dear, but just how long
Can I keep singing the same old song
And I love you dear, but just how long
Can I keep singing the same old song
I’m going back to Kansas City
Kansas City is either where he lived in the 1960’s or its where his girlfriend or wife resided at this time. Bob felt tired of his folk style, wanting to go in a different direction. Deep inside his heart and soul, Bob knew it was time for a change. Perhaps Kansas City could be a recording studio or a place where his creative side exceled.
And you called me to come, then I do
Then you say you’ve made some mistake
You invite me into your house
Then you say gotta to pay for what you break
Going back to Kansas City
Dylan appears to be referring to a former band member or record producer. This house is so nice that the owner expects any visitors to pay for anything that is damaged.
And I love you dear, but just how long
Can I keep singing the same old song
And I love you dear, but just how long
Can I keep singing the same old song
I’m going back to Kansas City
While Bob initially enjoyed his folk style of music, 4 plus years was enough. Something new was on the horizon. Lets find this new sound in Kansas City.
Gypsy woman, you know every place I go
Even a thousand miles away from home
And you don’t care if I’m asleep or I’m awake
This fickle heart just turned to stone
Going back to Kansas City
Bob developed a cult following, with some women following him from city to city. However, Dylan wasn’t pleased with his current genre, feeling dead inside. This spawned a desire for change with the answer in a Kansas City studio.
And I love you dear, but just how long
Can I keep singing the same old song
And I love you dear, but just how long
Can I keep singing the same old song
I’m going back to Kansas City
The lyrics conclude with back-to-back choruses. Bob wanted to go in a different direction.
And I love you dear, but just how long
Can I keep singing the same old song
And I love you dear, but just how long
Can I keep singing the same old song
I’m going back to Kansas City
This conviction led to the New Basement Tapes, bringing Bob’s music back to life.
Final Thoughts:
As the years of my life grow old, I feel the need to redefine who I am every decade or so. The first twenty years of my life were dedicated to sports. The next decade to becoming a father. From here, I transitioned into a coach and a teacher. The last 15 years of my life evolved into becoming a leader for Amazon. While I still have aspirations to become an author and screen writer, only God knows where I’ll end up. Yet, for now, my home is in Virginia. As fpr success. C.S. :ewis once described this as the process of arriving. Those who think they have arrived stop growing, become complacent and never reach their full potential. This is the journey that Bob Dylan took from a folk singer into becoming a rock icon.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 