In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
If not for you
Babe, I couldn't find the door
Couldn't even see the floor
I'd be sad and blue
If not for you
If not for you
Babe, I'd lay awake all night
Wait for the mornin' light
To shine in through
But it would not be new
If not for you
If not for you
My sky would fall
Rain would gather too
Without your love I'd be nowhere at all
I'd be lost if not for you
And you know it's true
If not for you
My sky would fall
Rain would gather too
Without your love I'd be nowhere at all
Oh! What would I do
If not for you
If not for you
Winter would have no spring
Couldn't hear the robin sing
I just wouldn't have a clue
Anyway it wouldn't ring true
If not for you
Babe, I couldn't find the door
Couldn't even see the floor
I'd be sad and blue
If not for you
If not for you
Babe, I'd lay awake all night
Wait for the mornin' light
To shine in through
But it would not be new
If not for you
If not for you
My sky would fall
Rain would gather too
Without your love I'd be nowhere at all
I'd be lost if not for you
And you know it's true
If not for you
My sky would fall
Rain would gather too
Without your love I'd be nowhere at all
Oh! What would I do
If not for you
If not for you
Winter would have no spring
Couldn't hear the robin sing
I just wouldn't have a clue
Anyway it wouldn't ring true
If not for you
Lyrics submitted by Purplestardust, edited by Mellow_Harsher
If Not for You Lyrics as written by Bob Dylan
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This describes the meaning of this song to me.
@TheThornBirds <br /> <br /> "Baby, you're the best"<br /> <br /> -Jackie Gleason, Honeymooners, 1955
I cant believe I am the first one to comment on this song. I think its such a great song. Basically just telling his significant other that she means EVERYTHING to him, and that without her he wouldnt have anything and nowhere to go. She holds up his entire world. Such a great lovesong
I'm also suprised no one commented on this before viperqt196...but no one needs to comment on it now cus viper got it right. Like a few other Dylan songs, this one seems to be pretty straight forward with a clear meaning. It's just a beautiful expression of exactly what talentless people would say if they could. He's so good cus his words and music are what everyone feels and has felt..and his songs make you feel those things again. He just knows exactly how to describe certain wonderful experiences, emotions, etc.
Love this song. So much. Has anyone heard the George Harrison version? It's also beautiful. I love the way it's so clear about the love he feels and the way no words are minced - it's just how he feels. Lovely!
I like Harrison's version better, although I'd probably pick any voice over Dylan's. (He may, though, win out over Stevie Nicks and Rod Stewart:) Simple and sweet song.
I loved this song when performed by both Bob and George, but I think the best version is from the Concert for Bangladesh rehearsals. The way they stare at each other for the duratiion of the song makes it looks as if their singing to each other. It's beautiful
I loved this song when performed by both Bob and George, but I think the best version is from the Concert for Bangladesh rehearsals. The way they stare at each other for the duratiion of the song makes it looks as if their singing to each other. It's beautiful
I had read that he wrote this song to Sarah after she took care of him and looked after him after the motorcycle accident. As a thank you song. Those were the best years of them together but he got better and when he decided to go back to the music he left his wife and family behind...
one cool thing is that when the message of the lyrics is clear, its music also is like "I'll be your baby tonight"