There was a wicked messenger
From Eli he did come
With a mind that multiplied
The smallest matter
When questioned who had sent for him
He answered with his thumb
For his tongue it could not speak, but only flatter

He stayed behind the assembly hall
It was there he made his bed
Oftentimes he could be seen returning
Until one day he just appeared
With a note in his hand which read
The soles of my feet, I swear they're burning

Oh, the leaves began to fallin'
And the seas began to part
And the people that confronted him were many
And he was told but these few words
Which opened up his heart
If you cannot bring good news, then don't bring any


Lyrics submitted by songofish

The Wicked Messenger Lyrics as written by Bob Dylan

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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The Wicked Messenger song meanings
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4 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment

    Such an underrated song. I love the descending riff.

    The meaning is pretty clear though.

    songofishon October 27, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    The shrillest harmonica in all of Dylan's catalogue. Eeek.

    Wearygigapeton February 05, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I love this song!!! Possibly my favourite on this album - the riff in this song is amazing!

    buffoniaon March 03, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    The black keys have a great version of this song

    TomThumb681on May 27, 2019   Link

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