Well, I'll get involved here because this is indeed a great song. I believe Highway 61 runs through the countryside where Bob Dylan grew up.
I think it's no coincidence that this song and 'Desolation Row' are on the same album - both about places you can go to escape your troubles one way or another. Highway 61 is the more upbeat: no matter who you are, or what you need to do, you can go out to Highway 61 to take care of things. Desolation Row, on the other hand, is where you go when there's no hope left (maybe?).
Apparently the whistle was borrowed from one of Dylan's crew during the recording sessions...
Well, I'll get involved here because this is indeed a great song. I believe Highway 61 runs through the countryside where Bob Dylan grew up.
I think it's no coincidence that this song and 'Desolation Row' are on the same album - both about places you can go to escape your troubles one way or another. Highway 61 is the more upbeat: no matter who you are, or what you need to do, you can go out to Highway 61 to take care of things. Desolation Row, on the other hand, is where you go when there's no hope left (maybe?).
Apparently the whistle was borrowed from one of Dylan's crew during the recording sessions...