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.
Dear Landlord
Please don't put a price on my soul.
My burden is heavy, dear,
And my dreams are beyond my control,
Oh yes, they are.
But when that steam-boat whistle blows,
Oh, honey I'm gonna give you everything I ever had to give, yeah,
And I do hope that you can receive it well,
I know that it must be dependin' on the way you feel that you live.
Whoa, Landlord,
Please heed these words that I try to speak.
I know you must have suffered much,
But honey you ain't alone, you ain't so unique.
No no no, no, no.
All of us at times, I said, we might have worked too hard
Or too heavy, too fast and way too rushed, yeah!
But everyone can fill their life with anything
You can look around, but baby you just cannot touch.
Whoa, my Dear Landlord,
Please don't you dismiss my case.
I'm not about to argue with you,
And honey I'll tell ya, I'm ain't gonna move to no other place.
'Cause I just ain't gonna do it, no, no, no.
Each of us must have their own special gift,
Oh honey, don't you know that it's got to be true
And if you don't underestimate me, I'll tell you one thing,
I said that I won't underestimate you, no!
Please don't put a price on my soul.
My burden is heavy, dear,
And my dreams are beyond my control,
Oh yes, they are.
But when that steam-boat whistle blows,
Oh, honey I'm gonna give you everything I ever had to give, yeah,
And I do hope that you can receive it well,
I know that it must be dependin' on the way you feel that you live.
Whoa, Landlord,
Please heed these words that I try to speak.
I know you must have suffered much,
But honey you ain't alone, you ain't so unique.
No no no, no, no.
All of us at times, I said, we might have worked too hard
Or too heavy, too fast and way too rushed, yeah!
But everyone can fill their life with anything
You can look around, but baby you just cannot touch.
Whoa, my Dear Landlord,
Please don't you dismiss my case.
I'm not about to argue with you,
And honey I'll tell ya, I'm ain't gonna move to no other place.
'Cause I just ain't gonna do it, no, no, no.
Each of us must have their own special gift,
Oh honey, don't you know that it's got to be true
And if you don't underestimate me, I'll tell you one thing,
I said that I won't underestimate you, no!
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Dear Landlord Lyrics as written by Bob Dylan
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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