This is about the beginnings of Dylan's musical career in Greenwich Village, where he moved to from the Midwest. For more information on this stage of Dylan's career, read Dylan's memoir/autobiography Chronicles Vol. I. The structure and melody of the song are based off of "Talkin' Dust Bowl Blues" by Woody Guthrie, Dylan's idol. There is at least one other homage to Guthrie: the line "rob you with a fountain pen" references Guthrie's song "Pretty Boy Floyd." Dylan's first album also contains "Song to Woody," a more overt tribute to Guthrie.
This is about the beginnings of Dylan's musical career in Greenwich Village, where he moved to from the Midwest. For more information on this stage of Dylan's career, read Dylan's memoir/autobiography Chronicles Vol. I. The structure and melody of the song are based off of "Talkin' Dust Bowl Blues" by Woody Guthrie, Dylan's idol. There is at least one other homage to Guthrie: the line "rob you with a fountain pen" references Guthrie's song "Pretty Boy Floyd." Dylan's first album also contains "Song to Woody," a more overt tribute to Guthrie.