I Am a Lonesome Hobo
Bob Dylan · John Wesley Harding
Without family or friends,
Where another man's life might begin,
That's exactly where mine ends.
I have tried my hand at bribery,
Blackmail and deceit,
And I've served time for ev'rything
'Cept beggin' on the street.
Well, once I was rather prosperous,
There was nothing I did lack.
I had fourteen-karat gold in my mouth
And silk upon my back.
But I did not trust my brother,
I carried him to blame,
Which led me to my fatal doom,
To wander off in shame.
Kind ladies and kind gentlemen,
Soon I will be gone,
But let me just warn you all,
Before I do pass on;
Stay free from petty jealousies,
Live by no man's code,
And hold your judgment for yourself
Lest you wind up on this road.
I Am a Lonesome Hobo
Bob Dylan's "I Am a Lonesome Hobo" stands as a defining track on the 1967 album John Wesley Harding, marking a pivotal shift in his musical direction toward acoustic folk and spiritual themes. Recorded in Nashville, the song reflects Dylan's deepening engagement with the American South and his exploration of solitude and faith. Its stripped-down arrangement features sparse instrumentation that highlights the raw emotional core of the lyrics, which recount the journey of a weary traveler. This recording solidified Dylan's reputation as a chronicler of the American experience, influencing countless artists who followed in the folk revival movement. The track remains a testament to his ability to blend poetic storytelling with traditional musical structures, creating a work that resonates with universal themes of isolation and hope.