Cold Irons Bound
Bob Dylan · Other Songs - Bob Dylan
Well, I'm all used up and the fields have turned brown
I went to church on Sunday and she passed by
My love for her is taking such a long time to die
I'm waist deep, waist deep in the mist
It's almost like, almost like I don't exist
I'm twenty miles out of town, in cold irons bound
The walls of pride are high and wide
Can't see over to the other side
It's such a sad thing to see beauty decay
It's sadder still, to feel your heart torn away
One look at you and I'm out of control
Like the universe has swallowed me whole
I'm twenty miles out of town in Cold irons bound
There's too many people, too many to recall
I thought some of 'm were friends of mine; I was wrong about 'm all
Well, the road is rocky and the hillside's mud
Up over my head nothing but clouds of blood
I found my world, found my world in you
But your love just hasn't proved true
I'm twenty miles out of town in cold irons bound
Twenty miles out of town in cold irons bound
Oh, the winds in Chicago have torn me to shreds
Reality has always had too many heads
Some things last longer than you think they will
There are some kind of things you can never kill
It's you and you only, I'm been thinking about
But you can't see in and it's hard lookin' out
I'm twenty miles out of town in cold irons bound
Well the fats in the fire and the water's in the tank
The whiskey's in the jar and the money's in the bank
I tried to love and protect you because I cared
I'm gonna remember forever the joy that we shared
Looking at you and I'm on my bended knee
You have no idea what you do to me
I'm twenty miles out of town in cold irons bound
Twenty miles out of town in cold irons bound
Cold Irons Bound - Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan's "Cold Irons Bound" stands as a haunting exploration of spiritual struggle and the weight of past sins, delivered with his signature raw vocal intensity. While often associated with his broader catalog of folk and rock recordings, this track exemplifies his ability to weave complex theological themes into accessible melodies. The song reflects Dylan's lifelong preoccupation with redemption and the inescapable nature of human error, utilizing atmospheric instrumentation to underscore the gravity of its message. As a standalone piece, it captures the essence of his mid-career work, where he frequently blended traditional American roots music with prophetic lyricism to address universal human conditions.