Blowin' in the Wind
Jim Ed Brown and the Browns · The Three Bells [Bear Family] [1993]
How many roads must a man walk down
Before they call him a man?
How many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?
How many times must the cannon balls fly
Before they're forever banned?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.
How many years can a mountain exist
Before it is washed to the sea?
How many years can some people exist
Before they're allowed to be free?
How many times can a man turn his head,
And pretending he just doesn't see?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind
--- Instrumental ---
How many times must a man look up
Before he can see the sky?
How many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry?
How many deaths will it take till he knows
That too many people have died?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.
The answer is blowin' in the wind...
Blowin' in the Wind
Jim Ed Brown and the Browns deliver a spirited rendition of Bob Dylan's iconic protest anthem on their 1993 Bear Family release, The Three Bells. While the original recording is widely recognized for its folk-rock roots and civil rights themes, this version captures the band's distinct Southern gospel and blues-inflected style. The arrangement features driving rhythms and a vocal delivery that emphasizes the song's call-and-response energy, transforming the standard into a dynamic performance piece. This recording stands as a notable example of how traditional folk standards have been reinterpreted within the gospel and blues traditions, showcasing the group's ability to blend spiritual fervor with social commentary.