Day Of The Locusts

Bob Dylan · New Morning [1970]

Oh, the benches were stained with tears and perspiration,

The birdies were flying from tree to tree.

There was little to say, there was no conversation

As I stepped to the stage to pick up my degree.

And the locusts sang off in the distance,

Yeah, the locusts sang such a sweet melody.

Oh, the locusts sang off in the distance,

Yeah, the locusts sang and they were singing for me.



I glanced into the chamber where the judges were talking,

Darkness was everywhere, it smelled like a tomb.

I was ready to leave, I was already walkin',

But the next time I looked there was light in the room.

And the locusts sang, yeah, it give me a chill,

Oh, the locusts sang such a sweet melody.

Oh, the locusts sang their high whining trill,

Yeah, the locusts sang and they were singing for me.



Outside of the gates the trucks were unloadin',

The weather was hot, a-nearly 90 degrees.

The man standin' next to me, his head was exploding,

Well, I was prayin' the pieces wouldn't fall on me.

Yeah, the locusts sang off in the distance,

Yeah, the locusts sang such a sweet melody.

Oh, the locusts sang off in the distance,

And the locusts sang and they were singing for me.



I put down my robe, picked up my diploma,

Took hold of my sweetheart and away we did drive,

Straight for the hills, the black hills of Dakota,

Sure was glad to get out of there alive.

And the locusts sang, well, it give me a chill,

Yeah, the locusts sang such a sweet melody.

And the locusts sang with a high whinin' trill,

Yeah, the locusts sang and they was singing for me,

Singing for me, well, singing for me.

Day Of The Locusts

Bob Dylan's "Day Of The Locusts" stands as a haunting centerpiece on the 1970 album New Morning. Recorded during a pivotal period in his career, the track exemplifies his ability to blend folk storytelling with electric intensity. The song explores themes of societal decay and personal turmoil, utilizing a driving rhythm that contrasts sharply with the acoustic intimacy often associated with his earlier work. As part of New Morning's diverse catalog, the recording showcases Dylan's versatility, moving beyond traditional verse-chorus structures into a more complex, narrative-driven composition. Its enduring presence in his discography highlights his commitment to exploring the darker undercurrents of the American experience through his unique musical voice.