JANUARY 21, 1965 – The Byrds recorded “Mr. Tambourine Man.” In reality, the only actual Byrds who performed on the record were lead guitarist/singer Jim (soon to become “Roger”) McGuinn (lead vocals/lead guitar) and Gene Clark and David Crosby who provided the vocal harmonies.
The Byrds version is based on Bob Dylan’s demo of the song that he recorded during sessions for his 1964 album “Another Side of Bob Dylan” (Dylan’s version was not yet released when The Byrds recorded it). It was The Byrds manager Jim Dickson who brought in the demo and asked them to record it, but the group refused at first because they thought it didn’t have any hit potential. When The Byrds did record it, they took some lyrics out and added a 12-string guitar lead. This became the Byrds’ first single.
LYRICS:
Hey Mister Tambourine Man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there ain’t no place I’m goin’ to
Hey Mister Tambourine Man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle morning, I’ll come followin’ you
Take me for a trip upon your magic swirlin’ ship
All my senses have been stripped
And my hands can’t feel to grip
And my toes too numb to step
Wait only for my boot heels to be wanderin’
I’m ready to go anywhere I’m ready for to fade
On to my own parade cast your dancin’ spell my way
I promise to go under it
Hey Mister Tambourine Man, play a song for me
I’m not sleepy and there ain’t no place I’m goin’ to
Hey Mister Tambourine Man, play a song for me
In the jingle jangle morning, I’ll come followin’ you
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