“Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid” is a movie released in 1973, directed by Sam Peckinpah, and featuring music composed and performed by Bob Dylan. The film is a Western drama that tells a fictionalized version of the relationship between Pat Garrett, a lawman, and Billy the Kid, a legendary outlaw of the American Old West.
“Billy 1” is a song by Bob Dylan from his 1973 album “Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid,” which served as the soundtrack for the movie of the same name. The song is associated with the character Billy the Kid, a famous outlaw of the American Old West. Here’s a bit more about the song’s meaning and context:
The song “Billy 1” is a ballad that appears to be written from the perspective of Billy the Kid, a notorious figure from the late 19th century who was involved in various criminal activities. The song captures a sense of melancholy and reflection as it delves into the life of this legendary outlaw. It’s worth noting that the album’s songs were used to accompany the movie’s narrative, which was a fictionalized portrayal of the events surrounding Pat Garrett, a lawman, and Billy the Kid.
Lyrics
There’s guns across the river aimin’ at you
Lawman on your trail, he’d like to catch you
Bounty hunters too, they’d like to get you
Billy, they don’t like you to be so free
Campin’ out all night on the verandah
Dealin’ cards ’til dawn in the hacienda
Up to Boot Hill they’d like to send you
Billy, don’t you turn your back on me
Playin’ around with some sweet señorita
Into her dark hallway she will lead you
In the shadows of the maze she will greet you
Billy, you’re so far away from home
In the context of the album and the movie, “Billy 1” helps to evoke the atmosphere of the Old West and the character of Billy the Kid. The song reflects on themes of mortality, fame, and the choices one makes in life. While the lyrics don’t provide an explicit narrative, they convey a sense of introspection and even regret, suggesting that the life of an outlaw has its costs.
“Billy 4” is another song from Bob Dylan’s 1973 album “Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid.” Like “Billy 1,” this song is also associated with the movie’s themes and characters. Here’s some insight into the song’s meaning:
“Billy 4” is another ballad, and it continues the exploration of the Billy the Kid character and the Old West atmosphere. While “Billy 1” seemed to be from Billy the Kid’s perspective, “Billy 4” is more of an observer’s viewpoint, discussing the life and legend of Billy the Kid.
The song reflects on the inevitable passage of time and how even legendary figures like Billy the Kid are ultimately forgotten as the years go by. The lyrics convey a sense of nostalgia and reflection on the past. The repeated refrain “And if you ask how I’m feeling / I don’t know” suggests a sense of uncertainty and perhaps a disconnect from the emotions and experiences of the past.
Lyrics
There’s guns across the river about to pound you
There’s a lawman on your trail like to surround you
Bounty hunters are dancing all around you
Billy, they don’t like you to be so free
Camping out all night on the veranda
Walking in the streets down by the hacienda
Up to Boot Hill the like to send you
Billy, don’t you turn your back on me
There’s mills inside the minds of crazy faces
Bullet holes and rifles in their cases
There is always one more notch in four more aces
Billy, and you’re playing all alone
Playing around with some sweet senorita
Into her dark chamber she will greet you
In the shadows of the maizes she will lead you
Billy, and you’re going all alone
They say that Pat Garrett’s got your number
So sleep with one eye open, when you wander
If every little sound just might be thunder
Thunder from the barrel of his gun
There’s always another stranger sneaking glances
Some trigger-happy fool willing to take chances
Some old whore from San Pedro’ll make advances
Advances on your spirit and your soul
The businessmen from Taos want you to go down
So they’ve hired mister Garrett, he’ll force you to slow down
Billy, don’t let it make you feel so low down
To be hunted by the man who was your friend
So hang on to your woman, if you got one
Remember in El Paso once you shot one
I’ll be in Santa Fe about one
Billy, you’ve been running for so long
Gypsy queens will play your grand finale
Way down in some Tularosa alley
Maybe in La Rio Pecas valley
Billy, you’re so far away from home
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