"I Want You" is a classic song by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released as a single in June 1966 and featured on his seminal seventh studio album, Blonde on Blonde. Written by Dylan and produced by Bob Johnston, the song is celebrated for its catchy melody, poetic lyrics, and complex symbolism1.
Key Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | June 10, 1966 (single) |
| Album | Blonde on Blonde (June 20, 1966) |
| Writer | Bob Dylan |
| Producer | Bob Johnston |
| Genre | Folk rock |
| Length | 3:08 |
| Label | Columbia |
| B-side | "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues" (live) |
| Chart Performance | #20 US Billboard Hot 100, #16 UK |
Musical Style and Structure
- Instrumentation: Features a bright, rolling folk-rock arrangement with prominent guitar, piano, bass, and Dylan’s distinctive vocals and harmonica.
- Melody: The song is upbeat and infectious, with a repetitive, memorable chorus.
- Arrangement: The verses are packed with vivid, surreal imagery, while the chorus is direct and emotionally charged: "I want you, I want you, I want you so bad, honey, I want you"1.
Lyrical Themes and Interpretation
- Surface Meaning: The song is often interpreted as a straightforward expression of longing and desire.
- Deeper Symbolism: Critics highlight the enigmatic and layered imagery, featuring a cast of unusual characters—guilty undertaker, lonesome organ grinder, queen of spades, and a dancing child in a Chinese suit. These elements add a sense of mystery and complexity to the song’s narrative1.
- Possible Allusions: Some interpretations suggest references to real people, such as Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones, and themes from classical literature, though most commentators see it as an expression of lust or yearning for a new love1.
Recording and Release
- Recording Session: The last song recorded for Blonde on Blonde, with several takes completed in the early hours of March 10, 19661.
- Critical Reception: Widely praised for its poetic technique and balance between directness and mystery. The song was described as a "medium-paced, blues-soaked plea for romance with an infectious, repeating rhythmic riff" and considered a "sure-fire blockbuster candidate" by contemporary reviewers1.
- Legacy: Included on Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits (1967) and featured in multiple live albums and compilations.
Live Performances
- Debut: First performed live in 1973.
- Notable Versions:
- 1978 World Tour, arranged as a torch song (featured on Bob Dylan at Budokan).
- 1987 tour with the Grateful Dead (featured on Dylan & the Dead).
- Frequency: Performed live 294 times between 1973 and 20051.
Notable Lyrics
The guilty undertaker sighs
The lonesome organ grinder cries
The silver saxophones say I should refuse you
...
I want you, I want you, I want you so bad
Honey, I want you.
Critical Perspective
- Imagery: The song’s tension comes from the interplay between the direct chorus and the surreal, often ambiguous verses.
- Reception: Hailed for its poetic mastery and emotional resonance, with some critics noting the chorus’s simplicity contrasted against the verses’ complexity1.
Summary Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | June 10, 1966 |
| Album | Blonde on Blonde |
| Length | 3:08 |
| Writer | Bob Dylan |
| Producer | Bob Johnston |
| Style | Folk rock |
| Themes | Longing, desire, surreal imagery |
| Chart Performance | #20 US, #16 UK |
"I Want You" endures as one of Dylan’s most beloved and recognizable songs, blending direct emotional appeal with the rich poetic complexity that defines his work1.
