Things Twice- Essential Bob Dylan Songs #2

1963 & 1969

Girl from the North Country

The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan & later on Nashville Skyline

This is yet another tender, fire-lit tune delivered with stunning execution by Dylan. It’s stepped deep in the folk tradition. Lyrically, the song fills in images of a snowy, loved-lost landscape over a steady finger-picked chord pattern. In many ways, it’s a homage to the cold rivers, forests, and the old towns of Minnesota. Later, a ragged and off the cusp country version of the song would be recorded with Johnny Cash. This cut is also well worth a listen, as it’s imperfections only make it lovelier. It also offers an interesting contrast and introduction to how Dylan can transform a song entirely from night to night, era to era.