“Every Grain of Sand” by Bob Dylan
For the last couple weeks, I’ve been listening to more of the 80s Dylan because it’s the era I know the least about. Every time this song comes on, it reminds me of Leonard Cohen (who, ironically, is often referred to as the Canadian Bob Dylan). At first I couldn’t place it, but eventually I figured out that it’s probably due to a combination of the religiously themed lyrics, the slower tempo, and the slicker production. All combine for a much different view of Dylan from his grittier Desire/Blood on the Tracks era, but eventually progressed to his more ethereal sounds on albums like Time Out of Mind. While not my favorite era, I’m coming to recognize its importance in the progression of Dylan’s sound.
In the time of my confession, in the hour of my deepest need
When the pool of tears beneath my feet flood every newborn seed
There’s a dying voice within me reaching out somewhere
Toiling in the danger and in the morals of despair.
Don’t have the inclination to look back on any mistake
Like Cain, I now behold this chain of events that I must break
In the fury of the moment I can see the master’s hand
In every leaf that trembles, in every grain of sand.
