About the song
“It Ain’t Me Babe” is a classic folk song that showcases the unique musical chemistry between two of the genre’s most iconic figures, Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. Released in 1964, this track is part of Joan Baez’s album “Joan Baez/5,” which features a notable collaboration with Bob Dylan, whose songwriting prowess was rapidly gaining acclaim during this period.
Bob Dylan, the enigmatic and influential songwriter, penned “It Ain’t Me Babe” in 1964, and the song quickly became a testament to his lyrical talent and distinctive voice. Known for his introspective and often cryptic lyrics, Dylan’s songwriting encapsulates a spirit of defiance and independence. The song’s lyrics express a clear and firm rejection of romantic entanglement, highlighting themes of personal autonomy and self-reliance. With lines like “Go away from my window, leave at your own chosen speed,” the song conveys a sense of resolute determination and self-assurance.
Joan Baez, with her ethereal voice and deep emotional expressiveness, brings a complementary yet contrasting tone to the track. Her interpretation of Dylan’s song adds a layer of delicate melancholy and introspection, showcasing her ability to infuse even the most straightforward lyrics with profound emotional depth. Her collaboration with Dylan on this song underscores the synergy between their artistic styles, blending Dylan’s raw, poetic edge with Baez’s lyrical sensitivity.
For older listeners and enthusiasts of classic folk music, “It Ain’t Me Babe” represents a significant moment in the history of the genre. It captures the essence of the early 1960s folk revival, a time when music was not just about melody but about conveying powerful messages and personal truths. Baez’s and Dylan’s collaboration on this track remains a memorable example of their influential contributions to folk music, reflecting both the personal and artistic dynamics that defined their careers.
Video
Lyrics
Go away from my window, leave at your own chosen speed.
I’m not the one you want, babe, I’m not the one you need.
You say you’re looking for someone, never weak but always strong,
To protect you and defend you, whether you are right or wrong.
Someone to open each and every door.
But it ain’t me, babe, no, no, no, it ain’t me, babe,
It ain’t me you’re looking for, babe.
Go lightly from the ledge, babe, go lightly on the ground.
I’m not the one you want, babe, I will only let you down.
You say you’re looking for someone, who will promise never to part.
Someone to close his eyes for you, someone to close his heart.
Someone who will die for you and more.
[CHORUS]
Go, melt back in the night, babe, everything inside is made of stone.
There’s nothing in here moving, and anyway I’m not alone.
You say you’re looking for someone,
Who’ll pick you up each time you fall.
To gather flowers constantly, and to come each time you call.
A love of your life and nothing more.
[CHORUS]