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Bob Dylan/Bob Dylan: Another Side of (1964); the Byrds: Younger Than Yesterday (1967)

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Crimson flames tied through my ears, Rollin’ high and mighty trapped;
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Countless fires, flaming roads Using ideas as my maps.
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We’ll meet on edges, soon,” said I Proud ’neath heated brow.
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Ah, but I was so much older then I’m younger than that now!
 
Half-wracked prejudice leaped forth “Rip down all hate,” I screamed. 
Lies that life is black and white Spoke from my skull, I dreamed. 
Romantic facts of musketeers Foundationed deep, somehow. 
Ah, but I was so much older then I’m younger than that now! 
 
Girls’ faces formed the forward path From phony jealousy 
To memorizing politics Of ancient history, 
Flung down by corpse evangelists; Unthought of, though, somehow. 
Ah, but I was so much older then I’m younger than that now! 
 
A self-ordained professor’s tongue, Too serious to fool, 
Spouted out that liberty Is just equality in school. 
“Equality,” I spoke the word As if a wedding vow. 
Ah, but I was so much older then I’m younger than that now! 
 
In a soldier’s stance, I aimed my hand At the mongrel dogs who teach, 
Fearing not that I’d become my enemy In the instant that I preach. 
My existence led by confusion boats Mutiny from stern to bow. 
Ah, but I was so much older then I’m younger than that now! 
 
Yes, my guard stood hard when abstract threats Too noble to neglect 
Deceived me into thinking I had something to protect. 
Good and bad, I define these terms Quite clear, no doubt, somehow. 
Ah, but I was so much older then I’m younger than that now! 


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