Jakob Dylan is a unique talent in his own right. I can’t imagine what it was like growing up in the musical shadow of Bob Dylan. And, then to have the courage to follow in his footsteps and carve out your own successful artistic path – what pressure! The comparisons were inevitable, and the stakes were so high that it would have been easy to fail or give up. It is also a lot to expect that songwriting talent at this level would exist in more than one person in a family. Yet Jakob persevered, and his career stands on its own merit.
A Storyteller in His Own Right
His songs are easy to listen to yet often profound in their meaning. I often find myself drifting away when I hear them and block everything else out. Instead of merely serving as background music to whatever is taking place, they demand more attention. Like his dad, he is as much of a storyteller as a songwriter, and you want to hear the story and/or catch the vibe. He truly is a special talent. Dad must be proud.
Why I Chose This Song
I chose the song “Nothing But the Whole Wide World” because it is one of my favorites. I’ve always felt that the best songwriters can easily make a living with just their own talent and a guitar (or another instrument). They can walk into any bar or concert hall and immediately capture your attention. The music is raw and pure. There is no need for excessive noise or production. The video I found is of him playing in an office environment at NPR, and it sounds great. I hope you enjoy the moment.
Nothing but the whole wide world to gain nothing, nothing Got nothing but the whole wide world to gain nothing, nothing Got nothing but the whole wide, whole wide world to gain I’m here on the blacktop The sun in my eyes Women and country on my mind Bolting me out Over the borderline Now there’s no more love loss and no more shame No more digging holes or graves Nothing to lose but rivets and chains Got nothing but the whole wide world to gain Nothing but the whole wide world to gain nothing, nothing Got nothing but the whole wide world to gain nothing, nothing Got nothing but the whole wide, whole wide world to gain Was born in a stable and built like an ox Down in the pastures I learned how to walk Mama, she raised me to sing and just let ’em talk Said no rich man’s worth his weight in dust Bury him down same as they’ll do us God wants us busy, never giving up He wants nothing but the whole wide world for us Nothing but the whole wide world for us nothing, nothing Well there’s nothing but the whole wide world for us nothing, nothing Well there’s nothing but the whole wide, whole wide world for us We ain’t got no money, can’t get no love Never was too good at either of ’em I’m here for adventure whichever way it comes But what good is an angel that won’t catch up Free falling now and I’m ready enough I give my tears and I give my blood I give nothing but the whole wide world for one Nothing but the whole wide world for one nothing, nothing Give nothing but the whole wide world for one nothing, nothing Give nothing but the whole wide, whole wide world for one
