Introduction
"Talkin John Birch Paranoid Blues" is a satirical song written by Bob Dylan in 1962. It was released in 1991 on "The Bootleg Series Volumes 1-3 (Rare & Unreleased) 1961-1991." In the song, Dylan pokes fun at the John Birch Society, a far-right political organization that was active in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. The song is notable for its humorous lyrics, catchy melody, and Dylan's distinctive vocal style.
The John Birch Society
The John Birch Society was founded in 1958 by Robert W. Welch Jr., a retired candy manufacturer. The organization was named after John Birch, an American Baptist missionary and military intelligence officer who was killed by Chinese communists in 1945. The John Birch Society was known for its extreme views on communism, civil rights, and the United Nations. The organization believed that communism was a threat to American values and that the civil rights movement was a communist plot to overthrow the government.
The Song
The lyrics of "Talkin John Birch Paranoid Blues" are a satirical take on the John Birch Society and its members. Dylan sings about a man who becomes increasingly paranoid and delusional as he becomes more involved with the organization. The song's catchy melody and Dylan's distinctive vocal style make it a fan favorite. In the song, Dylan sings:
"Well, I was feelin' sad and feelin' blue,
I didn't know what in the world I was gonna do,
Them Communists they wus comin' around,
They wus in the air
They wus on the ground.
They wouldn't gimme no peace…"
Reception
"Talkin John Birch Paranoid Blues" has been well-received by fans and critics alike. The song's humor and satire have been praised as a prime example of Dylan's unique style. Rolling Stone magazine ranked the song as one of the 100 greatest Bob Dylan songs of all time. Dylan has performed the song live on numerous occasions, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.
Conclusion
"Talkin John Birch Paranoid Blues" is a classic Bob Dylan song that showcases his unique talent for satire and humor. The song's catchy melody and humorous lyrics have made it a fan favorite, and it remains a popular song to this day. Dylan's distinctive vocal style and his ability to poke fun at the John Birch Society and its members have made the song a memorable part of his catalog.