About the song
Bob Dylan, the enigmatic bard of American folk music, has always been a master of weaving personal narratives into his songs. His 1985 album, Blood on the Tracks, is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. Among its standout tracks, “Emotionally Yours” offers a particularly intimate glimpse into Dylan’s emotional world.
Released in a time when the singer-songwriter was grappling with divorce and personal turmoil, “Emotionally Yours” is a heartfelt ballad that captures the bittersweet longing and vulnerability that often accompany heartbreak. Dylan’s raspy vocals, filled with both pain and resignation, convey the depth of his emotions. The simple, acoustic guitar accompaniment provides a stripped-down backdrop that allows his lyrics to take center stage.
The song’s opening lines, “I’m emotionally yours, that’s all I can be,” immediately set the tone for a vulnerable confession. Dylan acknowledges his limitations and the emotional toll that his relationships have taken on him. He expresses a desire for connection and intimacy, but also recognizes the challenges of maintaining a healthy emotional bond.
Throughout the song, Dylan paints vivid images of his emotional state. He compares himself to a “shipwrecked sailor,” lost and adrift in a sea of uncertainty. He also references the “ghost of a love affair,” suggesting that the memories of past relationships continue to haunt him. These metaphors add depth and resonance to the lyrics, allowing listeners to connect with Dylan’s experiences on a personal level.
One of the most striking aspects of “Emotionally Yours” is its emotional honesty. Dylan doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker side of love, including the pain of betrayal and the fear of abandonment. His lyrics are both raw and poetic, capturing the complexities of human emotions with remarkable clarity.
In conclusion, “Emotionally Yours” is a timeless piece of songwriting that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages. Dylan’s heartfelt performance and the song’s evocative lyrics make it a powerful and moving experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Dylan’s music, this song is a must-listen.
Video
Lyrics
Come baby, find me, come baby, remind me of where I once begun
Come baby, show me, show me you know me, tell me you’re the one
I could be learning, you could be yearning to see behind closed door
But I will always be emotionally yours.Come baby, rock me, come baby, lock me into the shadows of your heart
Come baby, teach me, come baby reach me, let the music start
I could be dreaming but I keep believing you’re the one I’m living for
And I will always be emotionally yours.It’s like my whole life never happened
When I see you, it’s if I never had a thought
I know this dream, it might be crazy
But it’s the only one I’ve got. Okay.Come baby, shake me, come baby, take me, I would be satisfied
Come baby, hold me, come baby, help me, my arms are open wide
I could be unraveling wherever I’m traveling, even to foreign shores
But I will always be emotionally yours.