About the song
Bob Dylan, a perennial figure in American music, often defied categorization with his genre-bending approach. Yet, “Unbelievable,” a track from his 1990 album Under the Red Sky, is a decidedly rock-oriented affair. Released a quarter-century after his electric debut at the Newport Folk Festival, this song showcases Dylan’s continued willingness to experiment and evolve.
“Unbelievable” is a lively, foot-tapping number that harkens back to the rockabilly sound of the 1950s. Produced by the Was (Not Was) brothers and Dylan himself, the track features a driving rhythm and a catchy, repetitive chorus. Despite its upbeat tempo, the lyrics maintain Dylan’s characteristic introspective quality, exploring themes of disillusionment, skepticism, and the complexities of human relationships.
The song’s simplicity belies its depth. With a basic chord progression and a straightforward melody, Dylan delivers a message that is both universal and personal. The title itself is ironic, suggesting a world filled with contradictions and unexpected twists. Dylan’s ability to capture the essence of human experience in such a concise and memorable way is a testament to his songwriting prowess.
The accompanying music video, featuring Molly Ringwald and Sally Kirkland, further enhanced the song’s popularity. However, it was Dylan’s live performances of “Unbelievable” that truly cemented its place in his repertoire. The track became a staple of his Never Ending Tour, and his energetic renditions resonated with audiences of all ages.
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Video
Lyrics
It’s unbelievable it’s strange but true
It’s inconceivable it could happen to you
You’re going north and you’re going south
Just like bait in a fish’s mouth
Must be living in the shadow of some kind of evil star
It’s unbelievable it would get this far
It’s undeniable what they’d have you to think
It’s indescribable it can drive you to drink
They said it was the land of milk and honey
Now they say it’s the land of money
Whoever thought they’d ever make that stick
It’s unbelievable you could get this rich this quick
Every head is so dignified
Every mood is so sanctified
Every urge is so satisfied
As long as you have paid
All the silver all the gold
All the sweethearts that you can hold
That don’t come back with stories untold are hanging on a tree
It’s unbelievable like a lead balloon
So impossible to even line the tomb
Kill that beast and feed that swine
Scale that wall and smoke that wine
Beat that horse and saddle up that drum
It’s unbelievable the day would finally come
Once there was a man who had no eyes
Every lady in the land told him lies
He stood beneath the silver skies
And his heartbeat could plead
Every brain is civilized
Every nerve is analyzed
Everything is criticized when you are in need
It’s unbelievable it’s fancy-free
So interchangeable so delightful to see
Turn your back, wash your hands
There’s always someone who understands
It don’t matter no more what you got to say
It’s unbelievable it go down this way