About the song
Bob Dylan, the enigmatic bard of American music, has always had a knack for crafting songs that delve deep into the human soul. His 1985 album, Empire Burlesque, features a standout track that continues this tradition: “Tight Connection to My Heart (Has Anybody Seen My Love)”. This song, a soulful ballad with a touch of blues, explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory.
Interestingly, “Tight Connection to My Heart” has a history that dates back a few years before its official release. An earlier version, titled “Someone’s Got a Hold of My Heart”, was recorded during the sessions for Dylan’s 1983 album, Infidels. However, for reasons unknown, it didn’t make the final cut. The song eventually resurfaced on The Bootleg Series Volumes 1–3 (Rare & Unreleased) 1961–1991.
When Dylan revisited “Someone’s Got a Hold of My Heart” in 1985, he decided to give it a fresh coat of paint. He added new vocal overdubs and the backing vocals of female singers, transforming the song into the “Tight Connection to My Heart” we know today. The result is a powerful and emotionally resonant track that showcases Dylan’s ability to evolve as an artist while staying true to his core sound.
“Tight Connection to My Heart” is a song that lingers in the mind long after the final note fades. Dylan’s gravelly vocals, combined with the soulful melody and evocative lyrics, create a truly unforgettable listening experience. Whether you’re a longtime Dylan fan or new to his music, this song is a must-listen.
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Lyrics
Well, I had to move fast
And I couldn’t with you around my neck.
I said I’d send for you and I did
What did you expect?
My hands are sweating
And we haven’t even started yet.
I’ll go along with the charade
Until I can think my way out.
I know it was all a big joke
Whatever it was about.
Someday maybe
I’ll remember to forget.
I’m gonna get my coat,
I feel the breath of a storm.
There’s something I’ve got to do tonight,
You go inside and stay warm.
Has anybody seen my love,
Has anybody seen my love,
Has anybody seen my love.
I don’t know,
Has anybody seen my love?
You want to talk to me,
Go ahead and talk.
Whatever you got to say to me
Won’t come as any shock.
I must be guilty of something,
You just whisper it into my ear.
Madame Butterfly
She lulled me to sleep,
In a town without pity
Where the water runs deep.
She said, “Be easy, baby,
There ain’t nothin’ worth stealin’ in here.”
You’re the one I’ve been looking for,
You’re the one that’s got the key.
But I can’t figure out whether I’m too good for you
Or you’re too good for me.
Has anybody seen my love,
Has anybody seen my love,
Has anybody seen my love.
I don’t know,
Has anybody seen my love?
Well, they’re not showing any lights tonight
And there’s no moon.
There’s just a hot-blooded singer
Singing “Memphis in June, ”
While they’re beatin’ the devil out of a guy
Who’s wearing a powder-blue wig.
Later he’ll be shot
For resisting arrest,
I can still hear his voice crying
In the wilderness.
What looks large from a distance,
Close up ain’t never that big.
Never could learn to drink that blood
And call it wine,
Never could learn to hold you, love,
And call you mine.