Make You Feel My Love by Bob Dylan

Album: Time Out of Mind (1997)

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Though the tune is generally considered a rather straightforward love song, some have observed that Dylan may have written it from the perspective of Jesus Christ, trying to get to all the sinners so they feel his redemptive love.
Texas-born musician August "Augie" Meyers, who is best known as keyboard-player with the Sir Douglas Quintet and the Texas Tornados, played organ on this track. He recalled the recording of this song to Mojo Magazine July 2010: "Bob's a fantastic piano player, when he wants to play. On 'Make You Feel My Love' he asked, 'if you and Doug (Sahm, co-founding member of the Sir Douglas Quintet) were in the studio, how would you do it?' And I said, 'Well we wouldn't have two drummers, four guitar players, and stuff.' I said, 'Did you write this on piano or guitar?' And he said, 'I wrote it on the piano.' I told him, 'Play piano.' and I said, 'I'll play organ, let's just have one bass, one drum and one guitar.' so that's the way we did it."
This song has been recorded by a number of other artists. They include Billy Joel for his Greatest Hits Volume III collection and Garth Brooks for the Hope Floats soundtrack both under the title "To Make You Feel My Love." Also Adele covered the track on her 2008 debut album, 19.
As of 2019, at least 459 bands had remade this song. The sheer number of covers prompted Rolling Stone to suggest that the song may one day qualify as a true American standard.

Comments: 6

Marianne from RochesterMy favorite
Singerofdreams from Nm, UsaTo those who comment about Bob Dylan being Jewish, in the late 70's he became a Christian and recorded several contemporary Christian albums. In the 90's he resumed his rock genre. It was a surprise for many and many doubted it was genuine, thinking it was for commercial gain. He's never recanted or made a statement casting doubt on the validity his late 70's religious epiphany.
These lyrics can legitimately go both directions, secular and sacred. Bob Dylan is intelligent, deep and spiritual enough to have written with that intention. A number of secular hits have the same dual purpose. Given his devotion this purpose makes sense to me.
To Huh? From Wi Re: JesusListen to Dylan's Slow Train Coming album. Or do 5 seconds of research on Bob Dylan and his faith journey.
Larz Marz from Out On Hwy 61Amanda from El Dorado: Desperate and Real. Longing and Sincere
Huh? from Wi, UsaBob Dylan is Jewish, he wouldn't write a song from Jesus' perspective. That is obviously not correct.
Amanda from El Dorado, ArI have always, always really dug this song, but never quite felt it. Just another love song..... I heard Adele's version and my obsession began because I discovered it was a Dylan original. I had always heard Bonnie Raitt's cover, which was great. So then I found Bob's and listened and listened. I think it show's his wisdom with age. It's simple, but very moving, maybe thanks to piano and organ (my favs). I personally love the original version because it's less of a sappy love ballad and more desperate and real. Like Dylan's voice, especially at that later point in his career. I hate that it's become the "cover" song. I wanted to keep it to myself. But that's exactly the opposite of why most art is made. This tops my list of wedding songs.

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