The Man In Me

Album: New Morning (1970)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Dylan recorded this in New York City with a talented group of studio musicians including Al Kooper and Charlie Daniels. Ron Cornelius, who played guitar on these sessions, told us that Dylan would play down the song, but as soon as they started recording he would play it in a completely different tempo, which threw off the musicians but forced them to play to their strengths. These sessions lasted about 3 weeks, with the best songs going on this album and many of the others ending up on his 1973 self-titled album Dylan.
  • This played a major role in the Coen Brothers' 1998 movie The Big Lebowski. The song has since been performed live by the film's main star, Jeff Bridges.
  • Artists to have covered this song include The Clash, Joe Cocker and Matumbi.
  • In 2023, footage emerged of the session in which Dylan recorded the song. Nobody seems quite sure where the footage came from.
  • "The Man In Me" is the New Morning song that Dylan performed most often. He played it live at least 155 times from 1978 to 2011.

Comments: 5

  • Rod from SwitzerlandFirst time heard it when I saw TBLebowski back then. One of my all time Dylan favorites. When I listen to man in me the sun rises and everything will be ok. Good song to wake up with.
  • Denise Carter from Romance ArkansasRon Cornelius was married to my late sister in law. A really great guy. Lots of cool stories. Miss him as he has passed this last August.
  • Jason from San Francisco, CaThis song is pretty self said, and is mainly about how you don't judge books by their covers
  • Jason from New York, NyIn fact played twice during "The Big Lebowski". First over the opening credits, set to a montage of overweight men bowling. Then later heard during one of the Dude's flashbacks, over his walkman, as he's lying on his rug. You know, the valued rug that really tied the room together.
  • Justin from Bakersfield, Caone of his best songs in my opinion.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Melanie

MelanieSongwriter Interviews

The singer-songwriter Melanie talks about her spiritual awakening at Woodstock, "Brand New Key," and why songwriting is an art, not a craft.

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' Albums

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' AlbumsSong Writing

With the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Lori McKenna

Lori McKennaSongwriter Interviews

Lori's songs have been recorded by Faith Hill and Sara Evans. She's performed on the CMAs and on Oprah. She also has five kids.

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie Combination

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie CombinationSong Writing

In 1986, a Stephen King novella was made into a movie, with a classic song serving as title, soundtrack and tone.