MY BACK PAGES (Words and Music by Bob Dylan) 1964 Warner Bros. Inc Renewed 1992 Special Rider Music
[This is The Byrds' arrangement. Lyrics provided by Roger McGuinn in a post from alt.music.byrds. Comments in brackets by the cureent poster.]
Intro: E Esus4 (repeat 4 times)
Crimson flames tied through my ears
Rollin' high and mighty traps
Pounced with fire on flaming roads
Using ideas as my maps
"We'll meet on edges, soon," said I
Proud 'neath heated brow.
Ah, but I was so much older then, A B E (intro riff twice) I'm younger than that now.
Half-wracked prejudice leaped forth "Rip down all hate," I screamed Lies that life is black and white Spoke from my skull. I dreamed Romantic facts [flanks] of musketeers Foundationed deep, somehow. Ah, but I was so much older then, bI'm younger than that now.
[The next two verses were left out by The Byrds]
Girls' faces formed the forward path To memorizing politics Of ancient history Flung down by corpse evangelists Unthought of, though, somehow. Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now.
A self-ordained professor's tongue Too serious to fool Spouted out that liberty Is just equality in school "Equality," I spoke the word As if a wedding vow. Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now.
[The Byrds pick it up here]
In a soldier's stance, I aimed my hand At the mongrel dogs who teach Fearing not that I'd become my enemy In the instant that I preach My pathway led [Sisters fled] by confusion boats Mutiny from stern to bow. Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now.
[12-string guitar solo followed by the refrain]
Yes, my guard stood hard when abstract threats Too noble to neglect Deceived me into thinking I had something to protect Good and bad, I define these terms Quite clear, no doubt, somehow. Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now.
