We turn to the legendary folksinger/poet Bob Dylan for today’s classic song of the day. The song is “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” and it became a major hit for the folksinging trio, Peter, Paul and Mary.
Bob Dylan wrote “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” in 1962. It’s a breakup song about saying goodbye to an old lover but having the resilience to carry on:
It ain’t no use in calling out my name, gal
Like you never done before
And it ain’t no use in calling out my name, gal
I can’t hear you anymore
I’m a-thinking and a-wonderin’ walking down the road
I once loved a woman, a child, I’m told
I give her my heart but she wanted my soul
But don’t think twice, it’s all right
I love that line, “I give her my heart but she wanted my soul.” Great stuff.
Bob Dylan first recorded “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” for his 1963 album, The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. It was also included as the B-side of the “Blowin’ in the Wind” single.
Peter, Paul and Mary recorded a cover of “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” for their 1963 album, In the Wind. (That album also included covers of two other Dylan tunes, “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “Quit Your Lowdown Ways.”) Released as a single that same year, PP&M’s version of “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” hit #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on Billboard’s Easy Listening chart.
Whomever sings it, “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” is a true classic and a testament to Bob Dylan’s lyrical genius. It’s a great song, period.
For today’s daily bonus video of the day, here’s Peter, Paul and Mary performing “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” and “Go Tell It On the Mountain” live in London in 1963. Those were the times.
