A Memorable Surprise at the Outlaw Music Festival
Even after nearly seventy years of performing, legendary musician Bob Dylan continues to find new ways to captivate his audiences. At 84 years old, he amazed fans at the Outlaw Music Festival in Saratoga Springs, New York, by opening his set with the iconic track “Positively 4th Street.” This was the first time Dylan had used the song to begin a concert since 1989, making the moment a historic surprise for those in attendance.
A review published on the blog Flagging Down the Double E’s described the performance as “a killer opening,” highlighting how Dylan leaned into his trademark growl while still delivering powerful vocals. Fans at the festival quickly took to social media to share clips of the performance, drawing excitement and praise from music lovers who hadn’t heard the song live in decades.
Fans React to Dylan’s Performance
Reaction online was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. Viewers commenting on a TikTok video of the show remarked that Dylan’s voice sounded the best it had in years, while others admitted they felt envious for missing such a rare event. The unexpected song choice set the tone for the rest of the evening, proving once again that Dylan remains a master of keeping audiences engaged and surprised.
“Positively 4th Street” holds a special place in Dylan’s career. Though recorded during sessions for his 1965 masterpiece Highway 61 Revisited, it was not included on the album. Instead, it was released as a single the same year and quickly became one of his signature songs, cementing its status as a fan favorite.
The Meaning Behind the Song
The lyrics of “Positively 4th Street” have long been the subject of speculation and interpretation among fans and critics alike. Many theories suggest the song was inspired by Edie Sedgwick, the model and muse closely associated with Andy Warhol. Rumors circulated that Sedgwick may have had a relationship with Dylan shortly before his marriage to Sarah Lownds, adding to the mystery surrounding the song’s emotional intensity.
The track is known for its biting and deeply personal tone, expressing feelings of betrayal and disappointment. One of its most memorable verses reflects this sentiment with striking clarity:
“I wish that for just one time you could stand inside my shoes / And just for that one moment I could be you / Yes, I wish that for just one time you could stand inside my shoes / You’d know what a drag it is to see you.”
Though Dylan has performed the song at various points throughout his career, bringing it back as an opener after more than three decades was an unforgettable choice. For those who witnessed it in Saratoga Springs, it was a reminder that Dylan’s artistry continues to evolve, even after a lifetime on stage.
@daily_dylan_official At the Outlaw Music Festival in Saratoga Springs, NY this past weekend, Bob Dylan opened his set with ‘Positively 4th Street’ — a song he hadn’t used to kick off a show since 1989. 🎥: Chris Devers
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♬ Originalton – Daily_Dylan