Today, Bob Dylan unveiled the music video for his first song on his new album. It’s pretty exciting stuff right here for all Dylan fans. Not only is his material brand new, but it’s totally Dylan, even if it doesn’t sound or look like him.
Duquesne Whistle sounds like it was written in the 30’s, rising out of the Depression with its lively beats and full of hope and optimism. But of course, listening to his lyrics, you’ll realize it’s more than about the thrill of life. It’s about moving forward, getting to that unknown destination.
Like the song the music video is full of dichotomy. There is the old time sound with it’s youthful melody; the video has the sweet innocence of love and then contradicting it with pain and anger; old Dylan walking with his entourage at night and the young romantic walking by himself at day looking for his love. Even though Duquesne Whistle sounds outdated upon hearing, it couldn’t be more modern and relevant to our culture today. Perhaps this is about falling in love and falling so hard you’re willing to endure anything – even pain – to be with them. Perhaps this song is about chasing that something and going anywhere to get there.
Or perhaps Bob Dylan believes it’s better to not be foolishly in love and to remain cool and detached from the emotion completely – untouched by anything.
