[miss marmelstein]

My favorite is "The Ballad of Hattie Carroll," a heartbreaking song about the murder of a black hotel maid. Judy Collins did the definitive version of it. Dylan is a great artist.

[185JHP]

He made wonderful music during an era when much/most of it was filth - "He hands you a nickle/he hands you a dime/he asks you with a grin/if you're havin' a good time." "The only thing I knew how to do/was ta keep on keepin' on like a bird that flew/tangled up in blue."

[pariah]

My favorite is "The Ballad of Hattie Carroll," a heartbreaking song about the murder of a black hotel maid.

Funny, that lyric has been running through my head lately, though it's been over 30 years since I must have last heard it.

The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll - by Bob Dylan
William Zanzinger killed poor Hattie Carroll,
With a cane that he twirled 'round his diamond ring finger....

In the courtoom of justice, the judge pounded his gavel,
to show that all's honest and that the courts are on the level,
and handed out sternly for penalty and repentance,
William Zanzinger with a six month sentence.

And you who philosophize disgrace,
and criticize all fear.
Bury the rag deep in your face,
Now's the time for your tears.

Dylan - the master of sarcasm! This is truly heart-wrenching, as you said. It's in the same vein as The Ballad of Hollis Brown. Supposedly, it is based on a true story. But then, so is Ballad of the Hurricane, about the 'unjust' sentence for Rubin Carter, ex-prizefighter, yet everything reliable I have heard says he was guilty. But true or not, you would have to be made of stone to listen to these songs and not be moved.