Changing of the Guards


"Changing of the Guards" is a song written by Bob Dylan, released in 1978 as a single and as the first track on his album Street-Legal. As an A-side single it failed to reach the Billboard Top 100. However, the song has been included on compilation albums: Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits Volume 3, released in 1994, and the Deluxe Edition of Dylan, released in 2007.
A slightly longer mix of "Changing of the Guards", including an extended fade, was included on editions of Street-Legal released in 1999 and 2003.

Critique

Lyrically, this song has prompted much critique, both positive and negative. According to Oliver Trager author of Keys to the Rain: The Definitive Bob Dylan Encyclopedia, "Changing of the Guards" has been criticized as a "song in which Dylan unsuccessfully and cynically parodies his anthemic self in haunting fashion..."
Conversely, several commentators have found much depth and meaning in the song's lyrics. Noted Dylan expert Michael Gray, author of The Bob Dylan Encyclopedia, commented that "Changing of the Guards" is a thorough description of Dylan's personal journey, from the beginning of his musical career, about sixteen years prior, through his marriage to and divorce from Sara Dylan, up to his conversion to Christianity, which was announced soon after the song's release. Indeed, much religious and biblical imagery is found in this work, especially apocalyptic imagery—not new ground for Dylan. Dylan once commented: "It means something different every time I sing it. 'Changing of the Guards' is a thousand years old'". However, even the song's greatest admirers concede the opacity of the lyrics. "Like much in 'Changing of the Guards', the intended meaning of this passage is opaque..." The seemingly deliberate ambiguity of the lyrics marked Street-Legal's effective abandonment of the narrative approach that dominated Dylan's previous album Desire.

Live performance history

Dylan performed "Changing of the Guards" only during the tour following its 1978 release, often as the closing song of the set ; it was played significantly faster than the album version. This tour was documented on the double live album Bob Dylan at Budokan, though "Changing of the Guards" was not included.

Covers

"Changing of the Guards" has been covered by: