Music Religion

Thursday Afternoon Rock N Roll: Cat Power sings Dylan’s "I Believe In You"

Without a doubt one of the most inspired Dylan covers in recent years, and remarkably, […]

David Zahl / 11.11.10

Without a doubt one of the most inspired Dylan covers in recent years, and remarkably, of one of Bob’s greatest gospel tunes. Although she cuts out the last verse, Chan’s vocal has a desperate quality that really underscores the life-or-death aspect of the song, and consequently, of saving faith in general. The thundering drums don’t hurt either:

The original lyrics:

They ask me how I feel and if my love is real

And how I know I’ll make it through

And they look at me and frown

They’d like to drive me from this town

They don’t want me around ’cause I believe in you.

They show me to the door

They say don’t come back no more

‘Cause I don’t be like they’d like me to

And I walk out on my own

A thousand miles from home

But I don’t feel alone ’cause I believe in you.

I believe in you even through the tears and the laughter

I believe in you even though we be apart

I believe in you even on the morning after

Oh, when the dawn is nearing

Oh, when the night is disappearing

Oh, this feeling is still here in my heart.

Don’t let me drift too far
Keep me where you are

Where I will always be renewed

And that which you’ve given me today

Is worth more than I could pay

And no matter what they say, I believe in you.

I believe in you when winter turn to summer

I believe in you when white turn to black

I believe in you even though I be outnumbered

Oh, though the earth may shake me

Oh, though my friends forsake me

Oh, even that couldn’t make me go back.

Don’t let me change my heart

Keep me set apart

From all the plans they do pursue

And I don’t mind the pain

Don’t mind the driving rain

I know I will sustain, cause I believe in you.

I was fortunate enough to see the man himself play last night. If you’re a fan, I advise you NOT to miss this leg of the (neverending) tour. He was significantly more animated than when I saw him in 2005, playing guitar and dancing around like a showman. And having Charlie Sexton back in the band makes a big, big difference. Highlights were an absolutely apocalyptic “High Water”, a breezy rearrangement of “It Ain’t Me, Babe”, the exquisite walk-down in the the chorus “Love Sick” and all the oddly intelligible one-liners in the gorgeous “Workingmans Blues #2”.