'You can't be for peace and be global. It's just like that song 'Man Of Peace'. None of this matters, if you believe in another world. But if you believe in this world...you'll go mad, cuz you won't see the end of it.'
Dylan 1984
Look out your window, baby, there’s a scene you’d like to catch
The band is playing “Dixie,” a man got his hand outstretched
Could be the Führer
Could be the local priest
You know sometimes Satan comes as a man of peace
He got a sweet gift of gab, he got a harmonious tongue
He knows every song of love that ever has been sung
Good intentions can be evil
Both hands can be full of grease
You know that sometimes Satan comes as a man of peace
Well, first he’s in the background, then he’s in the front
Both eyes are looking like they’re on a rabbit hunt
Nobody can see through him
No, not even the Chief of Police
You know that sometimes Satan comes as a man of peace
Well, he catch you when you’re hoping for a glimpse of the sun
Catch you when your troubles feel like they weigh a ton
He could be standing next to you
The person that you’d notice least
I hear that sometimes Satan comes as a man of peace
Well, he can be fascinating, he can be dull
He can ride down Niagara Falls in the barrels of your skull
I can smell something cooking
I can tell there’s going to be a feast
You know that sometimes Satan comes as a man of peace
He’s a great humanitarian, he’s a great philanthropist
He knows just where to touch you, honey, and how you like to be kissed
He’ll put both his arms around you
You can feel the tender touch of the beast
You know that sometimes Satan comes as a man of peace
Well, the howling wolf will howl tonight, the king snake will crawl
Trees that’ve stood for a thousand years suddenly will fall
Wanna get married? Do it now
Tomorrow all activity will cease
You know that sometimes Satan comes as a man of peace
Somewhere Mama’s weeping for her blue-eyed boy
She’s holding them little white shoes and that little broken toy
And he’s following a star
The same one them three men followed from the East
I hear that sometimes Satan comes as a man of peace
A greatly under-rated song on a greatly maligned album. Dylan's Apocalyptic vision of a world of wolves in sheep's clothing is nothing short of terrifying and this song is one of the best on that album IMO. It's also a song that has only become more prescient and seeable as our global experiences accumulate...but also quite timeless...
Live, I've not heard all that much save for a couple from 87 which were fun but unimpressive...
In fact, the reason I selected this song today was due to a concert I just listened to for the first time from Ithaca NY. Man Of Peace certainly steals the show in this very strong concert.
Listen to this powerhouse!
Ithaca NY
November 15 1999
http://www.sendspace.com/file/ir5c23And here's video of the same:
http://www.twitvid.com/IPEXEAny thoughts on Man Of Peace?? Who here hates the song?