“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
When I first heard “Hurricane” by Bob Dylan, I was struck by the raw power and urgency of the song. It was more than just music; it was a call to action, a poignant narrative that shone a light on injustice. This song isn’t merely an artistic endeavor—it’s a historical document, capturing a tumultuous period in American history and the life of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter.
About The Composition
- Title: Hurricane
- Composer: Bob Dylan
- Premiere Date: January 5, 1976
- Album/Opus/Collection: Desire
- Genre: Folk rock
Background
“Hurricane” was born out of Bob Dylan’s response to the imprisonment of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, a boxer wrongfully accused of triple homicide. Dylan, moved by Carter’s autobiography and the racial injustice surrounding the case, co-wrote the song with Jacques Levy. The song is a compelling blend of storytelling and activism, detailing the events that led to Carter’s imprisonment and the flaws in the American justice system. Upon its release, “Hurricane” received both acclaim and controversy, reflecting the divided opinions on Carter’s case and the broader issues of racial discrimination in the legal system.
Musical Style
Musically, “Hurricane” is defined by its energetic and rhythmic structure, incorporating elements of folk rock. The violin, played by Scarlet Rivera, adds a distinctive urgency and vibrancy to the track, complementing Dylan’s impassioned vocals. The song follows a narrative style, with verses flowing seamlessly to create a continuous story, supported by a repetitive and catchy chorus. This musical arrangement not only enhances the storytelling but also ensures the message resonates with listeners.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrics of “Hurricane” are a masterclass in narrative songwriting. Dylan weaves a detailed and emotive story, highlighting the injustice faced by Rubin Carter. Themes of racial discrimination, judicial corruption, and the fight for justice are prevalent throughout the song. Dylan’s use of vivid imagery and poignant language brings Carter’s plight to life, making the listener feel the urgency and gravity of the situation. The lyrics serve not only as a narrative device but also as a rallying cry against systemic racism and injustice.
Performance History
“Hurricane” has been performed by Bob Dylan in numerous concerts, each performance carrying the same intensity and message as the original recording. Notable performances include the Rolling Thunder Revue, where Dylan’s delivery of the song captivated audiences and brought greater attention to Carter’s case. Over the years, “Hurricane” has been covered by various artists, each rendition adding to the song’s legacy and impact.
Cultural Impact
The cultural impact of “Hurricane” extends beyond the realm of music. It played a significant role in raising awareness about Rubin Carter’s wrongful imprisonment and the broader issues of racial injustice. The song has been featured in documentaries and films about Carter’s life, further cementing its place in both music and social history. “Hurricane” remains a powerful example of how music can influence social change and bring attention to important issues.
Legacy
“Hurricane” continues to be a relevant and powerful piece, resonating with audiences today as much as it did in the 1970s. Its message of justice and equality remains pertinent, and it continues to inspire new generations of musicians and activists. The song’s legacy is a testament to Bob Dylan’s ability to combine art with activism, creating a piece that not only entertains but also educates and motivates.
Conclusion
Listening to “Hurricane” is an experience that transcends music. It’s a journey into a critical moment in history, a reflection on the power of storytelling, and a reminder of the enduring fight for justice. I encourage everyone to delve into this song, explore its background, and appreciate its significance. For a memorable experience, I recommend listening to the original recording from Dylan’s Desire album and watching live performances to truly grasp the song’s impact.
Video
Lyrics
Pistol shots ring out in the barroom night
Enter Patty Valentine from the upper hall
She sees a bartender in a pool of blood
Cries out, “my God, they killed them all”
Here comes the story of the Hurricane
The man the authorities came to blame
For somethin’ that he never done
Put in a prison cell, but one time he coulda been
The champion of the world
Three bodies lyin’ there, does Patty see
And another man named Bello, movin’ around mysteriously
“I didn’t do it” he says, and he throws up his hands
“I was only robbin’ the register, I hope you understand”
“I saw them leavin'” he says, and he stops
“One of us had better call up the cops”
And so Patty calls the cops
And they arrive on the scene
With their red lights flashin’ in a hot New Jersey night
Meanwhile, far away in another part of town
Rubin Carter and a couple of friends are drivin’ around
Number one contender for the middleweight crown
Had no idea what kinda shit was about to go down
When a cop pulled him over to the side of the road
Just like the time before and the time before that
In Paterson that’s just the way things go
If you’re black you might as well not show up on the street
‘Less you want to draw the heat
Alfred Bello had a partner and he had a rap for the cops
Him and Arthur Dexter Bradley were just out prowlin’ around
He said “I saw two men runnin’ out, they looked like middleweights
Jumped into a white car with out-of-state plates”
And Miss Patty Valentine just nodded her head
Cop said “Wait a minute, boys, this one’s not dead”
So they took him to the infirmary
And though this man could hardly see
They told him he could identify the guilty men
Four in the mornin’ and they haul Rubin in
They took him to the hospital and they brought him upstairs
The wounded man looks up through his one dyin’ eye
Say “Why’d you bring him in here for? He ain’t the guy”
Here’s the story of the Hurricane
The man the authorities came to blame
For somethin’ that he never done
Put in a prison cell, but one time he coulda been
The champion of the world
Four months later, the ghettos are in flame
Rubin’s in South America, fightin’ for his name
While Arthur Dexter Bradley’s still in the robbery game
And the cops are puttin’ the screws to him, lookin’ for somebody to blame
“Remember that murder that happened in a bar?”
“Remember you said you saw the getaway car?”
“You think you’d like to play ball with the law?”
“Think it mighta been that fighter that you saw runnin’ that night?”
“Don’t forget that you are white”
Arthur Dexter Bradley said “I’m really not sure”
The cops said “A poor boy like you, could use this break
We got you for the motel job and we’re talkin’ to your friend Bello
You don’t want to have to go back to jail, be a nice fellow
You’ll be doin’ society a favor
That son of a bitch is brave and gettin’ braver
We want to put his ass in stir
We want to pin this triple murder on him
He ain’t no Gentleman Jim”
Rubin could take a man out with just one punch
But he never did like to talk about it all that much
“It’s my work” he’d say, “and I do it for pay
And when it’s over I’d just as soon go on my way”
Up to some paradise
Where the trout streams flow and the air is nice
And ride a horse along a trail
But then they took him to the jailhouse
Where they try to turn a man into a mouse
All of Rubin’s cards were marked in advance
The trial was a pig-circus, he never had a chance
The judge made Rubin’s witnesses drunkards from the slums
To the white folks who watched, he was a revolutionary bum
And for the black folks he was just a crazy nigger
No one doubted that he pulled the trigger
And though they could not produce the gun
The D.A. said he was the one who did the deed
And the all-white jury agreed
Rubin Carter was falsely tried
The crime was murder one, guess who testified?
Bello and Bradley and they both baldly lied
And the newspapers, they all went along for the ride
How can the life of such a man
Be in the palm of some fool’s hand?
To see him obviously framed
Couldn’t help but make me feel ashamed to live in a land
Where justice is a game
Now all the criminals in their coats and their ties
Are free to drink martinis and watch the sun rise
While Rubin sits like Buddha in a ten-foot cell
An innocent man in a living hell
Yes, that’s the story of the Hurricane
But it won’t be over ’til they clear his name
And give him back the time he’s done
Put in a prison cell, but one time he coulda been
The champion of the world