GIRL OF THE NORTH COUNTRY

(Bob Dylan - 1963)

Well, if you're travelin' in the north country fair,
Where the winds hit heavy on the borderline,
Remember me to one who lives there.
She once was a true love of mine.

Well, if you go when the snowflakes storm,
When the rivers freeze and summer ends,
Please see if she's wearing a coat so warm,
To keep her from the howlin' winds.

Please see for me if her hair hangs long,
If it rolls and flows all down her breast.
Please see for me if her hair hangs long,
That's the way I remember her best.

I'm a-wonderin' if she remembers me at all.
Many times I've often prayed
In the darkness of my night,
In the brightness of my day.

So if you're travelin' in the north country fair,
Where the winds hit heavy on the borderline,
Remember me to one who lives there.
She once was a true love of mine.

Copyright © 1963; renewed 1991 Special Rider Music

Girl From the North Country was first conceived by Bob Dylan about three years before he finally wrote it down in December 1962.  "That often happens," he explains. "I carry a song in my head for a long time and then it comes bursting out."  The song and Dylan's performance reflect his particular kind of lyricism.  The mood is a fusion of yearning, poignancy and simple appreciation of a beautiful girl.  Dylan illuminates all these corners of his vision, but simultaneously retains his bristling sense of self.  He's not about to go begging anything from this girl up north.

1963

1969

1984

1993