Bob Dylan, born Robert Allen Zimmerman on May 24, 1941, in Duluth, Minnesota, is an American singer-songwriter widely regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century.
Emerging from the folk music revival scene of early 1960s Greenwich Village, he quickly became a defining voice of his generation with his poetic and socially conscious lyrics.
His work covers a wide range of genres, including folk, rock, blues, country, R&B, and jazz, showing a diverse set of musical works, from Woody Guthrie to Hank Williams and Chuck Berry.
About the Song
Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right is one of Bob Dylan’s most timeless folk compositions. It blends poetic confusion with emotional resemblance.
Written during a period of personal turmoil linked to his relationship with Suze Rotolo (who appears on The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan album cover), the song covers themes of departure, unrequited love, and self-reassurance.
| Detail | Information | Released | May 27, 1963 |
|---|---|
| Album | The Essential Bob Dylan (2000) |
| Writers | Bob Dylan |
| Producers | John Hammond & Tom Wilson |
Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right Lyrics by Bob Dylan
Verse 1
Well, it ain’t no use to sit and wonder why, babe
If’n you don’t know by now
And it ain’t no use to sit and wonder why, babe
It’ll never do somehow
When your rooster crows at the break of dawn
Look out your window and I’ll be gone
You’re the reason I’m a-traveling on
But don’t think twice, it’s all right
Verse 2
And it ain’t no use in a-turning on your light, babe
The light I never knowed
And it ain’t no use in turning on your light, babe
I’m on the dark side of the road
But I wish there was something you would do or say
To try and make me change my mind and stay
But we never did too much talking anyway
But don’t think twice, it’s all right
Verse 3
So it ain’t no use in calling out my name, gal
Like you never done before
And it ain’t no use in calling out my name, gal
I can’t hear you anymore
I’m a-thinking and a-wondering, walking down the road
I once loved a woman, a child, I’m told
I give her my heart but she wanted my soul
But don’t think twice, it’s all right
Verse 4
So long, honey babe
Where I’m bound, I can’t tell
Goodbye’s too good a word, babe
So I’ll just say, “Fare thee well”
I ain’t a-saying you treated me unkind
You could’ve done better, but I don’t mind
You just kinda wasted my precious time
But don’t think twice, it’s all right
Similar Songs Like Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right
Here are some similar songs by Bob Dylan that share thematic and stylistic qualities with Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right, especially in dealing with breakups, reflection, and emotional complexity:
- It Ain’t Me Babe: A gentle yet firm rejection of a lover, highlighting the bittersweet tone of “Don’t Think Twice” with its mix of resignation and independence.
- Most of the Time: This breakup song from Dylan’s later period expresses lingering feelings and the difficulty of moving on.
- Simple Twist of Fate: A poignant narrative about missed romantic opportunities and fate’s role in relationships, similar in mood.
- Just Like a Woman: This complex portrayal of a woman and a relationship’s unraveling, often paired with You’re Big Girl Now for emotional depth.
Similar Artists Like Bob Dylan
The following artists share similarities with Bob Dylan, sorted by genre, and highlighted with their key albums:
- Joan Baez
Genre: Folk
Albums: Joan Baez (1960, debut), Farewell, Angelina (1965) - Phil Ochs
Genre: Protest Folk
Albums: All the News That’s Fit to Sing (1964), I Ain’t Marching Anymore (1965) - Dave Van Ronk
Genre: Traditional Folk
Albums: Folksinger (1962), Inside Dave Van Ronk (1964) - Ramblin’ Jack Elliott
Genre: Folk Revival
Albums: Jack Takes the Floor (1958), Ramblin’ Jack Elliott (1964) - Woody Guthrie (influence)
Genre: Folk Protest
Albums: Dust Bowl Ballads (1940), Library of Congress Recordings (1944)
Frequently Asked Questions
How Was the Song Received in the 1960s?
It is a raw, relatable breakup anthem. Peter, Paul, and Mary’s 1963 cover popularized it, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard charts.
Why is It Considered a Quintessential Dylan Song?
It exemplifies his ability to merge personal anguish with universal themes, using poetic ambiguity to invite multiple interpretations.
Is There Sarcasm in Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right?
Yes, Dylan’s tone shifts between acceptance and ironic detachment, adding emotional complexity.
