Bob Dylan, born Robert Allen Zimmerman in 1941, is a legendary American singer-songwriter renowned for his poetic songs that address social and political issues. Rising from the 1960s Greenwich Village folk scene, his hits, such as Blowin’ in the Wind, became civil rights anthems.
Dylan’s music blends folk, rock, and country, and with over 125 million records sold, he is regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time. In 2016, he won the Nobel Prize in Literature for his lasting cultural impact.
About the Song
Girl from the North Country is about remembering and longing for a past love from his northern hometown. It expresses feelings of hope and gentle sadness as the singer wonders if she still remembers him.
The lyrics paint a picture of a simple, pure love connected to a quiet, rural place untouched by modern life. The song highlights memories and the desire for connection, blending personal emotion with a timeless, folk-inspired mood.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | May 27, 1963 |
| Album | Live In Brisbane 1978 |
| Writer | Bob Dylan |
| Producers | John Hammond & Tom Wilson |
Girl from the North Country Lyrics
Verse 1
If you’re travelin’ in the north country fair
Where the winds hit heavy on the borderline
Remember me to one who lives there
For she once was a true love of mine
Verse 2
If you go when the snowflakes storm
When the rivers freeze and summer ends
Please see she has a coat so warm
To keep her from the howling winds
Verse 3
Please see if her hair hangs long
If it rolls and flows all down her breast
Please see for me if her hair’s hangin’ long
For that’s the way I remember her best
Verse 4
I’m a-wondering if she remembers me at all
Many times I’ve often prayed
In the darkness of my night
In the brightness of my day
Instrumental Break
Verse 5
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
For she once was a true love of mine
Similar Songs Like Girl from North Country
For anyone seeking more of Bob Dylan’s softer, story-driven songs, these selections show the same spirit and emotional honesty as “Girl from the North Country.”
- Boots of Spanish Leather: Tells the story of two lovers separated by distance, with each verse unfolding their hopes and heartbreak through heartfelt letters.
- Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right: Offers a gentle goodbye, blending honest words and a sense of moving forward despite sadness.
- Tomorrow Is a Long Time: Expresses deep yearning for a loved one, using soft melodies and peaceful lyrics to convey a sense of longing.
- If You See Her, Say Hello: Describes the ache of lost love and the hope for a message to be passed along, all wrapped in a calm, thoughtful tone.
Similar Artists Like Bob Dylan
If you enjoy Bob Dylan’s music, these artists share a love for deep lyrics, folk sounds, and a timeless storytelling style.
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Neil Young
Genre: Folk Rock, Country Rock
Top Album: Harvest (1972) -
Leonard Cohen
Genre: Folk, Soft Rock
Top Album: Songs of Leonard Cohen (1967) -
Johnny Cash
Genre: Country, Folk
Top Album: At Folsom Prison (1968) -
Paul Simon
Genre: Folk Rock, Pop Rock
Top Album: Graceland (1986)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Inspired Girl from the North Country?
The inspiration is debated, with names like Echo Helstrom, Bonnie Beecher, and Suze Rotolo often mentioned as possible muses.
What Traditional Song Influenced Girl from the North Country?
The melody and structure are influenced by the English folk ballad “Scarborough Fair,” which Dylan learned during his early travels.
What is the North Country Referring to in Girl from the North Country?
It likely refers to northern Minnesota, Dylan’s home region, but also serves as a poetic symbol of a cold, distant place.
How do Fans and Critics View Girl from the North Country?
It’s considered one of Dylan’s most heartfelt and poetic works, admired for its emotional honesty and timeless folk style.
