Bob Dylan, legendary singer-songwriter, known for writing some of the most iconic songs in music history, has also had his fair share of misses, as reported by Rolling Stone. Even an artist as esteemed as Dylan can have songs that fall short, with one from his 1975 album Blood on the Tracks landing on Rolling Stone’s list of 50 Terrible Songs on Great Albums. “Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts” claimed the 14th spot on the dreaded list.
Despite the song’s placement on the list, “Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts” is found on Dylan’s acclaimed Blood on the Tracks album, which also includes beloved tracks like “Tangled Up in Blue” and “Idiot Wind.” At nearly nine minutes long, the song has been criticized for having lyrics that are difficult to follow, with many listeners opting to skip it. However, Rolling Stone suggests that the stripped-down version on 2018’s The Bootleg Series Vol. 14: More Blood, More Tracks is a superior rendition.
Not everyone agrees with the assessment of “Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts,” including actor Kevin Bacon, who described it as a “super, super fun song” in a 2024 Instagram video, stating, “It’s a great story if you follow it.” Beyond Blood on the Tracks, Dylan has had other songs that critics have deemed as not living up to the rest of the album, with a total of four mentions on the Terrible Songs on Great Albums list.
In addition to “Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts,” Dylan’s “Rainy Day Women # 12 & 35” from Blonde on Blonde, “Joey” from Desire, and “Ballad in Plain D” from Another Side of Bob Dylan have also made the list. Despite these less-favored songs, Dylan’s legacy as a prolific folk singer-songwriter remains unquestionable.
Bob Dylan’s impact on music cannot be understated, but even he has songs that don’t quite hit the mark. As a revered artist with a storied career, Dylan’s work is still celebrated and analyzed, showcasing the complexities of his artistry and the varied reactions it elicits from listeners.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.