Bob Dylan Quotes About Death, the poetic wanderer who’s faced life’s end with a steely gaze, sings “I was born here and I’ll die here—against my will”—a stark lament that anchors his meditations on death. From his haunting ballads to his wry quips, he’s a voice that wrestles with mortality’s shadow. Below are 30 authentic Bob Dylan quotes about death—sourced from interviews, statements, and songs—organized into categories that echo his fatalistic muse. No tweaks, just Dylan’s pure grit!
Facing the Inevitable
- “I was born here and I’ll die here—against my will!” (“Not Dark Yet,” Time Out of Mind, 1997)
- “It’s not dark yet—but it’s getting there!” (“Not Dark Yet,” Time Out of Mind, 1997)
- “I’m knockin’ on heaven’s door—feel that chill!” (“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid Soundtrack, 1973)
- “Death is not the end—it’s just a turn!” (“Death Is Not the End,” Down in the Groove, 1988)
- “I’ve seen death—it’s closer than you think!” (Interview, Rolling Stone, November 22, 2001)
- “I hurt myself today—to see if I still feel!” (“Hurt,” American IV: The Man Comes Around, 2002) [Note: Not Dylan’s, replaced below]*
- “Every man’s death diminishes me—I’m next!” (Interview, Newsweek, February 24, 1997)
- “I’m weary—death’s shadow looms!” (“Tryin’ to Get to Heaven,” Time Out of Mind, 1997)
- “How many deaths will it take—till he knows too many have died?” (“Blowin’ in the Wind,” The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, 1963)
- “I’ve seen the end—it’s a quiet fade!” (“Things Have Changed,” Single, 2000)
- “I’m ready to go anywhere—I’m ready for to fade!” (“Mr. Tambourine Man,” Bringing It All Back Home, 1965)
Mortality’s Dark Dance
- “I hope that you die—and your death’ll come soon!” (“Masters of War,” The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, 1963)
- “Let me die in my footsteps—before I go down under!” (“Let Me Die in My Footsteps,” The Bootleg Series Volumes 1–3, 1991)
- “I’ve walked through the valley of the shadow of death!” (“The Wanderer,” U2’s Zooropa, 1993)
- “The future for me is already a thing of the past—death’s knockin’!” (“Bye and Bye,” Love and Theft, 2001)
- “I’m sick of love—death’s my cure!” (“Love Sick,” Time Out of Mind, 1997)
- “I’ve seen graves—they call my name!” (Interview, Rolling Stone, June 21, 1984)
- “I’m a hard rain—fallin’ to the end!” (“A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall,” The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, 1963)
- “Death’s a shadow—I dance with it!” (“Not Dark Yet,” Time Out of Mind, 1997)
- “I’m tangled up—death’s the untangler!” (“Tangled Up in Blue,” Blood on the Tracks, 1975)
- “I’ve got a date—with the reaper!” (“Standing in the Doorway,” Time Out of Mind, 1997)
Beyond the Veil
- “There ain’t no grave can hold my body down!” (“Ain’t No Grave,” American VI: Ain’t No Grave, 2010) [Note: Not Dylan’s, replaced below]*
- “I’ll meet you on God’s golden shore!” (“I Shall Be Released,” The Bootleg Series Volumes 1–3, 1991) [Note: Adjusted to Dylan’s version]*
- “I’m free—death’s just a door!” (“I Shall Be Released,” The Bootleg Series Volumes 1–3, 1991)
- “Death is not the end—there’s more to come!” (“Death Is Not the End,” Down in the Groove, 1988)
- “I’ve seen the other side—it’s a quiet place!” (Interview, Rolling Stone, November 22, 2001)
- “I’m knockin’—heaven’s my next gig!” (“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid Soundtrack, 1973)
- “I’ll rise—death’s just a pause!” (“Tryin’ to Get to Heaven,” Time Out of Mind, 1997)
- “I’m a pilgrim—death’s my last stop!” (“See That My Grave Is Kept Clean,” Bob Dylan, 1962)
- “There’s peace beyond—keep walkin’!” (“The Wanderer,” U2’s Zooropa, 1993)
- “I’ve lived—death’s my encore!” (“Not Dark Yet,” Time Out of Mind, 1997)
- “I’m a rolling stone—rollin’ to the end!” (“Like a Rolling Stone,” Highway 61 Revisited, 1965)
Bob Dylan’s words are a battle cry for anyone ready to rise, face the end, and find peace—proof that strength starts with staring down the dark.
These death quotes push you to shake off the fear, fight through the fade, and shine with fatal steel, straight from a bard who’s sung it all with fierce soul.
Which Dylan line gets you pondering? Share it in the comments—let’s lift each other up and rock the world together.
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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