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Rainy Day Women
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"Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" is a song by Bob Dylan and the opening track of his 1966 album, Blonde on Blonde.
Many people believe that the song actually refers to the trials of relationships with women.[citation needed] In Robert Shelton's book No Direction Home (unrelated to the documentary), a biography of Dylan from his birth through to the late 80's, it is claimed that the song was banned by British and American radio stations due to the paranoia about "rock drug songs". (The lyrics feature the repeated phrases "they'll stone you" and "everybody must get stoned". Also, 12 multiplied by 35 is 420.) Another interpretation is that Dylan, as a jab at critics claiming subtle drug references in rock music of the time, wrote a song that seemed to clearly be about drugs, but was actually about the civil rights movement. (Consider the lyric "They'll stone ya when you're tryin' to keep your seat.")
The song was covered by The Black Crowes, first released as a b-side from the 1992 "Hotel Illness" single. Then in 1995, The Black Crowes version was also added to the "Hempilation - freedom is norml" benefit album for the N.O.R.M.L. organization. The song was also covered by Sammy Hagar on his 2006 album Livin' It Up.
The song is a fan favorite at Dylan's concerts to this day. Often times the main lyric, 'everybody must get stoned,' is sung by the audience so loud that Dylan's voice cannot be heard.
- Shelton, Robert (1986). No Direction Home; The Life And Music of Bob Dylan. 27 Wrights Lane, London. Penguin Books. ISBN 0-14-010296-5