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APOCALYPTIC EPIC

A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall

From The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan (1963)

Key: D Major Tempo: 84 BPM Difficulty: Intermediate Capo: None

Featured Performance

Live Performance

The Story Behind the Song

Written during the Cuban Missile Crisis in September 1962, each verse builds vivid, surrealist imagery of destruction and rebirth. The structure is based on the folk song "Lord Randall."

Dylan debuted it at Carnegie Hall, telling the audience "every line could be a song." Patti Smith's performance at the Nobel Prize ceremony in 2016 introduced it to a new generation.

Guitar Chords

Chords used:

D G A Em

Playing Tips:

  • • Key of D Major, no capo needed
  • • Tempo: 84 BPM - practice with a metronome
  • • Difficulty: Intermediate

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Quick Facts

Written:
September 1962
Recorded:
December 6, 1962
Released:
1963
Length:
6:55
Producer:
John Hammond

Official Lyrics

Read the complete lyrics on Bob Dylan's official website.

View Lyrics →

Notable Covers

  • Patti Smith 2016 Nobel ceremony
  • Bryan Ferry 1973
  • Edie Brickell 1990
  • Leon Russell 1970

Recognition

  • • Written during Cuban Missile Crisis
  • • Performed at Nobel ceremony 2016

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