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LATE MASTERPIECE

Not Dark Yet

From Time Out of Mind (1997)

Key: E Major Tempo: 66 BPM Difficulty: Intermediate Capo: None

Featured Performance

Official Audio

The Story Behind the Song

A meditation on mortality from Dylan's comeback album, recorded while he was recovering from a serious heart infection. The atmospheric production by Daniel Lanois creates a haunting, cinematic feel.

Many consider it Dylan's finest late-career song. The weary, lived-in vocal delivery perfectly matches the lyrics about facing the end with hard-won wisdom.

Guitar Chords

Chords used:

E A B C#m

Playing Tips:

  • • Key of E Major, no capo needed
  • • Tempo: 66 BPM - practice with a metronome
  • • Difficulty: Intermediate

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Quick Facts

Written:
1996-1997
Recorded:
January 1997
Released:
1997
Length:
6:29
Producer:
Daniel Lanois

Official Lyrics

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

View Lyrics →

Notable Covers

  • Sinead O'Connor 2005
  • Marianne Faithfull 2005
  • Bettye LaVette 2010

Recognition

  • • Frequently cited as Dylan's best post-1970s song
  • • Grammy Album of the Year (album)

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