Crossing The Rubicon

Bob Dylan © 2020 Special Rider Music

(Official lyrics @ www.bobdylan.com)

  Rough And Rowdy Days sessions, Sunset Sound Studio LA - January/February 2020 ?  

I crossed the Rubicon on the 14th day of the most dangerous month of the year
At the worst time, at the worst place that's all I seem to hear
I got up early so I could greet the goddess of the dawn
I painted my wagon, abandoned all hope an' I crossed the Rubicon 

Well, the Rubicon is the red river goin' gently as she flows 
Redder than your ruby lips and the blood that flows from the rose
Three miles north of purgatory, one step from the great beyond
I prayed to the cross, I kissed the girls an' I crossed the Rubicon 

What are these dark days I see in this world so badly bent
How can I redeem the time the time so idly spent
How much longer can it last, how long can it go on
I embraced my love, put down my head an' I crossed the Rubicon 

I can feel the bones beneath my skin and they're tremblin' with rage 
I'll make your wife a widow, you'll never see old age 
Show me one good man in sight that the sun shines down upon 
I pawned my watch, I payed my debts an' I crossed the Rubicon 

Put my heart upon the hill where some happiness I'll find
If I survive then let me love, let the hour be mine
Take the high road, take the low, take any one you're on 
I poured the cup, I passed it along an' I crossed the Rubicon 

Well you defiled the most lovely flower in all of womanhood
Others can be tolerant, others can be good 
I'll cut you up with a crooked knife, lord, and I'll miss you when you're gone 
I stood between heaven and earth an' I crossed the Rubicon 

You won't find any happiness here though, no happiness or joy 
Go back to the gutter, try your luck, find yourself a nice pretty boy 
Tell me how many men I need and who can I count upon 
I strapped my belt, I buttoned my coat an' I crossed the Rubicon 

I feel the holy spirit inside, see the light that freedom gives
I believe it's in the reach of every man who lives 
Keep as far away as possible, it's darkest 'fore the dawn
I turned the key an' broke it off an' I crossed the Rubicon 

Mona baby, are you still in my mind, I truly believe that you are
Couldn't be anybody else but you who's come with me this far
The killing frost is on the ground and the autumn leaves are gone 
I lit the torch, I looked to the east an' I crossed the Rubicon.