Hear An Early Outtake Of Bob Dylan's 'If You See Her, Say Hello' : All Songs Considered : NPR

About the song

In the vast and ever-evolving landscape of popular music, few artists have managed to leave an indelible mark quite like Bob Dylan. A true iconoclast and a master of lyrical artistry, Dylan’s music has transcended generations and genres, captivating audiences worldwide with its profound insights into the human condition. Among his extensive and celebrated repertoire, one song stands out as a poignant and deeply personal ballad: “If You See Her, Say Hello”.

Released in 1975 as part of Dylan’s critically acclaimed album Blood on the Tracks, “If You See Her, Say Hello” is a haunting meditation on love, loss, and the lingering echoes of a past relationship. With its melancholic melody and Dylan’s signature poetic verses, the song paints a vivid portrait of a man grappling with the aftermath of a heartbreak.

The song’s opening lines immediately set the tone, establishing a sense of longing and distance: “If you see her, say hello / She might be in Tangier / She left here last early spring / Is livin’ there, I hear.” Dylan’s voice, imbued with a world-weary weariness, carries the weight of unrequited love and the passage of time.

As the song progresses, the narrator’s emotions unfold with raw honesty. He reminisces about the past, recalling the moments of joy and connection that once characterized his relationship. Yet, these memories are now bittersweet, tinged with the pain of separation and the realization that things have irrevocably changed.

Despite the heartache, Dylan’s protagonist maintains a sense of respect and admiration for his former lover. He acknowledges her decision to leave, recognizing her need for freedom and independence. This bittersweet acceptance adds a layer of complexity to the song, highlighting the narrator’s maturity and emotional depth.

The chorus serves as a poignant refrain, a simple yet powerful plea for connection: “If you get close to her / Kiss her once for me / I always have respected her / For doin’ what she did and gettin’ free.” These lines encapsulate the narrator’s lingering affection and his willingness to let go, allowing his love to exist without the burden of expectations or possessiveness.

As the song draws to a close, the narrator reflects on the enduring impact of his lost love: “She still lives inside of me / We’ve never been apart.” This realization underscores the profound and transformative nature of love, even in its unrequited form. The song’s final lines, “Sundown, yellow moon / I replay the past / I know every scene by heart / They all went by so fast,” capture the bittersweet nostalgia that lingers long after a relationship has ended.

“If You See Her, Say Hello” is a testament to Bob Dylan’s ability to craft songs that resonate deeply with listeners. Its honest portrayal of love, loss, and the enduring power of memories makes it a timeless classic, a song that continues to touch hearts and inspire generations. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal themes and Dylan’s masterful ability to capture the complexities of the human experience.

Video

Lyrics

If you see her, say helloShe might be in TangierShe left here last early springIs livin’ there, I hear
Say for me that I’m all rightThough things get kind of slowShe might think that I’ve forgotten herDon’t tell her it isn’t so
We had a falling-outLike lovers often willAnd to think of how she left that nightIt still brings me a chill
And though our separationIt pierced me to the heartShe still lives inside of meWe’ve never been apart
If you get close to herKiss her once for meAlways have respected herFor doin’ what she did and gettin’ free
Oh, whatever makes her happyI won’t stand in the wayThough the bitter taste still lingers onFrom the night I tried to make her stay
I see a lot of peopleAs I make the roundsAnd I hear her name here and thereAs I go from town to town
And I’ve never gotten used to itI’ve just learned to turn it offEither I’m too sensitiveOr else I’m gettin’ soft
Sundown, yellow moonI replay the pastI know every scene by heartThey all went by so fast
If she’s passin’ back this wayI’m not that hard to findTell her she can look me upIf she’s got the time

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