“The Ballad of Hollis Brown” is a haunting song by Bob Dylan that tells the tragic story of a struggling farmer who becomes overwhelmed by poverty and despair. The lyrics paint a bleak picture of Hollis Brown’s life as he sees his crops fail, his wife and children suffer, and his dreams slip away. The song captures the desperation and hopelessness that can consume a person when faced with overwhelming hardship and adversity.
Dylan’s stark, powerful storytelling and evocative imagery create a sense of empathy and understanding for Hollis Brown’s plight. The repetitive nature of the song’s structure, with each verse ending in the chilling refrain “There’s seven people dead on a South Dakota farm,” reinforces the sense of dread and inevitability that pervades the narrative.
Overall, “The Ballad of Hollis Brown” is a powerful and poignant reflection on the harsh realities of poverty and the toll it can take on a person’s spirit. Through the tragic tale of Hollis Brown, Dylan reminds us of the importance of compassion, empathy, and action in the face of human suffering.
Image by Ai Junkie
