If not for you
Babe, I couldn't find the door
Couldn't even see the floor
I'd be sad and blue
If not for you

If not for you
Babe, I'd lay awake all night
Wait for the mornin' light
To shine in through
But it would not be new
If not for you

If not for you
My sky would fall
Rain would gather too
Without your love I'd be nowhere at all
I'd be lost if not for you
And you know it's true

If not for you
My sky would fall
Rain would gather too
Without your love I'd be nowhere at all
Oh! What would I do
If not for you

If not for you
Winter would have no spring
Couldn't hear the robin sing
I just wouldn't have a clue
Anyway it wouldn't ring true
If not for you


Lyrics submitted by Purplestardust, edited by Mellow_Harsher

If Not for You Lyrics as written by Bob Dylan

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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If Not for You song meanings
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8 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment

    "In the heartless, mechanical, Land of Darkest Night Where answers flee and questions can kill a boy Our hearts are made weary by the thoughts of what is "right" For we are told we are wrong when all we want it joy But a lantern, a light, in a distant window glows It is the warmth of the woman whose love she has gave me Each woman is unique in the form that God chose But mine, she shines on, to protect and to save me"

    -Jamie Daniel, American Poet, 2003

    This describes the meaning of this song to me.

    TheThornBirdson February 21, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I cant believe I am the first one to comment on this song. I think its such a great song. Basically just telling his significant other that she means EVERYTHING to him, and that without her he wouldnt have anything and nowhere to go. She holds up his entire world. Such a great lovesong

    vipergt196on February 09, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I'm also suprised no one commented on this before viperqt196...but no one needs to comment on it now cus viper got it right. Like a few other Dylan songs, this one seems to be pretty straight forward with a clear meaning. It's just a beautiful expression of exactly what talentless people would say if they could. He's so good cus his words and music are what everyone feels and has felt..and his songs make you feel those things again. He just knows exactly how to describe certain wonderful experiences, emotions, etc.

    SexieSadieon June 08, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Love this song. So much. Has anyone heard the George Harrison version? It's also beautiful. I love the way it's so clear about the love he feels and the way no words are minced - it's just how he feels. Lovely!

    xanyaon June 17, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I loved this song when performed by both Bob and George, but I think the best version is from the Concert for Bangladesh rehearsals. The way they stare at each other for the duratiion of the song makes it looks as if their singing to each other. It's beautiful

    Deadparrot1088on December 19, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I loved this song when performed by both Bob and George, but I think the best version is from the Concert for Bangladesh rehearsals. The way they stare at each other for the duratiion of the song makes it looks as if their singing to each other. It's beautiful

    Deadparrot1088on December 19, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I had read that he wrote this song to Sarah after she took care of him and looked after him after the motorcycle accident. As a thank you song. Those were the best years of them together but he got better and when he decided to go back to the music he left his wife and family behind...

    midnight_listeneron January 01, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    one cool thing is that when the message of the lyrics is clear, its music also is like "I'll be your baby tonight"

    cavernon March 14, 2007   Link

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