Bob Dylan is undoubtedly a masterful musician, and some even go so far as to proclaim him the greatest artist in history. Despite skeptics in the comments section, many firmly believe that a century from now, this viewpoint will receive validation, and opponents will be unable to refute it.
Nevertheless, there is an enduring sense of perplexity regarding this unusual mark on his otherwise illustrious career. It’s almost akin to a scenario where Michelangelo might have carelessly applied a crude and out-of-place design to a corner of the Sistine Chapel. This peculiar aspect revolves around Dylan’s song “Wiggle Wiggle,” and the reasons and implications behind it have remained unexplored.
One might ponder whether “Wiggle Wiggle” was crafted as a jest. This act could have been a deliberate effort to challenge the established brilliance of his extensive body of work. It aimed to create a stark and intentional contrast, possibly for artistic or provocative purposes.
Could a sophisticated PR strategy have included it as a component with the intention of profoundly bewildering audiences to attract attention? Did Dylan, in his own perception, realize that his artistic reputation had declined to such an extent? Did he feel that criticism appeared disproportionately magnified when weighed against his former greatness? Perhaps, in a somewhat disgruntled manner, he entered the creative process with the intent to undermine his previous work. It was as if he sought to prove that his earlier efforts deserved more recognition through this unconventional approach.
The truth behind these speculations remains elusive, but many widely regard “Wiggle Wiggle” as a mysterious and baffling addition to Dylan’s repertoire.
In fact, its inclusion as the opening track on his 1990 album “Under the Red Sky” raised eyebrows. This decision led many to question its suitability for such a prominent position. The song has essentially become an enigmatic oddity. Some individuals believe that it should never have been released, thus sparing the world from the bewilderment it has caused.
Nonetheless, there’s a hopeful lesson to draw from this episode: it underscores the fallibility of every individual, even iconic figures like Bob Dylan.
“Wiggle Wiggle” emerged during a period when Dylan found himself in the studio with a dearth of creative ideas. Having already enriched the world with a wealth of musical treasures, he didn’t rest on his laurels. Instead, he actively confronted his creative block, even though the results fell short of his expectations.
Reflecting on this period in a 2006 interview with Rolling Stone, Dylan candidly admitted to a sense of disillusionment. He disclosed that he had ceded control of his creative process, focusing on crafting lyrics to fit the melodies.
This marked a stark contrast to his previous approach, where creativity flowed freely and possessed a unique magic. Dylan explained that achieving that kind of creative brilliance required “power and dominion over the spirits.” However, he had encountered such an experience only once and had never actively sought to replicate it.
While Bob Dylan acknowledges his ability to channel his artistic energy effectively during live performances. It has become increasingly challenging to transfer that passion onto a blank page.
This is especially true after having penned numerous masterpieces during those fervent and creative nights of his career.s. However, even with these insights, the decision to place “Wiggle Wiggle” as the opening track of an album remains a puzzling mystery. It leaves many wondering about the rationale behind this choice. Many listeners perceive it as a cautionary signal. It urges them to reconsider their commitment to the rest of the record.
