Bob Dylan - Property of Jesus

Dylan is one of the most prolific lyricists of our generation. He accepted Christ in the late 1970s, and wrote some of the most profound songs concerning modern Christianity. His Christian-era albums include: Slow Train Coming, Saved, and Shot of Love. By 1982, he had lost faith...but the songs have aged amazingly well.

"Property Of Jesus" by Bob Dylan

Go ahead and talk about him because he makes you doubt
Because he has denied himself the things that you can't live without
Laugh at him behind his back just like the others do
Remind him of what he used to be when he comes walking through.

He's the property of Jesus
Resent him to the bone
You got something better
You've got a heart of stone.

Stop your conversation when he passes on the street
Hope he falls upon himself, oh, won't that be sweet
Because he can't be exploited by superstition anymore
Because he can't be bribed or bought by the things that you adore.

When the whip that's keeping you in line doesn't make him jump
Say he's hard-of-hearing, say that he's a chump
Say he's out of step with reality as you try to test his nerve
Because he doesn't pay tribute to the king that you serve.

Say that he's a loser 'cause he got no common sense
Because he don't increase his worth at someone else's expense
Because he's not afraid of trying, say he's got no style
'Cause he doesn't tell you jokes or fairy tales, say things that make you smile.

You can laugh at salvation, you can play Olympic games
You think that when you rest at last you'll go back from where you came
But you're picked up quite a story and you've changed since the womb
What happened to the real you, you've been captured but by whom ?

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Bob Dylan
• Property of Jesus
• Dylan Christian-era music

[FirstAGVictoria]

Like

Bob Dylan is one of the most prolific lyricists of our generation. He accepted Christ in the late 1970s, and wrote some of the most profound songs concerning modern Christianity. His Christian-era albums include: Slow Train Coming, Saved, and Shot of Love. By 1982, he had lost faith...but the songs have aged amazingly well.

[joemoody]

Bob Dylan did not lose his faith in 1982, he simply expanded out from the Evangelical phase. He still writes lyrics like "I know the mercy of God must be near" and "I know God is my shield, and he won't lead me astray" and "Death is not the End." He still sings Gospel songs, ie with Mavis Staples in Change my Way of Thinkin' where is sings "Jesus is calling." He even sang for the Pope in the late 90s. In his Newsweek interview he said songs like "I Saw the Light" (about Jesus) are his religion.

[cocoinfinity1]

Once you know jesus there is no going back. Their gonna know that we are christian by our love. Whitney houston is with the lord tonight i know this.

[ufozmankato]

@FirstAGVictoria Very well put. Love this.

[djepsonatmastnet]

Bob Dylan did not lose his faith! This is from Wikipedia: "In a 2009 interview with Bill Flanagan promoting his Christmas LP, Christmas in the Heart, Flanagan commented on the "heroic performance" Dylan gave of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and that Dylan "delivered the song like a true believer". Dylan replied: "Well, I am a true believer."

I worked for a living, as most everyone else on YouTube. BUT I did not spend my work time talking about being Christian. Music is his job.

[ColdRoses]

Might want to look at these songs in the future too. All of these are after his so called "Christian phase" too. Instead of entire songs devoted to Christianity, he mentions it in passing now, as if it naturally belongs there. Might even just be a line or two, but it's there.

- Til I Fell In Love With You

- Standing in the doorway

- Thunder on the Mountain

- Nettie Moore

- High Water (For Charley Patton)

- Tryin To Get To Heaven

- Jokerman

- Ring Them Bells

- Workingman Blues #2

[ezrapoundtotselliot]

why does everyone say bob lost his religion,he done the deal and lives out his life in a god fearing way.He still tells the truth and is as christ like as any body born again so to set the story straight if your going to heaven plan on seeing mr. Bob Dylan im gonna get a front row seat up there right Jesus? with love Jeff

[TheShakespeareBlues]

Yeah Dylan never lost faith - he just couldn't keep on with this format for too long. These songs only reach people who already believe. His audience is made up mostly of people who want to believe but aren't quite there yet. He helps you there.

[Katragew]

this song is so uplifting...hope he does this song in Aug when I see him

[Katragew]

I'm just pleased that he found Christ. That is why he is still with us, God's not done with him yet. He still has much to to contribute.

[BigDtootall]

Its always the last place you look when you finally find it.