I can survive and I can endure,
And I don’t even think about her…
The best way to read the lyrics to this song is to imagine you are catching up with a friend. You ask, “how are you?” You expect to hear “fine”. Instead, your friend pauses and says,” Well…most of the time I’m halfway content…” I would say to them “it’s that bad?”
This song’s meaning is not about most of the time–when the narrator is doing okay. “Most of The Time” is about the other times–the times the narrator has difficulty even talking or thinking about. He can only allude to these emotions.
Is it pride that stops him? Or embarrassment? Does he not want reveal commit to words that he might later regret? Or is the pain so bad that it would hurt to talk about the specifics? Probably all three.
“Most of the Time” is extremely vulnerable and intimate for a Dylan song. The narrator is hurting due to a breakup. But only some of the time! He speaks as if he is trying to convince himself (and us!) that most of the time he is fine, however, we can tell he is—in fact–not in a good place mentally.
From the verse to the bridge, the music and tone seem to shift from somber to agitated; and he ends the bridge angry. We can tell he is still emotional. If he is not lying to himself, he is only barely fine most of the time. This song shows off one thing about Dylan’s voice that is great—his ability to vocally emote. We know what he is saying and how he feels during “Most of the Time”. His ability to craft a song also stands out–as it often does.
“Most of the Time” is slightly deeper track of Dylan’s–if there is such a thing. You don’t meet many casual Dylan fans. There are people who like Rainy Day Women, and there’s people who know every lyric to every song from every bootleg. Thus, it is hard to judge just how beloved certain Dylan songs are when Dylanites seem to love all of them. Though, perhaps this is true of any fanbase.
Click here for another great Dylan deep track.
Most of the Time Lyrics
Most of the time
I’m clear focused all around,
Most of the time
I can keep both feet on the ground.
I can follow the path,
I can read the signs.
Stay right with it
When the road unwinds.
I can handle whatever I stumble upon.
I don’t even notice that she’s gone.
Most of the time.
Most of the time
It’s well understood,
Most of the time
I wouldn’t change it if I could.
I can’t make it all match up,
I can hold my own;
I can deal with the situation
Right down to the bone.
I can survive and I can endure,
And I don’t even think about her.
Most of the time.
Most of the time
My head is on straight.
Most of the time
I’m strong enough not to hate.
I don’t build up illusion
‘Til it makes me sick,
I ain’t afraid of confusion,
No matter how thick.
I can smile in the face of mankind.
Don’t even remember
What her lips felt like on mine.
Most of the time.
Most of the time
She ain’t even in my mind.
I wouldn’t know her if I saw her,
She’s that far behind.
Most of the time
I can’t even be sure,
If she was ever with me,
Or if I was ever with her.
Most of the time,
I’m halfway content.
Most of the time,
I know exactly where it all went.
I don’t cheat on myself,
I don’t run and hide.
Hide from the feelings
That are buried inside.
I don’t compromise,
And I don’t pretend.
I don’t even care
If I ever see her again.
Most of the time.
Songwriter: Bob Dylan