By way of a break from Modern Times: thanks to reader Dana who e-mails to remark on Dylan’s performance of his song Lenny Bruce on August 23rd in Reading, Pennsylvania. (Click here for clip.)

The fan reviewers called it “out of left field” and “the oddball choice.” Another lamented the fact that it was “lost on most of the crowd” while another “wonder[ed] what Dylan was trying to tell us with that one.”

I have little to no personal knowledge or experience with Lenny Bruce given the fact that I turned seven several months after he died. I, however, always liked the song due to its sentiment. I believe it is very important to remember and honor those who have gone before us, especially those whose life impacted ours in some positive way. This sentiment of mine probably explains why I love the Theme Time show so much.

I, also, loved the fact that though Bruce was a highly controversial character Dylan included him on his third “Gospel trilogy” album, “Shot of Love.” To me, it heralded a determination to begin integrating his faith and commitment to Jesus Christ with “real life” themes in his songs. The time of preaching was over. He had said what he had to say (I think he said that somewhere) and was going to begin applying this new “way of thinking” and “set of rules” to old problems, issues and questions. Lessons over. Livin’ begins.

I have always thought of “Lenny” as kind of a “bridge” song between the two approaches and, as such, have always thought it interesting that “Lenny” is placed between “Property of Jesus” and “Watered-Down Love” on the album. I think “Lenny” marked the end of the cocky “we’ve got Dylan”-era for the Christian community as he began to challenge them (us) to do less talkin’ and more walkin’.

Having said that, consider the following from Wikipedia regarding Lenny Bruce and his passing in 1966 [italics/bold mine]:

“On August 3, 1966, Bruce was found dead at the age of 40 in the bathroom of his Hollywood Hills home, lying naked with a pair of trousers around his ankles. A syringe and burned bottle cap were found nearby, along with various other narcotics paraphernalia. His official cause of death was acute morphine poisoning caused by an accidental overdose.[1]

He was interred in Eden Memorial Park Cemetery in Mission Hills, California, but an unconventional memorial on August 21 was controversial enough to keep his name in the spotlight. The service saw over 500 people pay their respects, led by legendary record producer Phil Spector. Cemetery officials had tried to block the ceremony after ads for the event encouraged attendees to bring box lunches and noisemakers. Dick Schaap famously eulogized Bruce in Playboy, with the memorable last line: “Finally, one last four-letter word concerning Lenny Bruce: Dead. At forty. That’s obscene.” ”

I am of the mind (romantic, as it is) that there isn’t much that Dylan says or does in print (written, recorded, what have you) that isn’t deliberate. I sure don’t think he intends for everything to be profound but I don’t think most things are accidental, either. He strikes me as the kind of guy who likes to be in control. Whether he is sharing a “deep thought” or a snapshot into a mood or state of mind it seems he does so only when and how he wants to. Most of the time.

It is, therefore, more than a coincidence that during the first concert, August 23, following the 40 year anniversary of the memorial celebrating Bruce’s 40 year life, Dylan chooses to sing his song. What is he “trying to tell us?” I don’t know, for sure. But, I am fairly certain it’s no accident.

When I noticed Lenny Bruce in the August 23rd set list and remarked on it, Mrs. RWB said that it must be an anniversary. I looked it up and saw Bruce’s death on August 3rd, 1966, and thought, “That’s close, but not so close as to be worthy of remark.” Dana puts things together in a way that might well make one think again. (Maybe add to the milieu the curious fascination that DJ Dylan has with the time and manner of people’s deaths, on his XM Radio show.) And Dana’s remarks about Shot Of Love — “Lessons over. Livin’ begins.” — are very well taken indeed. Good stuff.

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