Highway 61 Revisited is one of only a few genuine staples of Bob Dylan’s live sets, I suppose. He obviously enjoys rearranging it for each new tour, and I have to say I don’t get tired of hearing each new spin on it (which I wouldn’t say to the same extent about every song — doubtless because I’m spoiled). It’s always a barn burner, and I think that Dylan and his various bands have always done great in playing with the internal dynamics of the piece.

There’s a version here from 1993 — a June 19th performance in Beersheba, Israel, with John Jackson, Bucky Baxter, Tony Garnier of-course, and Winston Watson. Say what you like: I guess I get a certain kick out of the idea of Bob Dylan singing this particular song in the Holy Land.

Oh God said to Abraham, “Kill me a son”
Abe says, “Man, you must be puttin’ me on”
God say, “No.” Abe say, “What?”
God say, “You can do what you want Abe, but
The next time you see me comin’ you better run”
Well Abe says, “Where do you want this killin’ done?”
God says, “Out on Highway 61.”

Dylan also closed this show with a very sweet version of It Ain’t Me Babe.

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