sweet melinda, the peasants call her the goddess of gloom. she speaks good english, and she invites you up into her room. and you’re so kind and careful not to go to her too soon. and she takes your voice and leaves you howling at the moon.

• just like tom thumb’s blues, highway 61 revisited (1965)

if you get close to her, kiss her once for me. i always have respected her for doing what she did and gettin’ free. oh, whatever makes her happy, i won’t stand in the way. though the bitter taste still lingers on from the night i tried to make her stay.

• if you see her, say hello, blood on the tracks, (1975)