Bob Dylan’s Unfinished ‘Mr. Tambourine Man’ Lyrics Sell for $508,000 at Auction

Dylan’s Early Lyrics Sell for Record Price

Unfinished lyrics penned by Bob Dylan for his iconic song “Mr. Tambourine Man” fetched a staggering $508,000 at auction Saturday, marking a new high for the sale of the singer-songwriter’s early drafts. The sale took place at Julien’s Auctions in Nashville, as part of the “Celebrating Bob Dylan: The Aronowitz Archive, T Bone Burnett & More” collection.

The typed drafts, brimming with Dylan’s handwritten revisions and notes, offer an intimate glimpse into the genesis of the 1965 masterpiece. They come from the estate of the late music journalist Al Aronowitz, a close friend of Dylan who claimed the drafts were written at his New Jersey home in 1964. Myles Aronowitz, Al’s son, discovered the treasure trove of Dylan memorabilia.

“These lyrics are more than just words on a page; they’re a portal into the mind of a young Bob Dylan, capturing the very moment inspiration struck,” said a Julien’s Auctions representative. “Their sale price reflects not only their historical significance but also the enduring fascination with Dylan’s creative process.”

A Trove of Dylan Treasures

The auction wasn’t just about the “Mr. Tambourine Man” lyrics. Over sixty items from Aronowitz’s personal collection went under the hammer, showcasing the breadth of Dylan’s artistic output and his close relationship with the journalist.

Item	Sale Price
“Mr. Tambourine Man” Lyrics (Draft)	$508,000
1983 Fender Telecaster (played by Dylan)	$222,250
1968 Dylan Painting	$260,000
“Blowin’ in the Wind” Lyrics (Draft)	$44,450
Denim Jacket (worn by Dylan in Hearts of Fire)	$25,400

The sale of a 1983 Fender Telecaster played by Dylan for $222,250 and a 1968 Dylan painting for $260,000 underscores the fervent demand for Dylan memorabilia. Even a denim jacket worn by Dylan in the 1986 film Hearts of Fire fetched $25,400. The Aronowitz collection brought in nearly $1.5 million, exceeding expectations and likely fueling speculation about the potential value of other undiscovered Dylan artifacts.

Deciphering Dylan’s Creative Process

The “Mr. Tambourine Man” lyrics, with their crossed-out lines and rewritten verses, offer a unique opportunity to study Dylan’s songwriting process. Some experts suggest that comparing the early drafts to the final version of the song may reveal how Dylan’s techniques evolved during this pivotal period in his career. Others believe the drafts might shed light on the influences and inspirations that shaped his writing. However, the interpretation of these drafts is still an ongoing process. More research is needed to fully understand their significance.

The sale’s timing, coinciding with the release of Dylan’s latest album, A Complete Unknown, likely contributed to the heightened interest and record-breaking price. This raises intriguing questions about the future of the Dylan memorabilia market. Will this sale inspire other collectors to unearth hidden gems? Will prices continue to climb? Only time will tell.

The Aronowitz Connection

Al Aronowitz, a prominent figure in the 1960s music scene, played a key role in shaping Dylan’s public image. He was among the first journalists to recognize Dylan’s talent, and his articles helped introduce the young singer-songwriter to a wider audience. The fact that these early drafts were preserved by Aronowitz adds another layer of significance to their historical value. It’s a testament to Aronowitz’s foresight and his appreciation for Dylan’s genius.

The Legacy Continues

The auction of the “Mr. Tambourine Man” lyrics and other Dylan memorabilia highlights the enduring power of his artistry. It suggests that Dylan’s influence transcends generations, resonating with both longtime fans and new listeners. The sale also underscores the growing market for rock and roll memorabilia, as collectors clamor for tangible connections to their musical heroes. The lyrics, now in the hands of an anonymous buyer, will likely continue to inspire discussion and debate about Dylan’s creative process and his enduring legacy. Their rediscovery and subsequent sale serve as a reminder that even discarded scraps of paper can hold immense value, both historically and financially. The artifacts themselves, carefully preserved, become physical embodiments of a specific historical moment, sparking new avenues of scholarly exploration into Dylan’s influences and ongoing artistic development.