The Beatles Song Bob Dylan Wasn’t a Fan Of–Despite it Being Inspired by Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan is an inspiring figure for many musicians. In one way or another, the folk icon has been integral in the craft of modern songwriting. While some artists use his inspiration a little more loosely, some have gotten a little too close for Dylan’s comfort. He once thought the Beatles–specifically John Lennon–essentially copied his music note for note. Find out which Fab Four song Dylan disliked because of that, below.

[RELATED: A “Drained” Bob Dylan Nearly Quit Music Altogether in 1965: Behind the Writing Session That Changed Everything]

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The Beatles Song Bob Dylan Wasn’t a Fan Of

The Beatles and Dylan’s relationship was amicable at times–complicated at others. “Norwegian Wood” was one of the complicated times. The folkie cut from Rubber Soul bared a striking resemblance to something The Bard would’ve written in the mid-’60s–at least according to Dylan.

When he listened to “Norwegian Wood”–and by extension, the rest of Rubber Soul–Dylan felt like Lennon had swerved too far into his lane. “What is this? It’s me, Bob,” Dylan once said. “[John’s] doing me! Even Sonny and Cher are doing me, but, fucking hell, I invented it.”

“The Beatles are accepted, and you’ve got to accept them for what they do,” he continued. “They play songs like ‘Michelle’ and ‘Yesterday,’ a lot of smoothness there.”

[RELATED: 3 Legendary Artists Who Were Rejected by Record Labels—and How They Changed the Course of Music History]

I once had a girl

Or should I say she once had me

She showed me her room

Isn’t it good Norwegian wood?

It is hard to deny that Lennon likely took inspiration from Dylan while writing this song. The simple guitar melody paired with the well-crafted lyrics wouldn’t be out of place on a Dylan album. Moreover, we would imagine many artists would be thrilled to be synonymous with “a great melody and well-craft lyrics.” Nevertheless, Dylan wasn’t happy with other artists poaching his style.

No matter his feelings toward the subject, Dylan has been (and likely will always be) a major source of songwriting inspiration. He can’t blame his peers for following his superb lead.

She asked me to stay

And she told me to sit anywhere

So I looked around

And I noticed there wasn’t a chair

I sat on a rug biding my time

Drinking her wine

We talked until two and then she said

“It’s time for bed”

Revisit “Norwegian Wood,” below.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Shutterstock