The Most Powerful Song Bob Dylan Ever Heard: “If You Heard the Record, You’d Know What I Mean”

Bob Dylan famously “went electric” in 1965. His passion for rock n’ roll pushed him to leave the confines of folk behind, in favor of something more rousing. Dylan has never been shy about professing his rock inspirations–of which he had many. One artist in particular created a song that Dylan once called “one of the most powerful records” he ever heard. Find out which song that is, below.

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The Most Powerful Song Bob Dylan Ever Heard: “If You Heard the Record, You’d Know What I Mean”

I’m alive!
And I see things mighty clear today
I’m alive!
I’m alive!
And I’m breathin’ clean fresh air today, I’m alive!

Yes I…
And I’m real!
I can taste and touch and see and feel I’m alive
I’m alive!
And I’m doin’ my thing and singin’ my song, I’m alive!
Oh yeah, hey!

There were many burgeoning rocks stars in the early ’60s. Though the genre was still in its infancy, it was spreading like wildfire, propping up many artists of the era. Bob Dylan eventually decided to get in on that action. While many things led to that decision, there was one song that Dylan found particularly moving.

Johnny Thunder might not be the most recognizable name in rock–at least by casual listeners’ standards–but he was once heralded by The Bard. Dylan once put Thunder’s song “I’m Alive” on a pedestal.

“It was one of the most powerful records I’ve ever heard,” Dylan once said of this song. “It’s called ‘I’m Alive.’ By Johnny Thunder. Well, it was that sentiment, truly expressed. That’s the most I can say…if you heard the record, you’d know what I mean.”

He went on to say that all of his peers that heard “I’m Alive” were similarly moved. Though Dylan went electric before this Thunder track was released, it no doubt gave him fuel to keep going with his unique brand of folk rock.

We have to agree with Bob Dylan here, one listen to this song and you’ll see why the folk legend loves this record. Check out “I’m Alive,” below.

Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby!
I’m a man!
Who cares if my hair is a little bit long, I’m alive!
I’m a man!

And I’m red and yellow and black and tan, I’m a man!
I’m alive!
Sittin’ here, girl and doin’ my things
I’m alive
You better believe me

(Photo by PIERRE GUILLAUD/AFP via Getty Images)