Subterranean Homesick Blues

Subterranean Homesick Blues has many clips that can be injected into a digital video collage that reflects aspects of the economic and political situation of our society today. When I see the cards such as “get jailed”, “Fail”, “here they come”, “new fool”, “dayshift”, “scandals”, and “the vandals took the handles”, a variety of images come to my head. “Here they come” and “get jailed” I imagine being interjected with images and video of police and protesters from the DNC/ RNC protests that just took place. “Here they come” would interlace with images of policemen moving step by step in their riot gear shouting “move”. “Get jailed” would show protesters being handcuffed and video clips of journalists being thrown up against cars by the police before being hauled off to jail. “Plain clothes” could be used with images of undercover cops. For “new fool” I imagine a politician surrounded by cheering crowds talking the talk, but in the end, not delivering on his or her promises. “Suckcess” and “dayshift” would refer to the average worker clocking in day after day, working hard for the American dream, and yet, never actually obtaining it. The card “suckcess” may make one question what success really means. Does it mean slaving away everyday just to buy more stuff and have more security even if you are miserable? “Scandals” and “the vandles took the handles” would refer to the current economic situation of the country and its direct affect on people’s pocketbooks. A variety of images would be used to show banks being saved from collapse with tax-payer money, the effect of the Enron fiasco on the worker’s lives, and the current mortgage crisis. Additionally, photos and video clips of the “Bushville” that was set up outside one of the conventions would be spliced together with images of people who for the first time in their lives are going to food banks because they can no longer get jobs etc. Historical references could also be made to Hooverville and other Great Depression footage.
Additionally, beyond using the exact text from this video, I could also play around with the idea of using written words on cards or other objects in place of people singing or talking. There could be so many variations to using text in such a manner. Rather than one person holding a card with text, there could be four. Or maybe, there would be no people, but just floating objects with words.
The video also shows that it is possible to make an art film in a very simple manner and yet still retain the interest of the audience. By making just a few changes to the words, the video keeps the audience on its toes.
Also, Dylan’s video shows that a musical video does not need to show the singer actually singing or playing instruments. Unlike a live performance where the performer must perform his talent, the video does not make the same demand. It allows Bob Dylan the opportunity to exist in the background, behind his words. He is no longer the focal point, but only a part of the entire video-art piece. The video, in its intriguingly simple format, does not even demand that he show any charisma. To me, that is very interesting because usually a live performance is largely about the stage presence of the performer!
As for the sounds, I’d sample “You don’t need a weatherman to see which way the wind blows”, “20 years of schooling and they put you on the day shift”, “Better stay away from those that carry a fire hose” and “I’m on the pavement thinking about the government”. I like the fact that the music is very upbeat and yet the lyrics, used within the right setting, could talk about serious subjects. The upbeat nature of the music could add a bit of humor or light-heartedness to a serious piece and I think that is key.