I recently posted an article featuring 25 protest songs by Bob Dylan. Decided to follow up with posting a cover version for each of these songs. For some of his protest standards, it was hard to limit it to one, while in other cases, I had to do a bit more searching to find a cover.
John Brown – The Staple Singers
The Staple Singers ‘gospel-infused version appeared on their 1967 album Pray On. This version well conveys the message of the lyrics, which capture the brutal realities of combat, contrasting the glorified image of heroism with the devastating consequences faced by veterans.
Only a Hobo – Titus Andronicus
This version by the indie-rock band appears on their 2018 EP Home Alone on Halloween. The lyrics invite listeners to empathize with the struggles faced by those on the fringes of society.
Who Killed Davey Moore – Pete Seeger
Seeger’s version appeared on his 1963 live album We Shall Overcome, years before Dylan’s version was officially released on the 1991 box set The Bootleg Series Volumes 1–3. The song effectively explores themes of blame and societal responsibility that transcend beyond just the boxing ring.
Blowin’ In The Wind – Sam Cooke
Bob Dylan’s most covered song was hard to limit to one. Ended up selecting Sam Cooke’s live soulful performance from his 1964 album Sam Cooke at the Copa. Sam Cooke was so moved by this tune that it inspired him to write one of the best protest songs of all time, “A Change Is Gonna Come.”
A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall – Edie Brickell & New Bohemians
This version by the alternative folk rock band appeared on the soundtrack to the 1989 film Born on the Fourth of July. This dreamy version is well-suited to the vivid imagery of the poetic lyrics.
Masters of War – Eddie Vedder & Mike McCready
This version by Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder and Mike McCready was recorded during Bob Dylan’s 30th Anniversary concert that took place live at Madison Square Garden, New York, NY on October 16, 1992. Vedder’s intense vocals well convey the righteous indignation directed at greedy warmongers.
Oxford Town – Richie Havens
Havens frequently covered Dylan, including this funky rendition of Oxford Town, which appears on his 1968 album Electric Havens. The dark and gritty arrangement well conveys the themes of racial tension expressed in the lyrics about the integration of James Meredith, an African American student, into the University of Mississippi in 1962.
Talkin’ John Birch Society Blues – Steve Buscemi
This may be Bob Dylan’s least-covered tune of all time. This performance by actor Steve Buscemi took place at a Bob Dylan 77th Birthday concert. He humorously delivers the satirical lyrics about the 1960s Red Scare.
The Times They Are a-Changin’ – Odetta
Odetta was a key figure in the civil rights movement, and she effectively conveys the powerful message of change expressed in Dylan’s lyrics. Her rendition appeared on her 1965 album Odetta Sings Dylan. Dylan has also cited Odetta as an influence.
The Ballad of Hollis Brown – Rise Against
This intense version by the melodic hardcore band appears on the 2012 compilation Chimes of Freedom – The Songs of Bob Dylan – Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International. They understand the assignment of conveying the themes of alienation and desperation that are expressed in Dylan’s tragic tale.
Only a Pawn in Their Game – Barbara Dane
Barbara Dane was an important figure in the history of protest music, who sadly had a lower profile than she deserved, but she was greatly respected by Dylan. Dane originally recorded her version in 1964, but it remained unreleased until many years later when it was included on the definitive compilation Hot Jazz, Cool Blues & Hard-Hitting Songs.
The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll – Phranc
This powerful version by the self-proclaimed “All-American Jewish lesbian folksinger” appears on her 1985 album Folksinger. She does the lyrics justice in delivering the tragic story of Hattie Carroll, an African American waitress who was brutally killed by a wealthy white man, William Zanzinger.
With God on Our Side – Neville Brothers
This hauntingly gorgeous version by the Neville Brothers appears on their 1989 album Yellow Moon. There is a sense of mourning for the millions of deaths caused by wars and religious hypocrisy.
Chimes of Freedom – The Byrds
The folk rock band has a had considerable success covering Dylan songs such as their massive hit version of “Mr. Tambourine” (also the name of their 1965 album). On the same album is their pretty version of “Chimes of Freedom”.
Also, Bruce Springsteen’s live version has been featured as a Daily Dose of Protest.
Motorpsycho Nitemare – Strangelove
This version by the UK indie rock band appears on the 1993 compilation Outlaw Blues Volume Two – A Tribute to Bob Dylan.
Maggie’s Farm – Rage Against The Machine
This version is from RATM‘s 2000 cover album Renegades. This non-conformist anthem is the perfect match for the political rock band’s indignant rendering.
Subterranean Homesick Blues – The Lumineers featuring Andrew Bird
This rollicking Americana version was released as a single in 2017.
Dear Landlord – Joan Baez
With how intertwined their paths were and the role she had in helping to give Bob Dylan a platform, it is appropriate for her to appear on the list. This song appears on her 1968 album Any Day Now, an album made up of Dylan tunes. The abstract metaphorical nature of the lyrics works on both a political and personal level, and some of the lyrics could potentially apply to her relationship with Dylan.
George Jackson – Steel Pulse
This reggae version of Bob Dylan’s tribute to the slain Black Panther activist George Jackson appears on the UK roots reggae band’s 2004 album African Holocaust. The band previously recorded their tribute to George Jackson entitled “Uncle George,” which appeared on their 1979 album Tribute to the Martyrs.
Hurricane – Ani DiFranco
This version appears on the 2000 EP Swing Set by the singer-songwriter and feminist activist. This tune about the wrongful imprisonment of boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter is the perfect fit for DiFranco, who has supported a variety of causes, including the Prison Music Project.
License to Kill – Cowboy Junkies
This version appeared on the Canadian alt-country pioneers’ 2005 cover album, Early 21st Century Blues. Margo Timmins’ ethereal vocals are well suited to the mournful pleading of Dylan’s lyrics.
Union Sundown – Daniel Romano’s Outfit
This version is from a 2020 recording project by the Canadian singer-songwriter Daniel Romano entitled Do (What Could Have Been) Infidels by Bob Dylan & The Plugz. It reimagined what Bob Dylan’s 1983 album might have sounded like if Dylan did an entire album with the Chicano punk band the Plugz. Romano was inspired by a 1984 performance on David Letterman, where Dylan was backed by the Plugz.
They Killed Him – Kris Kristofferson
The only song on this list that isn’t a cover, because Dylan was the one to cover Kristofferson. Kristofferson’s tribute to influential figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Jesus Christ appeared on his 1986 album Repossessed.
Workingman’s Blues #2 – Lisa Bastoni
This poignant cover by the independent singer-songwriter appears on her 2019 album How We Want to Live.
Murder Most Foul – Rory Block
This version by the country blues artist appears on her 2024 Bob Dylan tribute album, Positively 4th Street. Her version is even longer at over 20 minutes.
Here is a playlist of covers of Bob Dylan protest songs. A couple of the songs on this list were not on Spotify. Also, included a few other notable covers.
