1. Bob Dylan/The Band/1974 - Chicago Stadium, Chicago, IL, January 3, 1974

"Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I'll Go Mine)"

Barry Feinstein

“I'm gonna let you pass
I'll go last
And then time will tell just who has fell
And who's been left behind…”

The song that opened Before The Flood (Asylum, 1974) closed Bob Dylan and The Band’s tour opener at Chicago Stadium, January 3, 1974. "Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I'll Go Mine)" first appeared on Blonde On Blonde (Columbia, 1966). It also served as the B-side to the single “"Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat,” released June 20, 1966. It is an ultimate Dylan kiss-off song, where the singer expresses his suspicion and displeasure with a lover he is dressing down. The original recording had a carnival sound, courtesy of Charlie McCoy’s trumpet and Dylan’s harmonica; something similar to that achieved on Rainy Day Women Nos. 12 & 35..

The first performance of "Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I'll Go Mine)" was a staid and determined affair marred by Dylan’s muffing of the first verse. First show nerves or casual disregard, Dylan and The Band were having to break-in the big stage. The song begins determined and regimented, with The Band ensuring an orderly tempo with no fireworks other than Dylan’s gritted-teeth delivery, full of the new anger and hurt from recent revelation. He sings from the position of fresh pain and rage, something that would transmogrify as the tour proceeded.

The performance of the song released on Before The Flood opened the last show held at The Forum, in Inglewood, CA during the evening show on February 14, 1974. Dylan and The Band throw off all pretense, delivering the definitive performance of the tour. Rather than hurt, Dylan sings with a taunting malice and sneering mockery, his anger becoming electric. That electricity passes through Dylan to Robbie Robertson’s backhoe guitar playing and Richard Manuel’s saloon piano. The Band has warmed to the tour and is right on time.