Most of the Time

You're not on his mind,
And you haven't been for years,
But sometimes you are.

"Most of the Time" is a great set of lyrics, but an outtake from the "Oh Mercy" sessions of a different version of the song shows that it owes half of its beauty to the production treatment that Daniel Lanois gave it. Over its five minutes and five seconds, it proves itself to be worth a full box of tissue because it's a weeper. Dylan sings about how he doesn't miss a woman anymore, except every once in a while. Lanois brings up the bass and a snarling lead guitar to the front of the mix, along with a repeated and echoing drum pattern, and lets Dylan tell his easy rhymes that strike at the center of your heart.

Most of the time
I’m clear focused all around
Most of the time
I can keep both feet on the ground
I can follow the path, I can read the signs
Stay right with it when the road unwinds
I can handle whatever I stumble upon
I don’t even notice she’s gone
Most of the time

Most of the time
It’s well understood
Most of the time
I wouldn’t change it if I could
I can make it all match up, I can hold my own
I can deal with the situation right down to the bone
I can survive, I can endure
And I don’t even think about her
Most of the time

Most of the time
My head is on straight
Most of the time
I’m strong enough not to hate
I don’t build up illusion ’til it makes me sick
I ain’t afraid of confusion no matter how thick
I can smile in the face of mankind
Don’t even remember what her lips felt like on mine
Most of the time

Most of the time
She ain’t even in my mind
I wouldn’t know her if I saw her
She’s that far behind
Most of the time
I can’t even be sure
If she was ever with me
Or if I was with her

Most of the time
I’m halfway content
Most of the time
I know exactly where it went
I don’t cheat on myself, I don’t run and hide
Hide from the feelings that are buried inside
I don’t compromise and I don’t pretend
I don’t even care if I ever see her again
Most of the time