Bob Dylan / 2:07
Musicians
Bob Dylan: vocals, guitar (?)
Ron Cornelius: guitar (?)
David Bromberg: guitar (?)
Al Kooper: organ
Charlie Daniels: bass
Russ Kunkel: drums
Hilda Harris, Albertine Robinson, and Maeretha Stewart: chorus
Recording Studio
Columbia Recording Studios / Studio E, New York: June 4, 1970
Technical Team
Producer: Bob Johnston
Sound Engineers: Don Puluse and Ted Brosnan
Since the beginning of his career, Bob Dylan has steadily increased his references to sacred texts. In “Three Angels” the songwriter talks about “Three angels up above the street / Each one playing a horn / Dressed in green robes with wings that stick out / They’ve been there since Christmas morn.” Dylan does not sing, but rather recites the lyrics like a prayer. In this regard, the similarity to “Deck of Cards” by Wink Martindale comes to mind.
Is it a prayer? Or just a masterly description of the surrounding world? “The wildest cat from Montana”; “The Tenth Avenue bus going West”; “Three fellas crawlin’ on their way back to work.” Dylan gives even the most insignificant details a metaphysical dimension. “But does anyone hear the music they play / Does anyone even try?” The last line seems to confirm that Dylan does. As in “When the Ship Comes In” (The Times They Are A-Changin’) and “Desolation Row” (Highway 61 Revisited), Dylan announces the end of one world and the rise of a new one. The contrast with the other songs on the album is striking, both in terms of the message and the gospel-tinged references to Baptist churches.
“Three Angels” surprises by its unexpected tone: Dylan could be perched on the chair declaiming his text, Al Kooper following him on the organ, and the chorus shouting loudly. The gospel feel comes from the background vocals and from the three different intonation patterns used by Kooper on the organ. However, the arpeggiated classical guitar (nylon strings) accompaniment gives a Christmas carol–like quality to the harmony and text. This classical guitar is also the only guitar heard in the song. The guitarist is not identified (Dylan, Bromberg, or Cornelius?). Note, however, two acoustic guitar notes (steel strings) at 1:33.
“Three Angels” was recorded on June 4, 1970, in three takes; the last one was used. Dylan has never performed the song live.