Planet Waves Outtakes
The sessions of Planet Waves gave rise to one outtake, “Nobody ’Cept You,” the only piece not to make the final track listing. Dylan chose “Wedding Song” to conclude his opus. Love triumphed over reggae…
 | Nobody ‘Cept You Bob Dylan / 2:41 |
Musicians: Bob Dylan: vocals, guitar, harmonica; Robbie Robertson: guitar; Richard Manuel: drums (?); Garth Hudson: keyboards; Rick Danko: bass; Levon Helm: drums (?) / Recording Studio: The Village Recorder, West Los Angeles, California / Studio B: November 2–5, 1973 / Producers: Bob Dylan, Robbie Robertson, Rob Fraboni / Sound Engineer: Rob Fraboni Set Box: The Bootleg Series Volumes 1–3: Rare & Unreleased, 1961–1991 (CD 2) / Release Date: March 26, 1991
“Nobody ’Cept You” is another evocation of Bob Dylan’s past. The song is once again about his childhood in Minnesota, where he “used to play in the cemetery / Dance and sing and run.” The lyrics include an exaltation of the sacred: “There’s a hymn I used to hear / In the churches all the time,” which “Make[s] me feel so good inside / So peaceful, so sublime.” For whom does he show his devotion? For God? For Sara? For both? Certainly, this song, written as a confession, shows that Dylan will continue his journey, guided by Love with a capital L.
“Nobody ’Cept You” is the second of the three songs demoed in June 1973. During the sessions for Planet Waves in November 1973, it seems that the song was recorded in two sessions: on or around November 2, the group performed one take with Richard Manuel playing drums, and on or around November 5 another attempt with Levon Helm. The Bootleg Series Volumes 1–3: Rare & Unreleased, 1961–1991 most likely includes the November 2 recording. The song was originally planned for inclusion on Planet Waves, then removed at the last minute from the track listing, Dylan preferring his new composition “Wedding Song.” This is a shame, as “Nobody ’Cept You” is a very good song, with excellent lyrics and a melody that curiously has some reggae color. Robertson’s guitar, using a wah-wah pedal, and Hudson’s organ playing are enough to kick the song into overdrive. With some additional attempts, “Nobody ’Cept You” could have easily found its place on Planet Waves.