Bob Dylan / 4:48
Musicians
Bob Dylan: vocals, guitar, mandolin
Kevin Odegard: guitar (?)
Chris Weber: guitar
Peter Ostroushko: mandolin
Gregg Inhofer: organ
Billy Berg: drums, percussion
Recording Studio
Sound 80, Minneapolis: December 30, 1974
Technical Team
Producer: David Zimmerman
Sound Engineer: Paul Martinson
“If You See Her, Say Hello” brings to mind “Girl from the North Country (The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan), although the scene does not take place in the cold northern countries, but in Tangier, Morocco. As with most of the songs on this album, it is a sad love story and was initially recorded in New York City in September and rerecorded in Minneapolis in December. The lyrics in the second verse were modified, and the fourth verse was completely rewritten. Thus, “Oh, I know it had to be that way, it was written in the cards” was rewritten in the final version as, “Oh, whatever makes her happy, I won’t stand in the way.” Similarly, the I replaced it, clear evidence of the personal involvement of a songwriter who, better than anyone, knew that love stories often ended badly. According to Clinton Heylin, “‘If You See Her, Say Hello’ has been written down with the ink still wet from last night’s tears.”112
Having recorded a folk version on the acoustic guitar and harmonica in New York on September 16 (released on The Bootleg Series Volumes 1–3) and another version with Tony Brown three days later (test-pressing version), Dylan rewrote “If You See Her, Say Hello” in Minneapolis on December 30. It was the last song cut for the album. Dylan gave a more Mexican atmosphere to the song. The recording places great emphasis on guitars, especially Chris Weber’s 12-string guitar and Peter Ostroushko’s mandolin. There is no bass, as Peterson had left the studio for an outside engagement. Dylan overdubs a mandolin part and Weber another 12-string guitar part to strengthen the ending of the song. Dylan’s interpretation is one of the best on the album. “If You See Her, Say Hello” is one of his greatest works.