Love Henry

Traditional / Arrangement Bob Dylan / 4:24

Musician: Bob Dylan: vocals, guitar / Recording Studio: Bob Dylan Garage Studio, Malibu, California: May 1993 / Producer: Bob Dylan / Sound Engineer: Micajah Ryan

Genesis and Production

“Love Henry” is an eighteenth-century Scottish ballad, also known under the titles “Young Hunting,” “Earl Richard,” and “The Proud Girl.” It is a traditional murder ballad about a crime of passion. In despair, the heroine stabs her lover, Henry, to death, because he is in love with another, more beautiful young woman. She then throws his body in the deep and cold water of the river.

This dark and romantic love story has been recorded by many musicians, including Tom Paley, whom Dylan mentions in the liner notes. Dylan recorded a very personal vision of the song, full of softness and sadness. Far from Paley’s version, Dylan’s interpretation requires careful listening. There is a slight and discrete reverb on the recording.