The 1984 tour brought us 27 performances of Masters of War, and with each performance we get a little something new as Dylan asks, “How much do I know?” The original verse from the Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan album goes something like this
How much do I know
To talk out of turn
You might say that I’m young
You might say I’m unlearned
But there’s one thing I know
Though I’m younger than you
Even Jesus would never
Forgive what you do
On the 1984 tour, Dylan revisits this question almost every night, searching for inspiration. While he does not always find it, the journey itself is, we believe, an interesting one. It is not always clear exactly what is being sung (it is likely Dylan may agree with this in some cases) and so we present here our best transcript attempts.
How much do I know
To talk out of turn
A world war can be won
But nobody’s learned
How much do I know
For as much as you do
Well, I’ll tell myself
All the things that you do
How much do I know
To talk out of turn
Well, I’ll knock on your door
When do you ever learn
Well, they’ll reap that or something
Darling what should I do
Don’t even care ‘bout yourself
Or the things that you do
I’ve got a reason to know
Oh but the rest I can take
I’m a sure sign of the place
That’s what you want me to say
But there’s one thing I know
Though the first time I’m you
Forget what you know
Instead (do not) forget what you do
How much do I know
To talk out of turn
A world war can be won
Don’t worry, you can learn
But there’s one thing I know
Well, I did find it true
I’d rather sing by myself, whatever
Or give up what you do
How much do I know
Not to talk out of turn
Well, back when I know
Let out a burn, burn, burn
Well there’s one thing I know
Though, I push this on you
I’d just say myself whatever
About the things that you do
How much do I know
To talk out of turn
Well find more than you
Nor the lesson I learned
Well there’s one thing I know
Though I may look more than you
(For the radio) itself
Will not forget what you do
For the 6 June 1984 show, Dylan skips this verse entirely. For the remainder of the 1984 performances… you’ll just have to wait!
How much do I know
To talk out of turn
You might say that I’m young
You might say I’m unlearned
But there’s one thing I know
Though I’m younger than you
Even Jesus would never
Forgive what you do