Beyond Here Lies Nothin'

Album: Together Through Life (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The title of this minor chord blues powerhouse is a quote from the ancient Roman poet Ovid.
  • David Hidalgo from Los Lobos is featured on this track playing the accordion. In fact Hidalgo's soulful squeezebox playing can be heard throughout Together Through Life. Dylan got to know Hildago from when he and Los Lobos played some shows in Mexico a few years prior to the recording of the album.
  • The guitar work of Mike Campbell of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers is prominent on this track. Dylan and Tom Petty have a history together going back to their days with the Traveling Wilburys and Dylan knew Campbell through their connection. In an interview on his website, Dylan commented on the guitarist: "He's good with me. He's been playing with Tom for so long that he hears everything from a songwriter's point of view and he can play most any style." (Check out our interview with Mike Campbell.)
  • In the same interview the interviewer commented that there is "wonderful playing" on this track. Dylan was asked how he approaches the instrumental sections on a record citing the Joe Perry solos on Aerosmith songs as an example. The singer-songwriter legend replied: "What can I say, if I had Joe Perry with me everything would obviously be different. As it is though, he wasn't there. Soloing is not a big part of my records anyway. Nobody buys them to hear solos. What I try to do is to make sure that the instrumental sections are dynamic and are extensions of the overall feeling of the song."

Comments: 1

  • Nancy from Crescent Heights, TxVery dark video...
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Brenda Russell

Brenda RussellSongwriter Interviews

Brenda talks about the inspiration that drove her to write hit songs like "Get Here" and "Piano in the Dark," and why a lack of formal music training can be a songwriter's best asset.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.

Glen Ballard

Glen BallardSongwriter Interviews

Glen Ballard talks about co-writing and producing Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill album, and his work with Dave Matthews, Aerosmith and Annie Lennox.

Steven Tyler of Aerosmith

Steven Tyler of AerosmithSongwriter Interviews

Tyler talks about his true love: songwriting. How he identifies the beauty in a melody and turns sorrow into art.

David Bowie Lyrics Quiz

David Bowie Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

How well do you know your David Bowie lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.

Chris Isaak

Chris IsaakSongwriter Interviews

Chris tells the story of "Wicked Game," talks milkshakes and moonpies at Sun Records, and explains why women always get their way.