The Bootleg That Captured Bob Dylan Humming “I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine” Between Takes

April 2, 2025

In the summer of 1967, when the air was thick with the scent of change, a young musician named Bob Dylan was in the studio, pouring his soul into his latest album. It wasn’t just any album; it was “John Wesley Harding,” a record that would mark a turning point in his career. As he stood in front of the microphone, his mind was a swirl of thoughts and emotions. The world outside was tumultuous, filled with protests and demands for peace, and Dylan was the soundtrack to it all. Yet, there in that studio, he was creating something different—something deeply personal and reflective.

Between takes, Dylan often took a moment to himself. He would hum melodies, lost in his thoughts, letting the music guide him. One day, while the recording crew set up for the next song, a curious young sound engineer named Joe hit record on his machine. It was a simple decision, but it would lead to something extraordinary. Bob, in a quiet moment, began to hum a few lines from “I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine.” It was soft and raw, a glimpse into his creative process and the layers of his soul. Joe captured this intimate moment, not knowing that it would turn into a rare bootleg recording later, shared among fans who hungered for every piece of Dylan’s genius.

When the bootleg circulated, it was like finding hidden treasure. Fans reveled in the spontaneity and honesty of Dylan’s humming. In a world increasingly filled with polished performances and commercial music, this raw snippet reminded listeners of the artistry and vulnerability behind the music they loved. Those few moments of Bob humming became symbolic of his artistry, illustrating that even in times of confusion and pressure, there was still space for creativity to flourish.

The bootleg captured something essential about Dylan—it showed his resilience. He was a man known for his bold lyrics and social commentary, yet here he was, simply human, expressing himself in the quiet between the chaos. This moment, small as it seemed, resonated deeply with his fans. They began to understand that the magic of music wasn’t just in the finished songs but in the process—the fleeting inspirations that shaped the artist’s journey. Bob Dylan continued to create and challenge himself, fueled by the knowledge that his audience craved not just his finished work, but the very essence of his artistic spirit.

As years passed, the bootleg became more than just a piece of history; it was a reminder that every artist has their moments of doubt and reflection. For Bob, it was a moment of connection with those who listened to him. Each time he took the stage, he carried with him not just his songs but the spirit of those quiet moments when he was lost in thought, creating magic in the silence. In the end, Dylan’s journey was not just about fame or success but about the enduring power of creativity and resilience. His humming reminded everyone that sometimes, the most profound moments can emerge from the simplest acts of expression.