THE ADVOCATE 59
VOL. 80 PART 1 JANUARY 2022
FREE ME
By the Honourable Judge Roger F. Cutler
In the mid-sixties, after being declared “spokesman for his generation”
as a result of his insightful folk songs poignantly commenting
on societal norms, Bob Dylan “went electric”, much to the consternation
of many folk music faithful.
In 1965, Dylan attended the Newport Folk Festival, where in the preceding
years he was the darling of folkies for his poetic works protesting war
and promoting civil rights. In 1965, however, he brought an electric band
and played, among other songs, “Like a Rolling Stone”. Dylan was said to
have “electrified one half of his audience, and electrocuted the other”. His
controversial performance at Newport is considered a pivotal moment in
the development of rock music.
Folk fans attending his concerts in the following years would jeer with
derision, and even throw objects at the stage, to convey their sense of
“betrayal”. In one notorious incident, captured on film, a “fan” shouted out
“Judas!” at a concert in Manchester, England. Dylan responded by saying “I
don’t believe you. You’re a liar” and then telling his band (The Band) to
play “Like a Rolling Stone” “fu**ing loud”.
Some years later, in a frivolous, vexatious and, above all, fictitious lawsuit
claiming damages for pain and suffering as a result of abandonment, the
betrayed folkies finally had their opportunity to examine Dylan under oath
as to the reason(s) for his “traitorous” conduct. Below is the transcript of the
cross-examination entitled “Free Me”.
All the words spoken by Bob Dylan during his cross-examination are
direct quotations from lyrics contained in his book of songs (endnoted).
Enjoy!
In the Matter of Faithful Folkies v. Bob Dylan
Before Chief Justice I.M. Fairchild
Counsel for the Plaintiffs, Faithful Folkies: A. Chaser
Counsel for the Defendant, Bob Dylan: M.E. Goodfellow
Judge: Mr. Chaser, any questions on cross-examination?
Chaser: Please, My Lord. May I call you Mr. Dylan?
Dylan: You may call me Bobby, you may call me Zimmy.1
Chaser: I’m happy with Mr. Dylan.
Dylan: I’m just as happy as you.2