Rare Bob Dylan Draft Lyrics Discovered in Allen Ginsberg Book Head to Auction
A torn page of lined paper bearing Bob Dylan's draft lyrics for the 1967 song I'm Not There has been uncovered, tucked inside a first-edition paperback of Allen Ginsberg's Ankor Wat. This remarkable find, described as "extremely rare" by auctioneers, is set to go under the hammer in April, with estimates suggesting it could fetch between £20,000 and £40,000.
Historical Context of the Song and Discovery
During the summer of 1967 in New York, just outside Woodstock, Bob Dylan collaborated with his then-backing group, The Band, to write and record over 100 songs. Among these was I'm Not There, a track that remained unreleased for decades. It finally saw the light of day in 2007 as part of the soundtrack for Todd Haynes' Dylan film of the same name, and it has since garnered high esteem among fans for its poetic depth and enigmatic quality.
The draft lyrics were discovered in a book once owned by Sally Grossman, the wife of Dylan's first manager, Albert Grossman, and a close friend of the singer. Sally Grossman is famously featured alongside Dylan on the cover of his 1965 album Bringing It All Back Home. The book was a gift from Allen Ginsberg to Grossman in 1969 and became part of her estate, which was sold to a book dealer after her death in 2021.
Auction Details and Significance
Omega Auctions, handling the sale, noted in the item's description that after discussions with notable Dylan collectors, this draft is believed to be a rare working version of what many regard as one of Dylan's greatest songwriting achievements. The lyrics likely remained hidden in the book for years, only falling out when the seller was leafing through its pages.
This discovery adds to a growing market for Dylan memorabilia. In 2025, two typewritten drafts for his 1965 hit Mr Tambourine Man sold for US$508,000 at auction in Nashville, highlighting the high value placed on such artifacts. The upcoming auction in April will also feature other notable music items, including Michael Jackson's handwritten lyrics for Black or White and an archive related to the development of Radiohead's album OK Computer.
Broader Implications for Music History
The find underscores the enduring fascination with Bob Dylan's creative process and the cultural intersections of his era. Allen Ginsberg, a leading figure of the Beat Generation, and Dylan shared a mutual admiration, making this discovery particularly poignant. It offers a tangible link to a pivotal moment in music history, when Dylan was producing some of his most influential work.
As the auction approaches, collectors and fans alike will be watching closely, eager to see how this piece of musical heritage is valued. The draft not only represents a snapshot of Dylan's songwriting but also serves as a testament to the lasting impact of his collaborations and friendships within the artistic community.
