Original Bob Dylan Typewritten Lyrics for "I'm Not There" Heads to Auction
The rare artifact was discovered tucked inside a signed Allen Ginsberg book.
Summary
- A rare, typewritten draft of Bob Dylan’s “I’m Not There” lyrics has resurfaced after 60 years and is heading to the block
- The lined paper features typed words and several amendments for the track, which was written in 1956 and recorded around 1967
- The lot will hit the auction block on April 21 with an estimated value of up to £40,000 GBP (approx. $54,000 USD)
An extremely rare piece of Bob Dylan history is officially up for grabs as Omega Auctions prepares to auction off the typewritten working lyrics for “I’m Not There.” Regarded as one of the legendary artist’s greatest pieces of songwriting, the historic artifact will cross the block during the “Audio Equipment and Music Memorabilia” event on April 21.
Measuring approximately 21 by 18 centimeters, the lined paper is torn along the lower edge and features several working amendments to the lyrics. The piece carries incredible provenance, having originally been discovered by the current vendor tucked inside a first paperback edition of Allen Ginsberg’s Ankor Wat. The book was inscribed to Sally Grossman, a close friend of Dylan’s and the wife of his first manager, Albert Grossman. It is believed the lyrics sat safely nestled within the pages since she was gifted the book in 1969.
Further cementing its authenticity, the typescript was previously scanned and featured in the Winter 1990 issue of the Bob Dylan magazine The Telegraph, noted at the time as being sent in by an anonymous correspondent.
