Canadian roots artists Jessica Rhaye and the Ramshackle Parade have released a whimsical cover of the Bob Dylan classic “I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine” from their forthcoming album Just Like a Woman – Songs of Bob Dylan.
This version of “I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine” is a beautifully melodic rendition of this song. From the first sound of Rhaye’s voice at the beginning of the track, you’re hooked. She possesses a voice that commands the attention of the listener. This voice paired with the whimsical melody, and smooth harmonies creates a song that truly resonates with the listener.
“I think our version helps capture the lyrical imagery of the song,” Jessica Rhaye explains. “Our version of this classic Dylan tune also takes on more of a ballad feel than the original version,” she continues, considering additional creative differences between the two. “Chris’ beautiful guitar solo — along with the delicate cymbal work and bowed bass — gives our version a very lush and dreamy feel.”
We totally agree!
The release of “I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine” also came with an accompanying music video for the record. It’s a really simple video, but it sets a beautiful tone for the song and compliments the song’s dreamy feeling. While the video is simple, everything in the video is so deliberately placed and framed, that it really captures the essence of the song.
Watch the Music Video for “I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine” by Jessica Rhaye and the Ramshackle Parade
Stream “I Dreamed I Saw St. Augusting”
About Jessica Rhaye and the Ramshackle Parade
Jessica Rhaye is an East Coast Canadian fixture; her dynamic 20 year career has garnered critical acclaim, awards from Music New Brunswick, and nominations from Canadian Folk Music Award and East Coast Music Award.
Jessica has been performing Dylan songs since she was a child. “I grew up listening to Bob Dylan in my parent’s home” says Rhaye. “I remember lying in the back of my parent’s station wagon on the way to Judo class, listening to my Dad’s Bob Dylan tape cassettes, daydreaming of the images conjured by those lyrics.”
Lyrics to “I Dreamed I Saw St. Augusting”
I dreamed I saw St. Augustine
Alive as you or me
Tearing through these quarters
In the utmost misery
With a blanket underneath his arm
And a coat of solid gold
Searching for the very souls
Whom already have been sold
“Arise, arise,” he cried so loud
In a voice without restraint
“Come out, ye gifted kings and queens
And hear my sad complaint
No martyr is among ye now
Whom you can call your own
So go on your way accordingly
But know you’re not alone”
I dreamed I saw St. Augustine
Alive with fiery breath
And I dreamed I was amongst the ones
That put him out to death
Oh, I awoke in anger
So alone and terrified
I put my fingers against the glass
And bowed my head and cried
In country music, the Front Porch has long been a place of reflection. A place where you can look at the life you have inside that front door. A place where time almost seems to stand still, where you can get away. It’s also a place where you can go to observe the world as it passes by you. To think about your place out there beyond the driveway.
