"Hurricane" is a protest song by Bob Dylan, co-written with Jacques Levy and released in November 1975 as the opening track of his 1976 album Desire14. The song tells the true story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a Black middleweight boxer who was wrongfully convicted of a 1966 triple murder in Paterson, New Jersey143. Dylan’s song became a rallying cry for Carter’s release and is one of the most powerful protest songs of his career.
Subject and Story
- Rubin Carter’s Case: Carter and John Artis were convicted in 1967 of a racially charged murder, following a trial widely criticized for racism, police misconduct, and unreliable eyewitness testimony134.
- Dylan’s Involvement: After reading Carter’s autobiography, Dylan visited him in prison and was moved to write a song about the injustice he perceived16.
- Song Structure: The lyrics unfold in a cinematic, storytelling style, immersing listeners in the events of the night and the subsequent miscarriage of justice135. The song names real people involved, including witnesses and police, and describes the flawed trial and the media’s role in Carter’s conviction157.
Lyrics and Themes
- Protest and Injustice: The song is a direct protest against racial injustice in the American legal system, highlighting how Carter was “obviously framed” and expressing shame at a system “where justice is a game”57.
- Narrative Power: Dylan’s lyrics are vivid and immediate, opening with “Pistol shots ring out in the barroom night,” and repeatedly returning to the refrain, “Here comes the story of the Hurricane / The man the authorities came to blame / For something that he never done”57.
- Impact: The song’s explicit naming of those involved and its detailed narrative were unusual for Dylan, who typically took a more allegorical approach15. The song was edited for legal reasons to avoid defamation, but still faced criticism for omissions and for taking Carter’s side5.
Reception and Legacy
- Public Response: "Hurricane" was a commercial and critical success, reaching No. 33 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming Dylan’s fourth most successful single of the decade16.
- Activism: Dylan performed the song on every stop of his Rolling Thunder Revue tour, raising awareness and funds for Carter’s defense36. High-profile benefit concerts and support from celebrities like Muhammad Ali followed356.
- Outcome: Carter’s conviction was eventually overturned in 1985 after years of legal battles, due in part to the public pressure and scrutiny generated by the song and its supporters37.
- Cultural Impact: "Hurricane" remains one of Dylan’s most famous protest songs and a touchstone for music’s power to address and influence social justice issues125.
Key Facts Table
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | Bob Dylan (co-written with Jacques Levy) |
| Album | Desire (1976) |
| Release Date | November 1975 (single) |
| Subject | Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, wrongful conviction |
| Song Type | Protest, storytelling ballad |
| Chart Peak | #33 Billboard Hot 100 |
| Legacy | Helped bring national attention to Carter’s case, classic protest song |
Summary
"Hurricane" is an eight-minute storytelling protest song that exposes the racial injustice faced by Rubin Carter, blending vivid narrative with pointed social critique. Its impact extended beyond music, playing a role in the campaign that eventually led to Carter’s exoneration, and remains a landmark in Dylan’s catalog and protest music history1357.
