Dylan Cover #163 Bon Iver "With God On Our Side"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a live cover by Bon Iver playing "With God On Our Side"

Thoughts on Original
From the first time we talked about this on Veterans Day as well:
Perhaps the most poignant and lasting song Dylan has written and that speaks volumes. Lyrically it is perfect; using history, the warping of religion and politics to get across the point that man will rationalize anything, even war. Only played live 30 times since it's debut at Dylan's historic Town Hall show the song has added weight and meaning when it is played.

Morality and War, Religion and Righteousness, all just words when it comes down to it, hold life inside those letters. Musically stark Dylan uses his impressive lyrics to express the confusion perfectly. Should be mandatory listing in every history classroom.   
Cover

Thoughts on Cover Artist
Bon Iver has never been one of our favorites, but we did love his production on the Last Blind Boys disk. He has had an interesting career though to say the least.
Thoughts on Cover
This cover is a great take on the track, especially with that huge baritone sax adding to the mix. The massive band swells adding dramatically to a powerful as all hell song. In a year with so much violent turmoil this song continues to resonate and unfortunately war over religion will never go away. Oh well, we have talked about this song on Veterans Day (or the week of) every year since we started doing this series and we will continue to, this version will probably rank as one of the best.