Tim Heidecker Takes Bob Dylan's 'Titanic' for a Joyride

Thanks to James Cameron’s 3D movie extravaganza, few can forget that the Titanic tragically collided with an iceberg 100 years ago on April 15, 1912. And it was possibly no surprise when reports surfaced that Bob Dylan would release a 14-minute track inspired by the Titanic on his forthcoming album entitled, Tempest, set for release in September of this year. With a high-budget movie over three hours long and a rambling ode written by a music legend, it is apparent that this shipwreck continues to inspire long-winded tributes. However, appropriating this historic catastrophe for yet another artistic vision of grandeur could set us all up for disappointment.

Only one man — the comedian, Tim Heidecker — was brave enough to ask the tough question: “Oh Titanic, how could you let us down?” This query is the chorus of Heidecker’s own musical interpretation of the Titanic’s sinking, sung in the storytelling style of Bob Dylan. Clocking in at an impish 15 minutes (one minute longer than Dylan’s), Heidecker’s “Titanic” set sail on July 24th in a brazen attempt to “beat the Master to it.”

Bob Dylan’s Titanic by Tim Heidecker from Tim Heidecker on Vimeo.

The song details the Titanic’s overblown history from port to present day ruins and Hollywood resurrection. On his Tumblr page, Heidecker states he “can’t wait to see how close [he] got to the real thing.” There’s no way of knowing until September 11th, but in the meantime Heidecker’s 99 cent parody is a welcome resuscitation of the rebellious edge that Dylan first became known for 50 years ago with the release of his 1962 debut album.

Hopefully, Dylan appreciates the homage — however, at some point we are going to have to leave the Titanic at peace in its watery grave.