| "Key West (Philosopher Pirate)" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Bob Dylan | |
| from the album Rough and Rowdy Ways | |
| Released | June 19, 2020 |
| Recorded | January–February 2020 |
| Studio | Sound City, Los Angeles |
| Length | 9:34 |
| Label | Columbia |
| Songwriter(s) | Bob Dylan |
| Producer(s) | None listed |
| Audio | |
| "Key West (Philosopher Pirate)" on YouTube | |
| Rough and Rowdy Ways track listing | |
"Key West (Philosopher Pirate)" is a song written and performed by the American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released as the ninth track on his thirty-ninth studio album, Rough and Rowdy Ways (2020). The tracks for the album were written by Dylan at his home in Point Dume in late 2019 and early 2020. It was recorded at Sound City Studios in Los Angeles in January and February 2020 and released in June 2020. The song is an accordion-driven ballad that incorporates references to other songs and to the City of Key West.
"Key West (Philosopher Pirate)" has been cited as a high point of the album by many reviewers. While critics have acclaimed the song, some have been hesitant to interpret meaning from the lyrics, focusing instead on the instrumental and vocal performances. According to Dylan's official website, he has performed the song in concert 230 times as of November 2024.