asked to name their favorite Dylan songs. Both Caroline Rose and Johanna Warren selected "Boots of Spanish Leather". Rose called it "the first Dylan song I ever heard that stopped me in my tracks. It tells such a straightforward story, a conversation between two free-spirited young lovers, one of whom is traveling on the other side of the world. The love between them is at first full of hope. The gift of Spanish boots represents a gesture of care. But as the song goes on the conversation becomes less hopeful, and the boots seem become more of a parting gift. It’s kind of a funny choice for a gift. Boots often symbolize leaving, or walking away. I always wonder if this was a conscious choice, or if he really just wanted some leather boots. Either way, I enjoy this little bit of comedy amidst an otherwise heartbreaking story". Warren noted "Moral of the story: Whether your 'boots' are literally material gifts or alternative forms of currency, i.e. rock-solid emotional support, make sure all your relationships are reciprocal and mutually honoring". The song is included in the Norton Anthology of Poetry, 5th edition, in the section titled "Popular Ballads of the 20th Century". Live performances Though occasionally performed live in Dylan's early career—for example at a New York City concert during the spring preceding the song's studio recording, as heard on Live 1962-1966: Rare Performances from the Copyright Collections—Dylan did not start performing "Boots of Spanish Leather" regularly until his Never Ending Tour began in 1988. According to his official website, Dylan has played the song 300 times in total between 1963 and 2019. A live version performed in Atlanta, Georgia on August 3, 1996 was included as a b-side to Dylan's European "Not Dark Yet" singles in February 1998. Another live version, performed in Glasgow, Scotland on January 21, 1998, was included on the Japanese EP Not Dark Yet: Dylan Alive Vol. 2, released on April 21, 1999. Covers "Boots of Spanish Leather" has been covered by many musicians, including: Joan Baez: Any Day Now Sebastian Cabot: Sebastian Cabot, Actor-Bob Dylan, Poet (1967) Dervish: Spirit (2003) The Dubliners: 30 Years A-Greying (1992) (with De Dannan) Nanci Griffith: Other Voices, Other Rooms (1993), Winter Marquee (2002), Putumayo Presents American Folk (2005) Nic Jones: Unearthed (2001) Richie Havens: Electric Haven (1966) Various Artists (performed by Ida): A Tribute to Bob Dylan, Volume