Watch Jimmy Fallon and Ethan Hawke Perform Bob Dylan Lullabies
Bob Dylan is a legendary singer-songwriter and folk/rock icon. But his easily parodied voice doesn’t exactly scream “lullaby crooning.” Jimmy Fallon and Ethan Hawke proved that fact during Tuesday’s Tonight Show, performing a handful of classic children’s songs in Dylan’s signature Sixties style.
“We both have young kids,” Fallon says to open the clip. “They’re great, so much fun. But, you know, bedtime can be pretty tough.” Hawke suggests an alternative – singing the songs as Dylan – and he cites “scientific research” to prove the method works.
“We’re like the Smothers Brothers,” Fallon cracks as the duo bring out conveniently located acoustic guitars. Hawke first attempts a few lines from “Rockabye Baby,” showcasing his bizarre and overly nasally impression. Then the host tackles “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,” which the actor deems “too upbeat.” For the grand finale, the duo recruit the Roots for a tag-teamed “Hush Little Baby,” even sneaking in the title line from “Everybody Must Get Stoned.” Fallon ends the segment by saying goodnight to his daughter, Winnie, though it’s unlikely the goofy performance soothed her to sleep.
Fallon has previously showcased his Dylan impression throughout this late-night tenure. In September, he challenged Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine to play Wheel of Musical Impressions, which led to the host covering Magic’s reggae-pop hit “Rude” as the folk-rock icon. Back in the Late Night era, Fallon took the send-up to a more intimate place – tackling the Charles in Charge theme song, harmonica and all.