The song opens with four bars of organ riff.

"Ballad of a Thin Man" is driven by Dylan's piano, which contrasts with "the spooky organ riffs" played by Al Kooper.

It features a bouncy, march-like organ riff, heavily distorted guitars and bass, and chaotic drumming.

Both songs have the same vibe and the organ riffs are nearly identical.

The songs were in the same vein as the hit single, flavored by Mike Bloomfield's blues guitar and Al Kooper's organ riffs.

Adams was due to record the track himself but Perry suggested that the Wailers record it, with Peter Tosh and Adams adding spooky organ riffs.

"Elevators (Me & You)" contains atmospheric elements including echoes, dub-influenced bass, organ riffs, and telephone tones.

Over five minutes long, this later recording used a substantially different instrumental arrangement, with an added organ riff and a florid bassline, as well as different lyrics.

The organ riff recurs elsewhere on the album as do other musical motifs and lyrical themes, creating a thread of continuity.

A breakthrough was made when it was tried in a rock music format, and rookie session musician Al Kooper improvised the organ riff for which the track is known.