When you're lost in the rain in Juarez when it's Easter time, too
And your gravity fails and negativity don't pull you through
Don't put on any airs when you're down on Rue Morgue Avenue
They got some hungry women there and they really make a mess outta you

Now, if you see Saint Annie, please tell her thanks a lot
I cannot move, my fingers are all in a knot
I don't have the strength to get up and take another shot
And my best friend, my doctor, won't even say what it is I've got

Sweet Melinda, the peasants call her the goddess of gloom
She speaks good English and she invites you up into her room
And you're so kind and careful not to go to her too soon
And she takes your voice and leaves you howling at the moon

Up on Housing Project Hill, it's either fortune or fame
You must pick one or the other, though neither of them are to be what they claim
If you're lookin' to get silly, you better go back to from where you came
Because the cops don't need you, and man, they expect the same

Now, all the authorities, they just stand around and boast
How they blackmailed the sergeant-at-arms into leaving his post
And picking up Angel, who just arrived here from the coast
Who looked so fine at first but left looking just like a ghost

I started out on burgundy but soon hit the harder stuff
Everybody said they'd stand behind me when the game got rough
But the joke was on me, there was nobody even there to bluff
I'm going back to New York City, I do believe I've had enough


Lyrics submitted by ZinbobDan, edited by LogLaddie

Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues Lyrics as written by Bob Dylan

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues song meanings
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  • +1
    My Opinion

    I think it is about the pressures and temptations and betrayal of fame, and those surrounding you abusing and misleading your fame. Fame as femme fatale siren, as an enemy in friend's clothing, and 'authorities' of state, arts, society, race all pushing him one way or the other as a poster boy example and nexus of something he reluctantly performed as a bewildered monkey. And, Dyaln as out of place, imposter like, feeling inadequate where he wants redemption (or even more so, some salvation escape rather than form of forgiveness) from fame and change to just happen; but, alas, redemption doesn't just 'happen.' He is left sucking his thumb, consumed with worries and regrets and second guessing himself and everyone in his life--and to come.

    This period was the time when dylan in fact was going through second guessing himself and others motivations---fortunes and fame and artistic motivations. And, he grew tired of being a poster boy for civil rights, folk, beats, and even those his enemies and higher authorities deemed as prime example of changing rebellious youth culture. Moreover, he did feel like an imposter, as folkie, beat, civil rights, and 'rebellious' archetypes and fountainhead leader.

    Issues of trust, fame, redemption, regret etc are all loosely a part of the dylanology landscape, as Hicks and others have greatly decoded and discussed in their books on the subject....definitely not an explicit elliot or joyce or other poetic homage here though.....all in my opinion of course, which is what is great about bobby d--his lyrics and his mythic mystery of veiling his intentions and meanings, and guarding his personal life.

    blizon October 20, 2014   Link

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