| Bob Dylan – Desolation Row Lyrics | 5 years ago |
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Desolation Row Verse 1: stepping back from the commercialism and corruption of mainstream society. “Selling postcards of the hanging” refers to old-time practice of using sensationalism for profit. All that is wrong with the world includes the people claiming to be someone different than who they are (“painting the passports brown” to impersonate government agents) and the “sailors” (looking for trouble: presumably sex, drinking and fighting). The setting is the absurdity of a world (circus) with "blind" politicians trying to please both sides of people ("tied to tight rope walkers") but actually pleasing only themselves ("one hand in their pants"). The "riot squads need some place to go" refers to the mobs that act without thought or reason. “Lady and I” are the song narrators who refuse to participate in the commercialism and corruption, preferring to stay on “desolation row” as outsiders regardless of the consequences. Verse 2: is about the changing roles of women in society. The “Cinderella complex” is women's fear of independence and the unconscious desire to be taken care of by male authority figures. In the fairy tale, the women were unable to change their own situations without the help of the powerful male Prince. Apparently, the glass slipper thing (social mobility based on the shape of your foot rather than character or virtue) has not worked out for Cinderella. She has just been insulted and her retort is: “it takes one to know one” (takes a wrongdoer to recognize another). The insult may be that she is a “whore” (“she seems so easy”) or it may be other disrespect (your feet are the wrong size for the slipper), but Cindy has grown as a woman to handle insults with a “smile” and with class (“Bette Davis Style”). Romeo represents the prince or male dominate figure of the Cinderella complex who believes he knows what is best for women. His assertion that he owns or possesses ("You Belong to Me I Believe") doesn’t play on the Row where women are equals. "You're in the wrong place, my friend, you'd better leave". There is no tolerance for possessiveness or disrespect (Romeo did not get the message until after “ambulances go”). Cinderella continues “sweeping” out the traditional roles of women. Maybe, the most interesting part of the verse is that Cindy is an accepted (and protected) member of DR despite her checkered past of longing to be part of the establishment. Somehow, she has found acceptance as an independent woman (and is not controlled by the male Prince Charming anymore). [Of interest, the ironically titled, Dylan song “She Belongs to Me” (Jan. 1965), about independence: “She's got everything she needs”, but causing men to waiver morally: “you will wind up peeking through her keyhole”. If the capitalization and quotes in the version analyzed are correct ("You Belong to Me I Believe"), Dylan may be referring to his song rather than typical conversational meaning as in the rest of the song]. Verse 3: Storms of Change: “the common destiny of the human being getting thrown off course” The people in the know (“fortune telling lady”) are making preparations for the storm (“stars beginning to hide” and “expecting rain”). Excepted are Cain and Able (representing jealousy instead of “making love”), who fight like brothers, and miss the signs of the coming storm, and the Hunchback (perhaps, for his devotions or his eternal loneliness). In contrast, the Good Samaritan (one wonders if his help will be needed as in the Biblical parable) is getting ready for the show (“the carnival”). Dylan’s 1962 “Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall” about injustice and warfare may be referenced by the signs of a coming storm (“expecting rain”). Dylan said: “After a while you become aware of nothing but a culture of feeling, of black days, of schism, evil for evil, the common destiny of the human being getting thrown off course.” [Of possible interest is that the “carnival” is occurring on DR, as opposed to “circus” (in verse 1 - absurdity of the world) and the “factory” (in verse 7 - work place) that are at different locations.] Verse 4: The Sin / Self-absorbed The tragic and suicidal Ophelia will never marry Hamlet (“On her twenty-second birthday she already is an old maid”). And, “to her” death will be romantic (with accessories such protection from heartbreak and chastity armor), as she looks for salvation under “Noah’s great rainbow”. But, the problem (“the sin”) is that she has become boring (“lifeless”) due to her obsessions with religion and chastity. Ophelia has become so self-absorbed in her beliefs that she is not able to experience life and is unable to open herself to new ideas. Her curiosity causes her to spend her time “peeking into DR” to experience life vicariously. Verse 5: Nuclear Destruction and Physics The fifth verse centers on the disheveled Einstein “With his friend, a jealous monk"). Isaac Newton was a monk who would have been jealous of Al's abilities in physics. Einstein is “reciting the alphabet” (presumably e=mc2). The “drainpipe” references are likely black holes in the universe associated with the big bang theory and gravity that are commonly described using the “drain” analogy. Einstein wears a disguise (“disguised as Robin Hood” a criminal viewed favorably) to shield himself from the potential uses of his discoveries that he keeps locked "in a trunk." The “immaculately frightful” Einstein has invented the theory leading to nuclear destruction, and is famous for all the wrong discoveries (Einstein argued that he was unfairly labeled the father of the nuclear bomb). There is a famous black and white picture of the middle-aged Einstein playing his violin. The reference may be to the planned Dylan electric guitar performance at the Newport Folk Concert that changed music, as Einstein changed Newton's physics. The release of the song and the concert were 3 days apart and Mike Bloomfield had already joined the band. The “electric violin” represents a disruptive change to the order of the establishment. Of interest, but not in the timeline, is the use of the electric violin in the 1975 Dylan song “Hurricane”. Additionally, there are numerous reports of Dylan becoming overcome by emotion when singing the line about the electric violin.] Verse 6: Medical Profession and sexual repression The interpretation of this verse depends on “Dr. Filth”. Sigmund Freud is most likely as his last name begins with “F” and his practice concerned the psychoanalytic theory of sexual associations in childhood development (i.e. Oedipus conflict/sons sleeping with mothers, etc.) and the interpretation of dreams (often with an unconscious sexual meaning). His “leather cup” is likely his briefcase, or perhaps, leather bound book (holder of the ideas). His “nurse” may be the medical community’s current assistant (“now his nurse”) or may be the nurse that Freud “suspects” is responsible for his sexual anxieties (see footnote for fun interpretation). The slang “cyanide hole” may refer to the closet of medications prescribed to treat patients by the medical profession (often resulting in unintended consequences). The cards "Have Mercy on His Soul" is the legal pronouncement meaning the fate of the individual is now in God’s hands (psychoanalysis is not effective against severe mental illness and those with diseases such as schizophrenia would be given cards for treatment by a higher authority). The problem for Freud was that his “sexless patients” often times did not fit the classical sexual theory (“trying to blow it up”). “Penny whistles” were popular for working class people who were not often treated by Freud due to financial inability. But, their playing is taunting the medical profession as it strains to hear the tunes (“lean your head out”). [Footnote: Freud interprets one of his own dreams in which he appeared in public "very incompletely dressed”. Freud interprets the memory of the nurse who looked after him until he was two-and-a-half years old and was "reincarnated" in his dream in the form of a younger servant whose presence makes him sexually anxious. [See “The Interpretation of Dreams” by Sigmund Freud (1900)]. Verse 7: The Establishment “At midnight” (time indicates that the activity is not during the day), the “agents and superhuman crew” (decision makers in the music business and media) round up the artists (“who know more”) for the purpose of profiting from ideas. “The factory” (i.e. the studio or performance venues) is the artistic workplace or may be the music scene is where the electric guitars (“heart attack machines”) are “strapped across their shoulders”. The establishment (authorities or “insurance agents”) permits just enough fire, but protects the business (“the castles”). The fear is that people will not participate and will dropout to Desolation Row (“escaping”). [Of note: “The Factory” may be a reference to Andy Warhol’s famous club where artists, including Dylan, would paint, perform, meet or go.]. [The problem with this Verse is the interpretation of “heart attack machines”. While there are numerous references after 1965 (see Clash and others), the question is whether Dylan invented the term or has another machine with “shoulder straps” that is referenced. Other verses support that “everyone” is preparing for the show (or “feast”), but there is no literary reference in this verse to clarify the interpretation. If coercive machines or lie detectors are the reference, then “shoulder straps” (as opposed to straps, etc.) do not fit. Additionally, the “superhuman crew” needing to roundup more intelligent persons appears to be sarcastic in tone thus leading to the interpretation of the media and publishing agents (“crew” to “bring them to the factory”). If the police and FBI is the reference, then the late night hookups to shoulder strapped electric guitars do not fit. If “guns” is the interpretation, then why is “the crew” strapping guns on others? One would expect the establishment or authorities to retain power.] Verse 8: Seduction They have "nailed the curtains" to prevent entry, or escape, or even a look, for those wishing to view the “feast”. The Phantom appears disguised (in the “image of a priest”) to warn the girls: "Get outta here if you don't know" (meaning “are you kidding me” or “I can’t believe you are considering this” Casanova pitch). The normally purposeful Casanova needs to be “spoon feed” to “make him more assured” as he has been a victim of the propaganda (“poisoned with words”). Casanova’s “punishment” is that his art of seduction will never result in a meaningful relationship. “There is no such thing as destiny. We ourselves shape our lives.” (Giacomo Casanova). [As a note, the image of a disfigured genius, warning those who should know better, may apply to a large range of subjects. And, the image of a smooth talking seducer, failing in conquest, may be interpreted in unlimited ways. Whether or not the reference is to politics, destiny or love is unspecified. Still, the images are powerful in conveying the conflict on DR]. Verse 9: Which Side Are You On? A fight has broken out between Pound and Eliot (presumably over the blue line editing of the Wasteland) as they stand in the “captain’s tower” at the top, and controlling, the direction of future literature). “The Wasteland” in structure and themes influenced DR. The unsinkable society ("the Titanic sails at dawn") is about to be sunk by policies of the politicians (Nero represents the tyrant). The civil rights protest song: “Which Side Are You On?” asks everyone the question (“everybody’s shouting”). The “calypso singers (black) and the fishermen (holding funeral flowers / not picked at sea) marshal the death of the impending sinking of injustice. “Nobody” has to “think too much” which side they are on in DR. [Of note: Smithsonian Folkways Recordings Which Side Are You On? (Civil Rights Version - 1965). PETE SEEGER "Which Side Are You On? (Civil Rights Version - 1965). “Which Side Are You On?” was originally a labor union protest rewritten and adopted by the civil rights movement. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech in which he called for an end to racism. (1963)]. Verse 10: Conclusion / Call to Action By the time that you noticed (“letter yesterday”), it is too late to change (the “door knob” is broken and I cannot go back). Asking how I am doing under the circumstances of all the problems is rhetorical (“some kind of joke”). To make sense of it all, it is necessary to rename and “rearrange their faces”). Asking more questions (“no more letters no”) will not lead to any change. The establishment and society should move their thinking (“mail them from DR”). [The previous verses have listed, and made the case, why people are moving to DR. The narrator has changed his residency and can no longer return to the establishment way of thinking. The line is being drawn as to where people stand on the issues.] [The song has progressed from “the cirrus”, to state a series of social problems that the DR is handling differently from the mainstream establishment. Then, the tone escalates to disruptive changes, "Have Mercy on His Soul", the sinking of ships and “which side are you on?” The times are a changing.] |
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| The Low Anthem – Charlie Darwin Lyrics | 16 years ago |
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I thought I would take a shot at the meaning of this one as there are few songs that contrast creationism and evolution. I doubt my interpretation of the meaning will be popular, even with me, but I base it on the words of the song and the delivery. The use of the “Charlie Darwin” line in both verses two and three seem to emphasis that a point is being made that the theory of evolution is at the center of the song. The description of the water as a symbol of nature, and perhaps science, fits as an antagonistic theory to creationism as the “system built to fail.” The first verse sets the stage for a voyage to a new world (Mayflower) with new ideas (“reckless dreams”) that will be separate (“haven”) from a world of lost direction (“her decay”). The Mayflower, as a boat choice, places the religious pilgrims in a situation at sea and with nature. The second verse asks why people did not listen (“heed the words of Darwin”), but instead continued to believe in an idea (creationism) that was under attack from science (“fight for a system build to fail”). The futility of supporting creationism (“broken vessel”) is the lack of solid support (“there is no land as far as I can see”). The chorus is the cry of those trying to keep the idea of creationism (“broken vessel”) alive by small actions (“spooning water”) while realizing the vastness of nature (water) that is washing over their ideas. The science (“cold, shapeless and formless”) is represented by the water. The great irony is the trust and belief that they will be saved that is repeated four times each more urgently but with more despair (“Oh my God, the water is all around us”). The third verse again asks why people did not listen, but instead of advancing, or evolving, instead chose to profit from the failure of advancement (“profit from decay”). The “promise of the children” is the concept of natural selection that causes beneficial traits to become more prevalent while less desirable traits to disappear. Instead of that occurring, children are taught catchy phrases (“jingles” or maybe commandments) similar to the way adults are encouraged to work more than evolve (“we trade our hard earned time for pay”). The delivery of the song as a thoughtful hymn with the ironic surprise line of “Oh my God the water is all around us” as opposed to a more scientific delivery (cold and shapeless), adds to the sense of futility. The added lines in the chorus form a building sense of desperation that the boat is sinking. Perhaps, the most interesting part of the song is the telling of the story from the point of view of the believers on the ship (broken vessel). Their surprise, and despair, at vast amount of water in nature, and the evolutionary theory, tells the story better than any representative of Darwin. |
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| Bob Dylan – Desolation Row Lyrics | 16 years ago |
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Desolation Row is a state of mind representing the developing counter culture of the 1960s that is outside of the establishment, convention, and the mainstream culture. The artists, free thinkers, and misfits congregate on Desolation Row to strip away the false illusions of society. The use of the characters leads ultimately to why Dylan, and "Lady" (Joan Baez) are a part of Desolation Row. The name, Desolation Row, may have been a combination of Desolation Angels (Kerouac) with Cannery Row (Steinbeck) and influenced by the writings by Woody Guthrie about the underclass of society desiring change. Musician Al Kooper asserts Desolation Row is in Greenwich Village in New York City, based on personal contact with Dylan, but this appears unlikely from the lyrics. The characters on Desolation Row are a part of the carnival show that represent, verse by verse: politics, traditional roles, evil, religion, science, medicine and love. Many of the characters are counter culture misfits, both good and bad, that have caused society to question the status quo. Likely, the first verse has historical basis from Dylan's days in Minnesota when he discovered that people commercially sold postcards of local hangings (see footnote below). The setting is the absurdity of a world (circus) with "blind" politicians "tied to tight rope walkers" pleasing only themselves with "one hand in their pants" the "riot squads need some place to go." Historically, the riot squad hung three persons from the jail of the "blind commissioner." The second verse with a meeting between the "easy" virtue Cinderella, who through her will power (and a slipper) changed her place in society, and the traditional lover, Romeo, does not go as expected when he becomes possessive ("you belong to me I believe"), and he is told be does not have a place ("You're in the wrong place, my friend, You better leave"). That another resident stepped in to forcefully defend ("ambulances leave" or that Romeo committed suicide again) shows how far Romeo has strayed from the expectation of assigned roles when this fairy tale romance does not end with Cinderella falling in love with the prince. The traditional roles of women do not apply anymore. The third verse is in stark contrast to the second as the storm builds ("The stars are beginning to hide") and "everyone" goes inside and "is making love" ("or expecting rain"). Excluded are Cain and Abel, presumably as they represent jealousy and evil, and the Hunchback, for his betrayal of family. The Good Samaritan is in contrast as he "does unto others" and is invited to the carnival in contrast to the evil. The fourth verse centers on the suicidal Ophelia who is an outsider due top the "iron vest" of her traditional religion. She is old before her time because she is not true to herself ("Her profession's her religion, her sin is her lifelessness."). She is fixed on Noah's Rainbow (a time for judgment after purification), and so she only peeks into the life of Desolation Row as an outsider. She is the stereotype of a religion based on self denial and not allowing one to experience life. The fifth verse centers on the disheveled Einstein and "his friend" ("With his friend, a jealous monk") (Isaac Newton was a monk that would have been jealous of Al's abilities) who was known for "playing the electric violin on Desolation Row." There is a famous black and white picture of the middle-aged Einstein playing his violin. The reference to Dylan's electric guitar at the Newport Folk Concert that changed music, as Einstein did Newton's physics, is unmistakable. Einstein is still misunderstood "and reciting the alphabet" (presumably e=mc2) while investigating black holes in the universe ("went off sniffing drainpipes"). He wears a disguise (Robin Hood a do-gooder) to shield himself from the potential uses of his discoveries that he keeps locked "in a trunk." The sixth verse centers on the medical profession that medicate (slang "cyanide hole" for closet of medications that kill patients who may question) the "sexless patients" trying to blow up their theories. Dr. Filth is likely Sigmund Freud based on the "F" name, the "sexless patients," and his atheist viewpoint that led to his split with Carl Jung thus requiring his nurse "she also keeps the cards that read "Have mercy on his soul"." Freud's reliance on drugs to medicate patients, and personally, added with his sexual repression theories may make him Dr. Filth. "Penny whistles" would represent the common man who was not troubled by Freud's sexual theories, and who's lives were often at odds with the theories. [As a note, I have discounted the Josef Mengele interpretation due to his not using drugs (cyanide or other) in his experiments, unlikely to hire "local loser" nurse instead of Army personnel, nor being at the era of penny whistles]. Verse seven features Casanova being nurtured ("to get him to feel more assured") by the Phantom of the Opera (a disfigured genius who nurtured Christine), as the great lover is being poisoned with word and self-confidence as a punishment for his visit to Desolation Row (where no pretense is allowed). The "skinny girls" are being urged to leave as, presumably, Casanova will return to his correct place in the social order and they have no place at the "feast." Apparently, Casanova's trip to Desolation Row was to find a love not "in an image of a priest." They have "nailed the curtains" to prevent entry, or escape, or even a look, for those wishing to exchange their place in society. Verse eight centers on what happens at midnight when the agents "round everyone up" that "knows more than they do." This may be interpreted in many ways, but the "heart-attack machine strapped across their shoulders" is common slang for a guitar that is burning on "kerosene brought from the castles" as it is played at the club or "factory." (see Andy Warhol "Factory" etc.). The insurance men are the police. [this verse has been interpreted to involve paranoid agents of the federal government enforcing the status quo and the killing of residents of DR, but I find this inconsistent with the line "strapped across their shoulders," and the message of the song. No matter what, this verse is inconsistent with the characters of the other verses, and may have been added at a different time.] In verse nine, everything is unraveling, and the unsinkable society ("the Titanic sails at dawn") is about to to be sunk by the goddess of the sea (Neptune) inspired by the tyrant policies of a politician (Nero). A fight has broken out between Pound and Eliot (both had distinct ideas on the place of races and were in the "captain's tower") in the war of ideas over civil rights (and everybody's shouting "Which side are you on?"). This sounds like the fight for civil rights that was occurring in 1965, that was being led by the residents of Desolation Row. The last verse is separated by a long harmonica solo, and a personal tone that is separate from the circus of surreal characters of the previous verses. Dylan is unable to change the past ("the door knob broke") and is residing on Desolation Row as the only alternative in repressive society where he is seen as a dangerous subversive for his leadership role in civil rights ("When you asked how I was doing, was that some kind of joke?"). He does not want to respond to the questions (from "the letter") from mainstream society until the writer joins him in an understanding that the song is coming from the counter culture of dissidents on Desolation Row ("Don't send me no more letters no, not unless you mail them from Desolation Row."). Both Dylan, and "Lady," (Baez) "look out" as members of a group desiring social change. The rich set of cultural and religious stereotypes as metaphors to describe society is reinforced by the use of imagery in each phrase. No doubt, the song was intended to have many meanings, and was as Joan Baez said in Diamonds and Rust, to give all of us "some vagueness" that we need. Perhaps, this song was the best description of the counter counter that was emerging at the time, and that paved the way for social evolution by a group that had previously been outcast from politics.  Footnote 1: On June 15, 1920, a mob of 10,000 lynched three men, Isaac McGhie, Elias Clayton and Elmer Jackson at the corner of First Street and Second Avenue East in Duluth MN. The men were in town with a traveling circus and were dubiously accused of raping a local girl. (On June 15, 1920, Dylan’s then ten-year-old father lived in a third floor apartment at 221 North Lake Avenue.) The Police Commissioner instructed the guards not to use their guns to defend the young men who were broken out of jail by the mob. Postcards with a photo of the incident were sold as souvenirs. It seems likely that the opening lines of Desolation Row, refer to this incident and the players involved, or to Duluth in general. |
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| Elliott Smith – Alameda Lyrics | 16 years ago |
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The walk down Alameda refers to the authors walk into, and through, despair. I assume Elliot Smith picked this area purposefully as a location of despair and imperfection that would fit an imperfect martyr. “Like some precious only son” likely refers to the religious pouring of the blood on the cross that represents the martyrdom of Christ. The author “bows to the champion” of all martyrs, as he deceives everyone with his “deck of trick cards” and martyr like persona. The “cracks in the sidewalk” represent his imperfection and his living lies (i.e. break your mothers back childhood rhyme) as he keeps his friends in a “constant state of suspense” so they will not realize his imperfections. And, of course, the “first mistake” was in believing that he would not be found out (But the fix is in) for his “pretension” during the first few minutes (For one or two minutes she liked you). Who is to blame for the disappointment and broken hearts caused by the deception (For your own protection over their affection)? (You broke your own). The “nightmare” that he wishes “Could plague me when I'm awake” is death. |
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| Ray LaMontagne – Empty Lyrics | 16 years ago |
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The song starts with a story about happiness (her bare feet laughing), and what should be a current pleasant experience (through the grass grown tall and brown), but the author sees only his past disappointments (I choose instead to dwell in my disasters). The Cadillac (that old and rusted Cadillac) represents the quality of a life that once was different, but is now empty and clouded (sinks into this field collecting rain), perhaps similar to the author’s life. Regardless of the sunsets, new morning, flowers, and “quiet love we make,” the author asks if he will always feel disconnected (Will I always feel this way?) (Still somehow it is hard to let go of pain) (So empty, so estranged?). Verse 3 signals his intent to change by confronting the emptiness (Well I looked my demons in the eye, Laid bare my chest said do your best destroy me). Note the present tense and confronting tone (I've been to hell and back). He has decided to not go there again (you kinda bore me). The things that can kill a man are not having the courage to stand up to your demons (it's the hurt you hide). The use of the word “well” indicates the author’s personal answer to the emptiness, and how to “let go of his pain” (Well it's the hurt I hide that fuels the fires inside me). I am not sure I agree with the interpretation of depression as much as an event that caused the pain. I have the feeling that the author was lied to (There's a lot of things I don't understand, Why so many people lie) and that may be the source of the pain. While there is little support for this interpretation, the author may be speaking to the person that hurt him ( I have grown weary … If, I spoke these words out loud would no one hear me?). (Yes, and some already dead who walk beside you.) However, this runs contrary to the overall tone of the song and the “applauding rain,” verse that indicates someone new. The use of "rain" as representing the loss of a past quality life (Cadillac ... collecting rain) and the next use as encouraging the change (tapping of the rain ...applauding) indicates a potential change that is occurring. I do see the song as somewhat redemptive in that the author has confronted the demons and found that they "fuel the fires inside him." |
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| Ray LaMontagne – Empty Lyrics | 16 years ago |
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The song starts with a story about happiness (her bare feet laughing), and what should be a current pleasant experience (through the grass grown tall and brown), but the author sees only his past disappointments (I choose instead to dwell in my disasters). The Cadillac (that old and rusted Cadillac) represents the quality of a life that once was different, but is now empty and clouded (sinks into this field collecting rain), perhaps similar to the author’s life. Regardless of the sunsets, new morning, flowers, and “quiet love we make,” the author asks if he will always feel disconnected (Will I always feel this way?) (Still somehow it is hard to let go of pain) (So empty, so estranged?). Verse 3 signals his intent to change by confronting the emptiness (Well I looked my demons in the eye, Laid bare my chest said do your best destroy me). Note the present tense and confronting tone (I've been to hell and back). He has decided to not go there again (you kinda bore me). The things that can kill a man are not having the courage to stand up to your demons (it's the hurt you hide). The use of the word “well” indicates the author’s personal answer to the emptiness, and how to “let go of his pain” (Well it's the hurt I hide that fuels the fires inside me). I am not sure I agree with the interpretation of depression as much as an event that caused the pain. I have the feeling that the author was lied to (There's a lot of things I don't understand, Why so many people lie) and that may be the source of the pain. While there is little support for this interpretation, the author may be speaking to the person that hurt him ( I have grown weary … If, I spoke these words out loud would no one hear me?). (Yes, and some already dead who walk beside you.) However, this runs contrary to the overall tone of the song and the “applauding rain,” verse that indicates someone new. The use of "rain" as representing the loss of a past quality life (Cadillac ... collecting rain) and the next use as encouraging the change (tapping of the rain ...applauding) indicates a potential change that is occurring. I do see the song as somewhat redemptive in that the author has confronted the demons and found that they "fuel the fires inside him." |
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