| Bob Dylan – Workingman's Blues #2 Lyrics | 16 years ago |
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Right from the start we get a clue that this may be a song about the years after the fall of communism in Russia. (The buyin' power of the proletariat's gone down) A little about that time in Russian history. For 8 decades Russia was a communist state with some success. It was a super power. It's people relied totally on the state and adapting to capitalism was very hard, especially for the older people, alcoholism was rampant and the mafia was very powerful. In many areas there was anarchy. Many people starved with little pensions to fall back on. The military still had powerful weapons including the bomb, that America was scared to death would be sold on the black market. With the end of the cold war America was no longer constantly worried about what will the USSR do. This fall from power was especially hurtful to Russian pride. I think this song is an old man singing about his time adjusting to the new,less powerful, Russia. Dylan often moves back and forth between subjects and here the old man talks both to his life in Russia and appeals directly to America for help and friendship. Examples: The buyin' power of the proletariat's gone down Money's gettin' shallow and weak Well, the place I love best is a sweet memory .... Death of the USSR he knew and tough economic times My cruel weapons have been put on the shelf Come sit down on my knee You are dearer to me than myself As you yourself can see...... Nuclear weapons.. talking to America as a new friend Just sitting here trying to keep the hunger from Creeping its way into my gut...tough economic times I'll drag 'em all down to hell and I'll stand 'em at the wall I'll sell 'em to their enemies....Nuclear weapons. Now the place is ringed with countless foes.. Anarchy.. Mafia I sleep in the kitchen with my feet in the hall Sleep is like a temporary death...Alcoholism Sometimes no one wants what we got Sometimes you can't give it away...Adjusting to capitalism Well, they burned my barn, and they stole my horse I can't save a dime I got to be careful, I don't want to be forced Into a life of continual crime...Mafia tell me now, am I wrong in thinking That you have forgotten me?...Question to America In you, my friend, I find no blame Wanna look in my eyes, please do No one can ever claim That I took up arms against you...Talking to America Now I'm down on my luck and I'm black and blue Gonna give you another chance I'm all alone and I'm expecting you To lead me off in a cheerful dance...Talking to America I got a brand new suit and a brand new wife I can live on rice and beans Some people never worked a day in their life Don't know what work even means..Getting better at adjusting to America (sounding like a capitalist) Even if Dylan did not write this with these themes in mind, they sure do fit well |
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