It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding) Lyrics
Here's my feeble attempt at deciphering some of the songs meaning. Before I do that, though, I should probably state that I'm not a Dylan fanatic, nor am I a connoisseur of all things Dylan – in other words, I have a life. Case and point: I actually don't have any of his albums, although I do have a couple of his greatest hits CDs. To expand on the amount of songs I have of his, I downloaded a few illegally from the net a few years ago (sorry Bob). Furthermore, I haven't read his memoir, but I did watch the excellent Scorsese documentary on his early life. Thus I know a little bit, and I mean just a tiny little bit, on his works and early life background. I do know, on the other hand, quite a lot about the times in which he grew up from the history books. (I’m 25, in case you’re wondering).
“It’s Alright Ma” is the best written song that I’ve ever heard. The first time I listened to it I was completely floored. The song has so much working for it. Its imagery, rhyming scheme, and emotional depth are all unbeatably top-notch in my estimation. That being said, it’s actually not even my favourite Dylan song – my favourite being his acoustic version of “Shelter from the Storm” (I don’t know why that’s my favourite, I can’t rationalize it, it just is).
From the very first listen through, the song always came across to me as being very conservative, in a strictly traditional sense. Perhaps my personal biases have something to do with why I interpreted the song that way. To get those biases out of the way I’ll state them right here: I’m a traditional conservative – but absolutely not mainstream Republican or Conservative Party of Canada liberal “conservative” – and a strict empiricist on all matters physical. Also, let’s just say I’m not a devotee to the doctrines of perpetual plentitude. You probably didn’t need or want to know any of that, but oh well.
Now to the song:
“Darkness at the break of noon Shadows even the silver spoon The handmade blade, the child's balloon Eclipses both the sun and moon To understand you know too soon There is no sense in trying.”
The first four lines in this verse sound apocalyptic in tone, like of a nuclear holocaust, which is a common theme in early Dylan songs if I can remember correctly. Or maybe just apocalyptic in a general sense, like he thought something was systematically wrong with the world then (and perhaps the same things are still wrong today). The fifth verse is about the burden of being too wise to the workings of the world, especially when your as young as he when he wrote this – that being early 20’s, if I’m not mistaken. If I’m correct in this assessment, I’ve recently had a similar experience. You feel ancient and there are very few people you can really relate to, particularly amongst your peers. It can be lonely, and to be an introvert, which I presume Dylan was/is to some degree, makes it that much worse. The sixth line is his recognition of the remorseless working of things, that whatever is wrong can’t be stopped. No doctrinaire idealism will turn the ship around.
“Pointed threats, they bluff with scorn Suicide remarks are torn From the fool's gold mouthpiece The hollow horn plays wasted words Proves to warn That he not busy being born Is busy dying.”
This verse I’m not sure of. The last two verses might mean something like Socrates famous adage that “the life which is unexamined is not worth living”. That is, people who don’t have a zest for life and knowledge are just as well dead. They’re empty vessels. But I’m probably wrong on this, like I am on everything else I’m writing, so I won’t take anymore stabs at it.
“Temptation's page flies out the door You follow, find yourself at war Watch waterfalls of pity roar You feel to moan but unlike before You discover That you'd just be One more person crying.”
My best guess on this verse is that it deals with some sort of libertinism (“temptation’s page”). People who live such a lifestyle are often insecure, jealous and so on. In other words, human nature takes over. Thus if you were to live such a lifestyle you’d constantly “find your self at war” with your acquaintances, and would have to witness many “waterfalls of pity roar”. If you did live this way, in the end “you’d just be… one more person crying”.
“So don't fear if you hear A foreign sound to your ear It's alright, Ma, I'm only sighing.”
The “it’s alright, ma,” part of the song I think is a device to appeal to a higher power. A mother is generally seen as a nurturing figure, and Dylan may be very well distraught with what he’s putting onto paper. Could appealing to “ma” be for psychological comfort?
“As some warn victory, some downfall Private reasons great or small Can be seen in the eyes of those that call To make all that should be killed to crawl While others say don't hate nothing at all Except hatred.”
In my humble opinion, the first four lines of this verse deal with intellectuals offering up optimistic or pessimistic visions of the future, and that what side they fall on depends on personal partisan hang-ups. Moreover, perhaps the third and forth line taken together is in reference to intellectuals often contemptuous views towards the masses. That is, those that should be “killed” for not following any given intellectuals political agenda to the letter, should be made to “crawl,” or more specifically be forced into becoming subservient. The last two lines might be a swipe at the naivete of the “make peace, not war” 60’s crowd.
“Disillusioned words like bullets bark As human gods aim for their mark Made everything from toy guns that spark To flesh-colored Christs that glow in the dark It's easy to see without looking too far That not much Is really sacred.”
Perhaps the second line deals with the idea that God is dead in western societies. To further elaborate, modern humans, through their reification of secular ideologies, are playing God by trying to bring about a utopia on Earth now, as opposed to waiting till the hereafter for such pleasures as was the case in earlier times. The verse as a whole I think means that modernity has no heart or soul. It’s just empty consumerism based on “enlightened” selfishness.
“While preachers preach of evil fates Teachers teach that knowledge waits Can lead to hundred-dollar plates Goodness hides behind its gates But even the president of the United States Sometimes must have To stand naked.”
Here’s my take on this verse: Preachers preach of Hell as a means of societal control. Teachers teach their students that knowledge of, and strict adherence to politically acceptable philosophical sophistries will lead to financial rewards and social power. Furthermore, the elites are often full of empty rhetoric. Thus, maybe the fourth line means “Goodness hides behind [the establishments] gates”? The last line is a reminder that everybody, including the most powerful, i.e., the President of the United States, is fallible.
“An' though the rules of the road have been lodged It's only people's games that you got to dodge And it's alright, Ma, I can make it.”
I think the first line is about the fact that if you’ve read enough history, and/or have been a keen enough observer of human nature, you kind of learn what to expect. The second line might be a warning to watch out for people’s partisan political agendas.
“Advertising signs that con you Into thinking you're the one That can do what's never been done That can win what's never been won Meantime life outside goes on All around you.”
Perhaps this verse is about advertisers manipulating “consumers” by preying on peoples secret desires and insecurities to move product, while, in fact, “…life outside goes on… all around you”. In other words, consuming crap isn’t what life’s all about, regardless of how hard advertisers try to make it so.
I’m getting tired so I’m going to stop here (not like anybody is going to read this anyway)
Hey Mate, I read you- don't be so self deprecating- You gave it a really good shot. You put in some time and effort. Dylan is cryptic, not sure even His Bobness would care to forensically analyse his own lyrics for precise unambiguous meaning. Suspect a little stream of consciousness at play here, as with much rich verbally economical poetry. You say you are only 25 years of age? How old was Bob when he wrote this? I recently heard him say that he is unable to write stuff of this power these days. Youth Power - know what you've got- before its gone. Cheers M.A. Keep writing!...
Hey Mate, I read you- don't be so self deprecating- You gave it a really good shot. You put in some time and effort. Dylan is cryptic, not sure even His Bobness would care to forensically analyse his own lyrics for precise unambiguous meaning. Suspect a little stream of consciousness at play here, as with much rich verbally economical poetry. You say you are only 25 years of age? How old was Bob when he wrote this? I recently heard him say that he is unable to write stuff of this power these days. Youth Power - know what you've got- before its gone. Cheers M.A. Keep writing!
Oh I followed you to the very end ! don't wanna say "good job" (that's always been said in similar cases,when you want to cheer someone anyway). It IS really good. I enjoyed all the references to philosophical - along with social and historical- matters. the honesty about "not being a Dylan fan" and admitting the greatness of this song impressed me. no wonder 'cause you write a lot . though i was waiting for the Interpretation of "That it is not he or she or them or it..." but it doesn't matter. I love Dylan rhymes, though I'm not...
Oh I followed you to the very end ! don't wanna say "good job" (that's always been said in similar cases,when you want to cheer someone anyway). It IS really good. I enjoyed all the references to philosophical - along with social and historical- matters. the honesty about "not being a Dylan fan" and admitting the greatness of this song impressed me. no wonder 'cause you write a lot . though i was waiting for the Interpretation of "That it is not he or she or them or it..." but it doesn't matter. I love Dylan rhymes, though I'm not English or American.
@MichaelAdams81 I agree with a lot of your analyses, though clearly those aren't the only meanings behind Bobby's lyrics (if any...I feel there's plenty of stream of consciousness going on.) I do have to disagree with you on the chorus:
@MichaelAdams81 I agree with a lot of your analyses, though clearly those aren't the only meanings behind Bobby's lyrics (if any...I feel there's plenty of stream of consciousness going on.) I do have to disagree with you on the chorus:
“An' though the rules of the road have been lodged It's only people's games that you got to dodge And it's alright, Ma, I can make it.”
“An' though the rules of the road have been lodged It's only people's games that you got to dodge And it's alright, Ma, I can make it.”
If you look at the verses that precede this particular chorus, they all speak of authority figures and the narcissistic nature of humans that cause us to look down on others less...
If you look at the verses that precede this particular chorus, they all speak of authority figures and the narcissistic nature of humans that cause us to look down on others less intelligent or less capable:
"As some warn victory some downfall...To make all that should be killed to crawl" "Human gods ...made everything from toy guns that spark to flesh-colored Christs" "Preachers preach of evil fates and teachers teach that knowledge waits"
And I think we can agree that in all of these verses, Bobby certainly sheds a negative and very manipulative light on these authority figures. As if these authority figures, whose intelligent opinions drip with arrogance, were trying to manipulate (or perhaps teach) their own social and moral values to the fools and the young and the general masses. And remember, historically speaking, this song was written at a time when the young generation was establishing they're own set of values, creating friction between the older and the younger generations. In light of all of this, however inaccurate or accurate my analyses may be, it seems that Bobby is trying to say that we have to be wary of what others may have to teach us because some values we have to find ourselves and their circumstances may be far more different than your circumstances, giving way to a separate, much more individual set of values.
I can't believe how amazing Dylan is. I think this song can be referred to as the first hip-hop song ever. Listen to him. That's the way hip-hop should be like. If you're only gonna rhyme, then you should be making poetry to blow our minds, not braggin about your cars.
I don't know how someone can put this many spectacular lines in one song and still have enough for the rest of the album. Only Dylan. This song has a lot more lyrics than the norm of songs and all of them are brilliant. And I love how it goes from grim facts about the world to him much gentler chorus.......but that chorus may be sarcasm. This song is bound to send chills down the spine of anybody with half a brain. I love Bringing It All Back Home so much...
These are probably the greatest lyrics ever written. If bob dylan had only written this one song he would still be considered the greatest lyricist ever. the best way i can describe this song is by a quote from Nietzche- “The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.”
@societiespliers Nice post.
@societiespliers Nice post.
the first time I heard this song, I literally gasped. The lyrics are so amazing, there should be a lot more comments.
To push fake morals, insult and stare While money doesn't talk, it swears Obscenity, who really cares Propaganda, all is phony.
GENIUS.
And if my thought-dreams could be seen They'd probably put my head in a guillotine But it's alright, Ma, it's life, and life only.
Just wow.
These things are traps for distracting you from your true life's purpose...
Money: "For them that must obey authority That they do not respect in any degree Who despise their jobs, their destinies Speak jealously of them that are free Do what they do just to be Nothing more than something They invest in."
You pay for college to work a job that you hate. You hate your boss and you hate anyone who isn't hating their life as much as you are. For instance, those who are "free" in the sense that they are not bound by society's rat race.
Consumerism: "Advertising signs that con you Into thinking you're the one That can do what's never been done That can win what's never been won Meantime life outside goes on All around you."
Obviously. This car will make you happy. This deodorant will bring you love. With this box of crackers, you'll live forever.
Church and Politics: While preachers preach of evil fates and While some on principles baptized
Again, these things are distractions. Anyone who just sits and fights for their church (not God, the church) or fights for their "social club" (aka, political party) is distracted. Not realizing they're furthering someone else, not their self.
Being a judgmental about sexual issues (premarital, homosexual): Old lady judges watch people in pairs Limited in sex, they dare To push fake morals, insult and stare
People who spend their lives just worrying about judging other people instead of living their own lives.
And also: While money doesn't talk, it swears Obscenity, who really cares Propaganda, all is phony.
The point is to not get hung up on any of these things. You could spend your whole life fighting obscenity...but who cares? You could spend your whole life fighting propaganda, but if you understand EVERYTHING is just as phoney, then it doesn't matter.
Being partisan/pro-war/anti-war/peace loving: "As some warn victory, some downfall Private reasons great or small Can be seen in the eyes of those that call To make all that should be killed to crawl While others say don't hate nothing at all Except hatred"
There are tons more in the song, but the point is that these are all distractions. These are things not to be worried about. These are what you need not to fall into if you plan to actually be yourself, to understand the nature of true freedom. Once you become a slave to any of these things, you are a slave...period. Meanwhile, all the rest of the world are slaves to these things, and you have to figure out a way to be you and live your life amongst these things....just to survive...
"An' though the rules of the road have been lodged It's only people's games that you got to dodge And it's alright, Ma, I can make it."
The big line comes near the end with:
"My eyes collide head-on with stuffed graveyards False gods, I scuff At pettiness which plays so rough Walk upside-down inside handcuffs Kick my legs to crash it off Say okay, I have had enough What else can you show me?"
He's basically saying that the world has attempted to hold him down with these things, and he's rejected them. He is doing exactly what he wants. He's kicked off the handcuffs.
This song is all about being mentally free from everything that attempts to enslave you.
He refers to taking off handcuffs, he says how most people are "living in a vault" (not free) he says how people speak jealously of those that are free, etc etc etc.
The most important thing is to understand that you don't have to play these games and you don't have to be any one or anything's slave...
"I got nothing, Ma, to live up to."
Just be yourself, realize where the traps are, even ones with good intentions. This is life, and Dylan lets us believe that something better is coming afterward, but we have to make it through all of this, first.
I like your take on the song - and I can't find it in me to disagree strongly with anything you have written. I see it more as a song about a moralist, who is trying to stay sane. If you spend your whole life reacting to what is stupid, brutal and limiting, you can end up being overwhelmed. You will be right on the issues, but you will struggle to feel sane and balanced. So when you add together all the absurdities and injustices which the narrator (justifiably) rails against, you end up with a portrait of a moralist...
I like your take on the song - and I can't find it in me to disagree strongly with anything you have written. I see it more as a song about a moralist, who is trying to stay sane. If you spend your whole life reacting to what is stupid, brutal and limiting, you can end up being overwhelmed. You will be right on the issues, but you will struggle to feel sane and balanced. So when you add together all the absurdities and injustices which the narrator (justifiably) rails against, you end up with a portrait of a moralist going mad. For me that is what makes it so frightening and moving.
I think it shows somone finding their true self. At the start dylan talks about all the negativity in the world, then it changes at the line "You lose yourself, you reappear", to what he wants to be himself and something that he is not, which society wants him to do, as he gives examples of how people are corrupted.
That's just my interpritation of this great song.
Definitely one of his best. Still makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. This is about a young man finding his own unique path among the clamour and pointlessness of the modern world. "advertising signs that con you into thinking you're the one... while outside life goes on all around y ou" Meanwhile the wage slaves, "bent out of shape by society's pliers", "do what they do to be nothing more than something they invest in." Reminds me of that Robert Frost poem - 'Two roads diverged in a wood...'
And the killer line - "I got nothin', ma, to live up to" -says that expectations are bullshit. This is a song to live your life by.
@heavycola Dylan was better than Frost. Frost was too frigging obvious. And had no real edge.
@heavycola Dylan was better than Frost. Frost was too frigging obvious. And had no real edge.
This song just absolutely blew my mind when I first heard it. And it still absolutely blows my mind every time I hear it still.
The way the lyrics just spew out of Dylan is amazing - It's like he's been possessed by something.