Man gave names to all the animals
In the beginning, in the beginning.
Man gave names to all the animals
In the beginning, long time ago.

He saw an animal that liked to growl,
Big furry paws and he liked to howl,
Great big furry back and furry hair.
"Ah, think I'll call it a bear."

Man gave names to all the animals
In the beginning, in the beginning.
Man gave names to all the animals
In the beginning, long time ago.

He saw an animal up on a hill
Chewing up so much grass until she was filled.
He saw milk comin' out but he didn't know how.
"Ah, think I'll call it a cow."

Man gave names to all the animals
In the beginning, in the beginning.
Man gave names to all the animals
In the beginning, long time ago.

He saw an animal that liked to snort,
Horns on his head and they weren't too short.
It looked like there wasn't nothin' that he couldn't pull.
"Ah, think I'll call it a bull."

Man gave names to all the animals
In the beginning, in the beginning.
Man gave names to all the animals
In the beginning, long time ago.

He saw an animal leavin' a muddy trail,
Real dirty face and a curly tail.
He wasn't too small and he wasn't too big.
"Ah, think I'll call it a pig."

Man gave names to all the animals
In the beginning, in the beginning.
Man gave names to all the animals
In the beginning, long time ago.

Next animal that he did meet
Had wool on his back and hooves on his feet,
Eating grass on a mountainside so steep.
"Ah, think I'll call it a sheep."

Man gave names to all the animals
In the beginning, in the beginning.
Man gave names to all the animals
In the beginning, long time ago.

He saw an animal as smooth as glass
Slithering his way through the grass.
Saw him disappear by a tree near a lake . . .


Lyrics submitted by Philadelphia Eagles, edited by Mellow_Harsher

Man Gave Names to All the Animals Lyrics as written by Bob Dylan

Lyrics © BOB DYLAN MUSIC CO

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Man Gave Names to All the Animals song meanings
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    General Comment

    Ok, two previous comments obviously reflect a lack of familiarity with 'Under the Red Sky', on which every single song (with the exception of 'TV Talking Song') is at least as silly as this song. If you don't believe me please try the song "Wiggle Wiggle."

    I actually kinda like this track - it's sort of silly and innocent, just a sunday school outing during Dylan's evangelical phase. Plus it has a nice undertone about the fall and man's arrogance etc etc (I'm not Christian, by the way, just interested in the themes).

    Musically the lightness of the track and the female backing vocals give a real break from the fire-and-brimstone funk/soul of Slow Train Coming.

    caitsith01on March 29, 2006   Link

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