I think you have to focus on the time this was written. This song was recorded towards the end of his born again Christian phase, so it's reasonable to assume that he's dealing with some real theological ideas here. As great as an lyricist as Dylan is, I think it's unwise that any one of his songs is autobiographical. Sure, a lot of them are, but a lot of them aren't.
I'm not going to pretend to know what this song is about. But a number of verses refer directly to verses in Revelation. For example: the men trying to take heaven by force, the unknown rider, the pale white horse, and the angel with four faces. The tall man being overthrown could be Satan, since Jerusalem is said to be the place of the final battle between God and the devil. Argentina probably refers to the Falkland Islands war between England and Argentina.
The verses "Do I need your permission to turn the other cheek?" refers to a quote from Jesus, and the next line (If you can read my mind, why must I speak?) seems to address him.
My hunch is that the most important verse is "I've tried my best to love you, but I cannot play this game." I think this song might be about Dylan' beginning to walk away from Christianity. But like I said, it might have nothing to do with him. It could be one of his ultrasymbolic Christian songs like Groom's Still Waiting at The Altar.
I think this song is about doubting on God. The song is written by Dylan but can fit in to any person's life, when they are having concerns about something they want to believe in, but can't because of their doubt. For me, it can also be possible that Angelina is God. He/we are searching for answers and in this lyric the questions and reflections are directed to Angelina (= God). Just like a woman, he loves her but can not trust his love.
I think this song is about doubting on God. The song is written by Dylan but can fit in to any person's life, when they are having concerns about something they want to believe in, but can't because of their doubt. For me, it can also be possible that Angelina is God. He/we are searching for answers and in this lyric the questions and reflections are directed to Angelina (= God). Just like a woman, he loves her but can not trust his love.
I think you have to focus on the time this was written. This song was recorded towards the end of his born again Christian phase, so it's reasonable to assume that he's dealing with some real theological ideas here. As great as an lyricist as Dylan is, I think it's unwise that any one of his songs is autobiographical. Sure, a lot of them are, but a lot of them aren't.
I'm not going to pretend to know what this song is about. But a number of verses refer directly to verses in Revelation. For example: the men trying to take heaven by force, the unknown rider, the pale white horse, and the angel with four faces. The tall man being overthrown could be Satan, since Jerusalem is said to be the place of the final battle between God and the devil. Argentina probably refers to the Falkland Islands war between England and Argentina.
The verses "Do I need your permission to turn the other cheek?" refers to a quote from Jesus, and the next line (If you can read my mind, why must I speak?) seems to address him.
My hunch is that the most important verse is "I've tried my best to love you, but I cannot play this game." I think this song might be about Dylan' beginning to walk away from Christianity. But like I said, it might have nothing to do with him. It could be one of his ultrasymbolic Christian songs like Groom's Still Waiting at The Altar.
I think this song is about doubting on God. The song is written by Dylan but can fit in to any person's life, when they are having concerns about something they want to believe in, but can't because of their doubt. For me, it can also be possible that Angelina is God. He/we are searching for answers and in this lyric the questions and reflections are directed to Angelina (= God). Just like a woman, he loves her but can not trust his love.
I think this song is about doubting on God. The song is written by Dylan but can fit in to any person's life, when they are having concerns about something they want to believe in, but can't because of their doubt. For me, it can also be possible that Angelina is God. He/we are searching for answers and in this lyric the questions and reflections are directed to Angelina (= God). Just like a woman, he loves her but can not trust his love.