I can see how Rayman's explanation fits with the lyrics. But as with so much of Dylan's work there could be more than one interpretation and I don’t think a twofold meaning is beyond what Dylan often tried to do.
That Christian way described above is not how I have read this song at all! Shot of Love does have some Christian tracks on it but also some which are secular.
I think this is a beautiful poetic way of describing a relationship, and his description is so rich. I always pictured it as a couple who are doing things 'properly'. They are showing their love for each other and desire to do things right by waiting until they are married before they have sex, and then when they do, how amazing it is. I suppose this would sort of fit in with Dylan’s Christian attitude at this time.
That is what he is talking about in verse one when he describes how he loves being with her. He had spent time with her and he hardly knows how long they had together. All around the scenery seems beautiful and time is of no matter. He asks if she respects him for what he did, or for what he didn’t do. He found it hard (did I lose my mind…) but he kept her purity.
By verse 2 they have got married and are together as one. It is so great to be properly together finally. It is like he is a heart and she is the blood. They can cope through anything (iron… mud…) their love is so strong. People mocked them for keeping themselves for each other alone and waiting, but that just made them closer.
In verse 3 people are interfering but it doesn’t matter. All that is nothing compared to how great it is to be together and they will be forever. He talks about now owning the gift she gave him on their wedding night and he will treasure it and save it. She kept it and gave it especially to him. She will be his and he will be hers until their dying day and in to eternity.
I can see how Rayman's explanation fits with the lyrics. But as with so much of Dylan's work there could be more than one interpretation and I don’t think a twofold meaning is beyond what Dylan often tried to do. That Christian way described above is not how I have read this song at all! Shot of Love does have some Christian tracks on it but also some which are secular. I think this is a beautiful poetic way of describing a relationship, and his description is so rich. I always pictured it as a couple who are doing things 'properly'. They are showing their love for each other and desire to do things right by waiting until they are married before they have sex, and then when they do, how amazing it is. I suppose this would sort of fit in with Dylan’s Christian attitude at this time. That is what he is talking about in verse one when he describes how he loves being with her. He had spent time with her and he hardly knows how long they had together. All around the scenery seems beautiful and time is of no matter. He asks if she respects him for what he did, or for what he didn’t do. He found it hard (did I lose my mind…) but he kept her purity. By verse 2 they have got married and are together as one. It is so great to be properly together finally. It is like he is a heart and she is the blood. They can cope through anything (iron… mud…) their love is so strong. People mocked them for keeping themselves for each other alone and waiting, but that just made them closer. In verse 3 people are interfering but it doesn’t matter. All that is nothing compared to how great it is to be together and they will be forever. He talks about now owning the gift she gave him on their wedding night and he will treasure it and save it. She kept it and gave it especially to him. She will be his and he will be hers until their dying day and in to eternity.