This is probably my favorite love song. I've really enjoyed reading others interpretations. I had always imagined that "my love" was an actual, but idealized person, but I've started wondering whether "my love" is more of a personification of a perfect kind of love. It seems unlikely that a person could truly have all these qualities, and perhaps it's mawkish to assume that Dylan is just romanticizing an actual person.
The thing that got me thinking this way is that the song's tone becomes much darker in the last two verses. There are hints of apocalyptic imagery. Perhaps all the foolish, petty ways of humanity are leading to ruin of civilization? And the ideals embodied by Dylan's love have less place in society? The raven seems to signify death; perhaps the death of his ideals?
Also about the beautifully cryptic "no success like failure" line. I've come to see this couplet as an argument against either dogma or ambition. The first part "no success like failure" seems a straight reading of that adage that you learn more from your failures. To me the second line turns that on its head and says, "But failure still sucks." So perhaps that means why bother with your arguments and lofty pronouncements? Why try so hard and wind yourself up for failure? Why hold on so tightly to your ideas? Speak softly and humbly.
This is probably my favorite love song. I've really enjoyed reading others interpretations. I had always imagined that "my love" was an actual, but idealized person, but I've started wondering whether "my love" is more of a personification of a perfect kind of love. It seems unlikely that a person could truly have all these qualities, and perhaps it's mawkish to assume that Dylan is just romanticizing an actual person.
The thing that got me thinking this way is that the song's tone becomes much darker in the last two verses. There are hints of apocalyptic imagery. Perhaps all the foolish, petty ways of humanity are leading to ruin of civilization? And the ideals embodied by Dylan's love have less place in society? The raven seems to signify death; perhaps the death of his ideals?
Also about the beautifully cryptic "no success like failure" line. I've come to see this couplet as an argument against either dogma or ambition. The first part "no success like failure" seems a straight reading of that adage that you learn more from your failures. To me the second line turns that on its head and says, "But failure still sucks." So perhaps that means why bother with your arguments and lofty pronouncements? Why try so hard and wind yourself up for failure? Why hold on so tightly to your ideas? Speak softly and humbly.
Just some thoughts...