Until last night I thought the lyrics were about the history of Dylan's music, but now I see it more of a love story.
I understand how a lot of people see the religious side to this, but to me the story seems to be that the girl he loves is about to get married (hence religious imagery), and he realises he must go for it now or risk losing her forever. So:
he "steps forth from the shadows, to the market place" (he stops hiding and declares his love); the "captain" about to marry her "awaits celebration" of marrying her. But Dylan explains his love and "the captain is down" upon hearing about this, but believes his "love will be repaid" (with the girl marrying him anyway).
Other key lines in the story would be 'jupiter and apollo' (which would be Dylan and his love rival); and after they'd lifted her vail: 'With the stitches still mending 'neath a heart-shaped tattoo.Renegade priests and treacherous young witches. Were handing out the flowers that I'd given to you' (the pain breeding contempt towards all those involved in the wedding, eg the priest and bridesmaids).
The endless road and the wailing of chimes (the ailse and church bells seem to last forever to him)
She wakes him up...near broken chains (she is now with him...broken chains of marriage)
I don't need your organization, I've shined your shoes (I don't need your blessing to go with the girl, I've lived a good life)
Or else your hearts must have the courage for the changing of the guards (so you must be prepared for the girl to 'change guards', eg, change her husband [who will look after/guard her])
The Jupiter and Apollo line could refer to the children of Israel, torn between the raw power of Rome (Jupiter), and the hedonistic appeal of Hellenistic Judaism (Apollo).
The Jupiter and Apollo line could refer to the children of Israel, torn between the raw power of Rome (Jupiter), and the hedonistic appeal of Hellenistic Judaism (Apollo).
'Lifted her veil' = violated her = invaded her. (The Romans, when they conquered the last holdouts in 70AD).
'Lifted her veil' = violated her = invaded her. (The Romans, when they conquered the last holdouts in 70AD).
The 'broken chains' are normally thought of as being chains of sin. The 'rolling rock' is definitely a Jesus-image, as when they found Christ's burial site Sunday morning, the rock was rolled away and his body was gone.
The 'broken chains' are normally thought of as being chains of sin. The 'rolling rock' is definitely a Jesus-image, as when they found Christ's burial site Sunday morning, the rock was rolled away and his body was gone.
Until last night I thought the lyrics were about the history of Dylan's music, but now I see it more of a love story.
I understand how a lot of people see the religious side to this, but to me the story seems to be that the girl he loves is about to get married (hence religious imagery), and he realises he must go for it now or risk losing her forever. So:
he "steps forth from the shadows, to the market place" (he stops hiding and declares his love); the "captain" about to marry her "awaits celebration" of marrying her. But Dylan explains his love and "the captain is down" upon hearing about this, but believes his "love will be repaid" (with the girl marrying him anyway).
Other key lines in the story would be 'jupiter and apollo' (which would be Dylan and his love rival); and after they'd lifted her vail: 'With the stitches still mending 'neath a heart-shaped tattoo.Renegade priests and treacherous young witches. Were handing out the flowers that I'd given to you' (the pain breeding contempt towards all those involved in the wedding, eg the priest and bridesmaids).
The endless road and the wailing of chimes (the ailse and church bells seem to last forever to him) She wakes him up...near broken chains (she is now with him...broken chains of marriage) I don't need your organization, I've shined your shoes (I don't need your blessing to go with the girl, I've lived a good life) Or else your hearts must have the courage for the changing of the guards (so you must be prepared for the girl to 'change guards', eg, change her husband [who will look after/guard her])
The Jupiter and Apollo line could refer to the children of Israel, torn between the raw power of Rome (Jupiter), and the hedonistic appeal of Hellenistic Judaism (Apollo).
The Jupiter and Apollo line could refer to the children of Israel, torn between the raw power of Rome (Jupiter), and the hedonistic appeal of Hellenistic Judaism (Apollo).
'Lifted her veil' = violated her = invaded her. (The Romans, when they conquered the last holdouts in 70AD).
'Lifted her veil' = violated her = invaded her. (The Romans, when they conquered the last holdouts in 70AD).
The 'broken chains' are normally thought of as being chains of sin. The 'rolling rock' is definitely a Jesus-image, as when they found Christ's burial site Sunday morning, the rock was rolled away and his body was gone.
The 'broken chains' are normally thought of as being chains of sin. The 'rolling rock' is definitely a Jesus-image, as when they found Christ's burial site Sunday morning, the rock was rolled away and his body was gone.