The Meaning Behind The Song: Subterranean Homesick Blues by Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is one of the most iconic songwriters of all time. He wrote “Subterranean Homesick Blues” in 1965, which became an instant hit and was seen as a turning point in popular music. This song is known for its cryptic lyrics and its message on the state of society during the 1960s. In this article, we will delve deep into the meaning behind the lyrics of this song.
Table of Contents
Verse 1 – Modifying the Mind
The first verse of “Subterranean Homesick Blues” opens up with an enigmatic statement – “Johnny’s in the basement / Mixing up the medicine.” The song starts with a psychedelic and a surrealistic image, but as the verse goes on, it moves on to a more concrete message.
“Dribbling with the reverb, and tinkling with the strings” is a reference to the production techniques. The phrase “modifying the mind” is, however, a reference to drug culture, which was prevalent during the ’60s. This verse can also be interpreted as a warning against the dangers of drug use.
Verse 2 – The Confusion of Social Revolution
The second verse of the song takes a more explicit stance on the social revolution that was taking place during the ’60s.
“The pump don’t work / Cause the vandals took the handles” is one of the most quoted lines from the song. It describes a situation where those in power have lost control over the masses, and they’re struggling to keep up.
“20 years of schoolin’ and they put you on the day shift” is a reference to the frustration of the youth of that time. People who’ve undergone extensive education couldn’t seem to find suitable jobs.
Chorus – The Disillusionment of Society
In the chorus, Dylan seems to express his frustration with the current state of society and its warped values.
“Ah, get born, keep warm / Short pants, romance, learn to dance / Get dressed, get blessed, try to be a success” encapsulates the desires that society ingrains in people from a young age. These desires are generic, materialistic, and always have the notion of success attached to them.
However, Dylan seems to question the usefulness of these desires as he brings the song back to the verse with “Ah, but I was so much older then / I’m younger than that now.” This line is seen as a reflection of Dylan’s attitude towards social change. He may have seen himself as part of the revolution, but now, he feels that the revolution has lost its ideology.
Verse 3 – Political Commentary
The third verse of the song takes a more direct stance on politics.
“The man in the trench coat / Badge out, laid off” refers to the police or other authority figures; however, they may have lost their power and influence in society.
“The riot squad they’re restless” refers to the police force, which was used to control and contain protests.
Dylan calls for a change in society with the line, “You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.” The weatherman in this context is a reference to those who predict the future; those in authority are ignorant of what’s coming, but the masses know where things are headed.
Verse 4 – Generational Vexation
The fourth and final verse of the song describes the generational divide that existed in the ’60s.
“The sun’s not yellow, it’s chicken” seems like a random line, but it refers to a magazine called Yellow. Yellow was a well-known satirical magazine at that time.
“Maggie comes fleet-foot / Face full of black soot” speaks to the issues that face the next generation. They are inheriting a world where their predecessors have burnt everything to the ground.
Overall, “Subterranean Homesick Blues” was seen as a protest song against the status quo of the 1960s. It had a deep and cryptic message that called for revolution and change in society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was Bob Dylan inspired by any existing literature when he wrote “Subterranean Homesick Blues?”
Bob Dylan was heavily influenced by the Beat Generation of writers. Specifically, he was drawn to the works of Jack Kerouac and his narrative style, which is evident in the cryptic and surrealistic lyrics of “Subterranean Homesick Blues.”
2. What was the inspiration behind “Subterranean Homesick Blues?”
Dylan was inspired by the cultural and political upheaval of the ’60s. The song was written as a protest against the status quo and the establishment.
3. What does “Subterranean Homesick Blues” mean?
The song is a reflection of the social, cultural, and political climate of the ’60s. It’s a protest against the establishment and the status quo, calling for a change in the way things are done.
4. What are some of the literary elements used in “Subterranean Homesick Blues”?
The song uses a lot of imagery and symbolism, particularly in the first verse. The lyrics are also metaphorical and cryptic, making it open to interpretation.
5. What’s the significance of the phrase “you don’t need a weatherman” in the song?
The phrase is a call to the people to take action. It means that people don’t need those in authority to tell them where things are headed; they need to trust their common sense and take a stand for what’s right.
6. How did people respond to “Subterranean Homesick Blues” when it was first released?
The song was an instant hit and seen as a turning point in popular music. It was played widely on radio stations and helped to solidify Dylan’s place as a cultural icon.
7. What’s the connection between “Subterranean Homesick Blues” and drug use?
The lyrics of the song reference drug culture, which was prevalent during the ’60s. It’s a reflection of the drug experimentation that was popular during that time.
8. What’s the message behind the line “the pump don’t work ’cause the vandals took the handles?”
The line is a metaphor for the struggle of those in power to maintain control of society. The vandals, or the masses, have taken control and are now the ones calling the shots.
9. What’s the significance of the phrase “I was so much older then / I’m younger than that now” in the song?
The phrase reflects Dylan’s disillusionment with the social revolution of the ’60s. He may have seen himself as part of this revolution but feels that the ideology of the movement has been lost.
10. What’s the message behind the phrase “modifying the mind” in the first verse?
“Modifying the mind” is a reference to drug culture, which was prevalent during the ’60s. The phrase can also be interpreted as a warning against the dangers of drug use.
11. What’s the message behind the phrase “Ah, get born, keep warm / Short pants, romance, learn to dance / Get dressed, get blessed, try to be a success” in the chorus?
The phrase is a critique of the materialistic values that society upholds. It’s a call to break free from these desires and pursue a more meaningful way of living.
12. What’s the message behind the phrase “The sun’s not yellow, it’s chicken” in the fourth verse?
The phrase is a reference to a satirical magazine called Yellow. Dylan was making a statement about journalism and how it was often more concerned with sensationalism than truth.
