While in class we listened to and looked at the lyrics of a variety of Bob Dylan's songs ranging from "Maggie's Farm" to "Lily, Rosemary, and the Jack of Hearts." But of all the songs the one that most intrigued me most was "Subterranean Homesick Blues". Our class discussed this song for quite some time and what Dylan meant by this particular song. Additionally, the rhythm, the audience, and even the speaker were included in the discussion.
One of the first things mentioned about the song was the title. What is meant by subterranean? Clearly the definition is underground, but when looking at the message of the song it seems that Dylan is looking to sing about something that not everyone else is talking about, not a typical mainstream thought that other people are willing to discuss aloud. The next topic we discussed was who is the speaker of this song, and to whom is this person speaking to? I believe that the person speaking is unobtrusively upset and outspoken about the government or how society subconsciously tells you how to govern yourself. This person is definitely older and has lived through several obstacles within his/her life. Throughout the song the speaker is making a series of wise observations to another person. I think that the person listening to the speaker is naive, and less in the know. This person is ultimately being persuaded and will soon think the same way.
After doing some research of the time period that this song is released I believe I found some correlations between song lyrics and current events. "Johnny's in the basement mixing up the medicine / I'm on the pavement thinkin' about the Goverment" believe he is referring to the recreational drug use that was common in the 1960's youth as well as politics. The turmoil surrounding the Vietnam War was beginning to effect the entire nation including music artists. The civil rights movement is also referenced, "Better stay away from those/ That carry around a fire hose", referring to the peaceful protesters who were sprayed with fire hoses.
Although this song was extremely controversial, I feel that is why it is so good and so well remembered.
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