Quite honestly, no one can know the mind of Dylan but Dylan, though I do love the commentary on what these wonderful lyrics COULD mean. One of my favorite conversations I have had with friends about this song was one I had with a friend of mine who is a Jehovah's Witness. I was surprised to hear the possibility that Dylan had studied with the witnesses for a time in the late seventies before he converted to another denomination. And though many of his songs had biblical references prior to, it was surrounding the time he studied with them that his interest in the end times was heightened. I have heard much of this song's references to government and war, which is exactly what the end times of the Bible encompass.
He expounded as follows:
The Joker might refer to 'the foolish man' in Matthew who does so well in his business that he chooses to expand without consideration for his spirituality. The account ends with God warning him that others are after his soul. Who then will have the things he stored up?
God also likens himself to "a thief" who comes in "the night", that is unseen and arrives when least expected --warning those with faith that they should keep awake spiritually and be ready for their Master.
When the song begins, the Joker is looking for a way out --for refuge from those after his soul. The Businessmen, or merchants, mentioned in revelation, get rich off the existence of false religion in league with worldly government, something the Joker himself depends on for his business, which if you remember was 'expanding' according to Matthew.
"Too much confusion" comes from the struggle for a spiritual man to stay balanced between spiritual things and those necessary for making a living, relief coming only when you rely wholly on God and not your own devices for your daily needs --not the Joker's strong suit, as he is too preoccupied with the value of his expanding harvest, something that common folk (the Plowmen) are not interested in, as they keep their eyes fixed on basic needs --not profits.
"No reason to get excited" translates to Jesus' instruction not to be anxious over anything and that the soul and body mean more than food and clothing. The Thief's speaking kindly is God expressing his desire that no one be destroyed but that all should repent and make necessary changes to avoid being caught unprepared when He comes, though He acknowledges that most will not because "many feel that life (everlasting) is but a joke."
The fact that the Thief says "we've been through all that" suggests that God has been with the Joker and has not given up on him despite being foolish as of late, but that there is much of value in him worth saving if he would only make the sound decision to put away his worldly, valueless things --while there is yet time. This would mean his pursuing the Truth without delay, requiring him to "not talk falsely now, [because] the hour is getting late."
All along, the Watchtower from the book of Ezekiel has been the chosen symbol the Jehovah's Witnesses used as the title of their magazines, through which they pass on the Bible's announcing God's coming as a thief. Fittingly so, because "princes" has been used throughout the Bible as a reference to angels who reveal to men God's warnings.
Women coming and going is from the the parable of the Ten Virgins mentioned in Matthew, some of whom are ready for the Groom's arrival, and some of whom did not adequately prepare for him (again alluding to the Joker --the foolish man who is in the same position.) "Barefoot servants" is the exact definition of the word 'minister' according to many biblical reference works. These correlate to Servants of God, some of whom, like the Virgins, are faithful and discreet, ready for the Thief, while others are wicked slaves, or hypocrites, according to Matthew.
The wild cat in the cold distance is nearly a word for word description of Satan and his place of dwelling (who walks about like a roaring lion) in the cold distance (the darkness outside) where those who are weeping and gnashing their teeth figuratively dwell. The two riders can be many different things, any of which fit appropriately... A reference to the "two witnesses" of revelation, or perhaps half of the horsemen who preclude the end: the first two of which to ride, according to my friend, is Jesus on the white horse, and of course War, a sign of the coming end, which Jesus said in Matthew NOT to be terrified of (no reason to get excited :)
At last, the wind howling is perhaps the four winds that the angels in revelation are holding back while God permits time for faithful ones to repent, one of which, again, is the foolish man, the Joker, who has not yet done so... but still has time.
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I felt my friend's thoughts were quite compelling, coupled with the many others I have seen online about this song. Truly, I never was exposed to these lyrics until I heard Dave Matthew's version, which gave way to the discussion I just broke down for you above. Several of us get together and pull apart lyrics to songs with biblical tie-ins. Perhaps our thoughts are dead on, and perhaps not. But it is obvious, regardless of interpretation, that Dylan and other musicians have brought their knowledge of Scripture and their talent together on countless occasions to touch on spiritual thoughts for the benefit of their listeners, reeling us in and inspiring conversations to take place about God, the Bible, and all the things that Christians everywhere ought to keep considering with one another...
Comments
Excellent!
by Alatea on December 6th, 2005
One of the best answers I've read for ages- fantastic.
by Anonymous on December 7th, 2005
This is an awesome answer, mb!!. You can analyze my lyrics anytime.
by Jodie44 on December 7th, 2005
But what happens next?????
by Dragen on December 31st, 2005
Man, incredible! This song I've been listening to for over 30 years has a wonderful new meaning. Thanks, M.B.!
by tmsib51 on August 22nd, 2006
nice answer!
by michaelcor on January 3rd, 2007
The song for those times of dispair!
by RedScareX on January 10th, 2007
But you forgot to imply what the Joker and Thief symbolize.Common sense tells us the joker is supposed to be a funny, jolly character, whilst the thief is supposed to steal and be sly.
There is strong significance of political thought in the lyrics but the Joker and Thief must represent something else.
by tsheinall on February 3rd, 2011