Meaning of Don’t Ya Tell Henry by Bob Dylan

The Bob Dylan song 'Don’t Ya Tell Henry' is a lively and catchy folk-rock tune with a whimsical and playful nature. The song’s overall theme seems to revolve around secrets, mischievousness, and the value of keeping certain things hidden. As we explore the lyrics of this song, we can uncover a multitude of unexpected and imaginative themes that weave together to reinforce the overarching message.One standout lyric in the song is the repeated phrase, "Don’t ya tell Henry, Apple’s got your fly." At first glance, this seems like a playful and nonsensical line, but we can interpret it as a metaphor for the consequences of revealing secrets. The mention of Henry implies a person who could potentially be harmed or embarrassed if certain information is shared. The reference to Apple, symbolizing temptation or forbidden knowledge, suggests that exposing someone's secret could lead to undesirable consequences, just like taking the bait on a fly lure.In the first verse, Dylan sings, "I found a little chicken down on his knees, I went up and yelled to him, 'Please, please, please!'" This imagery of a chicken on its knees invokes a sense of vulnerability and subservience. The pleading exclamation further emphasizes the theme of secrets and the urgency to keep them concealed. This lyric reminds us that vulnerability can make us susceptible to the temptation of revealing secrets, but it also highlights the potential power and importance of keeping certain information private.The line, "I looked down low, I looked above, And who did I see but the one I love," presents an unexpected theme of hidden love within the song. While the lyrics primarily focus on secrets, this particular line suggests that love can also be something we keep hidden. It implies that by concealing our affections, we protect ourselves or the object of our love from potential harm or unwanted attention. This theme adds depth to the notion of secrets, suggesting that love, too, can be an enigmatic force that requires protection.Another intriguing line is, "I went down to the pumphouse the other night, A-lookin' around, I was outta sight. I looked high and low for that big ol’ tree, I did go upstairs but I didn't see nobody but me." This stanza covertly addresses introspection and self-reflection. It suggests that sometimes we search for answers or understanding outside ourselves, only to realize that the truth lies within. In the context of the song's themes, it reinforces the idea that some secrets are deeply internal and known only to ourselves. This introspective theme offers a moment of reflection amidst the playfulness of the song.Through the exploration of the song's lyrics, we discover that 'Don’t Ya Tell Henry' delves beyond its initial whimsical facade and touches on themes of the consequences of revealing secrets, the hidden love we carry, and the power of introspection. While the song may seem light-hearted, it prompts us to consider the importance of discretion and the complexities of keeping certain truths concealed. It reminds us that not all secrets are meant to be shared and encourages us to cherish the power and responsibility of safeguarding the truths entrusted to us.