Meaning of Medley: My Back Pages/b.j. Blues/baby What You Want Me To Do by Bob Dylan

Title: Bob Dylan's 'Medley: My Back Pages/b.j. Blues/baby What You Want Me To Do': Exploring the Depths of Change and Self-ReflectionIntroduction:Bob Dylan, the iconic folk singer-songwriter, has long been revered for his lyrical prowess and ability to capture the essence of the human experience. One of his timeless classics, the medley of 'My Back Pages/b.j. Blues/baby What You Want Me To Do', delves into themes of transformation, self-discovery, societal pressures, and the perpetual search for personal identity. In this blog, we embark on a deep exploration of the song's multi-layered themes, dissecting each standout lyric and its underlying significance to the overarching theme.Theme: Evolution and Self-ReflectionThroughout 'Medley: My Back Pages/b.j. Blues/baby What You Want Me To Do', Dylan tackles the profound concept of personal evolution. The song suggests that as individuals navigate life's trials and tribulations, their perceptions, beliefs, and values are bound to change, rendering their previous selves seemingly foreign. It is an anthem to the process of self-reflection, acknowledging the growth and transformation that occurs with age and experience, ultimately shaping who we become.Standout Lyrics:1. 'Crimson flames tied through my ears, Throwin' high and mighty traps' - Dylan's imagery of 'crimson flames' evokes the intensity and fervor of youth. The 'high and mighty traps' symbolize the expectations and pressures placed upon young individuals, captivating and molding their beliefs and desires.Themes: Youthful idealism, societal expectations, personal aspirations2. 'Lies that life is black and white, Spoke from my skull. I dreamed' - Dylan questions the simplicity of life's truths and exposes the fallacy of thinking that the world can be neatly categorized. He acknowledges his past naivety and dreams that once colored his worldview, recognizing the complexities and gray areas that accompany maturity.Themes: Naivety, disillusionment, complexity of life, personal growth3. 'In a soldier's stance, I aimed my hand, At the mongrel dogs who teach, Fearing not I'd become my enemy, In the instant that I preach' - Dylan contemplates the dangers of fanaticism and blind adherence to beliefs. He emphasizes the importance of challenging one's own views before condemning others, reminding us that the moment we become too steadfast in our convictions, we risk becoming the very enemy we oppose.Themes: Fanaticism, self-introspection, empathy, open-mindedness4. 'My guard stood hard when abstract threats, Too noble to neglect, Deceived me into thinking, I had something to protect' - Here, Dylan explores the deceptive nature of fear and how it can lead individuals to defend abstract ideals. He raises questions about what truly deserves protection, urging us to reevaluate the values we hold dear and question whether they genuinely align with our authentic selves.Themes: Fear, vulnerability, self-worth, authenticity5. 'You got me runnin', you got me hidin', You got me run hide, hide run, Anyway you want baby, oh yeah yeah yeah, You got me doin' what you want me' - Dylan confronts the concept of external influence and the struggle to maintain personal autonomy in the face of societal pressures. The lyrics speak to the universal human experience of conforming to societal norms and expectations, even if it means sacrificing one's own desires or sense of self.Themes: Conformity, societal pressure, personal autonomy, internal conflictConclusion:Bob Dylan's 'Medley: My Back Pages/b.j. Blues/baby What You Want Me To Do' serves as a poignant reflection on the inherent changes and self-discovery that come with the passage of time. Digging deep into the standout lyrics, we've unearthed a wealth of unexpected and imaginative themes, all of which intertwine harmoniously with the overarching theme of personal evolution. Dylan reminds us that embracing change, self-reflection, and the pursuit of authentic selfhood are lifelong journeys leading to timeless wisdom and personal freedom. It is a song that continues to resonate and inspire listeners to navigate their own paths of growth and transformation.