Meaning of Pretty Mary by Bob Dylan

In the vast catalog of Bob Dylan's mesmerizing and enigmatic songs, there is one that often goes unnoticed but deserves our attention: "Pretty Mary." Released in 1970 as part of the "Self Portrait" album, this haunting composition holds a wealth of poetic beauty and mysterious imagery that unveils itself upon closer examination. The overall theme of the song seems to revolve around longing, desire, and the pursuit of an ideal, personified by the enigmatic character of Pretty Mary.The opening lines of the song instantly draw us into a world of vivid colors and evocative symbols. "Pretty Mary, pretty Mary, with the pink, white, and gold, will you tell me pretty Mary, where do you keep your gold?" These lyrics introduce Pretty Mary - a muse, an embodiment of all that is beautiful and desirable. The colors mentioned - pink, white, and gold - evoke a sense of purity, elegance, and prosperity. Here, the theme of longing and desire is established, as the narrator seeks to attain the metaphorical "gold" that Pretty Mary possesses.As the song progresses, we encounter lines that add depth and further develop the themes at play. "But I'm coming with the midnight and the cold winds in twilight, and then a dream of the world, of Pretty Mary tonight." Here, the narrator conveys a sense of determination and perseverance in the pursuit of their desires. The midnight and cold winds symbolize the challenges and obstacles faced in this pursuit, yet the dream of being with Pretty Mary persists.The chorus, with its repetitive, almost hypnotic repetition of "Pretty Mary, don't be lonely, Pretty Mary, don't be cruel, you're my only destination, and I'm coming for you," reinforces the theme of longing and desire. The lyrics speak directly to Pretty Mary, imploring her not to be lonely or cruel, thereby highlighting the narrator's emotional investment in this pursuit. The idea of Pretty Mary being the narrator's "only destination" suggests that this quest for love and fulfillment is all-encompassing and all-consuming.Moving on to the second verse, we find lyrics that delve deeper into the complexity of the protagonist's journey. "I've been from the devil on my bed one year, she'll call them and backwards, but you know that [?]." Here, the symbol of the devil represents temptation and the allure of a different path, contrasting with the pursuit of Pretty Mary. The narrator acknowledges the presence of these distractions, but ultimately recognizes that Pretty Mary is the one worth pursuing.The following lines continue to paint a vivid picture: "Now the cold winds to the crossroads, to the valleys go southwards, and I think you're good-looking, pretty Mary." The crossroads and valleys represent choices and paths that the narrator has traveled. The mention of the cold winds returning reaffirms that the journey is ongoing, but despite these detours, Pretty Mary remains the focus. This lyric encapsulates the theme of perseverance and the conviction that Pretty Mary is the ultimate goal.In the third verse, a sense of nostalgia seems to emerge, as if the narrator reflects on past experiences. "I wish that my whole life on the [?] so real, how she come and get me down with the [?] at my heel." These cryptic lines allude to a life spent longing for something or someone. The [?] acts as a metaphor for the narrator's existence, implying a feeling of incompleteness. Pretty Mary becomes the promise of fulfillment, but the [?] at the narrator's heel represents the challenges and doubts that constantly linger.The closing lines of the song bring us back to the central theme: "But I know it's all right if I bring you home tonight, I'll at least be with pretty Mary." Here, the narrator finds solace in the idea that even if they are not permanently with Pretty Mary, even a temporary encounter would satisfy their yearning. This serves as a reminder that the pursuit itself holds value, regardless of the outcome.Through a careful examination of the standout lyrics in "Pretty Mary," we see a tapestry of themes woven together to create a deeply resonant and beautiful song. From the initial longing and desire to the perseverance in the face of obstacles, Bob Dylan invites us to reflect on the universal human experience of seeking something or someone that represents our ideal. It is a journey that transcends time and place, encapsulating the longing that resides within us all.