Meaning of Straight A’s In Love (empire Burlesque Outtake) by Bob Dylan

In the realm of music, Bob Dylan has always been known for his thoughtful and introspective songs that delve into the complexities of human emotions and experiences. One such tune that demonstrates his lyrical prowess is his outtake from the album "Empire Burlesque," the whimsical and playful "Straight A’s In Love." This lively track presents a unique take on love and knowledge, intertwining them in a delightful melange of themes.First and foremost, the overarching theme of the song is the power of love to transcend traditional notions of intelligence and academic achievement. Dylan opens the song with an amusing observation, stating that his beloved is not particularly adept in arithmetic and struggles with money matters. However, despite these shortcomings, the speaker affirms that their partner's proficiency in love earns them "straight A's." This sets the tone for the rest of the song and introduces the idea of love as a subject where traditional measures of success, like grades or knowledge, are irrelevant.One standout lyric from the song is, "But baby, you know, two and two is four, baby, that’ll be the day." Here, Dylan cleverly alludes to the famous saying "that'll be the day," which signifies extreme skepticism or disbelief. By juxtaposing it with a simple mathematical fact, he implies that the certainty of love's arithmetic exceeds even the day that the unimaginable happens. This lyric subtly suggests the theme that love can defy logic and prove infallible, regardless of one's intelligence or proficiency in other subjects.Additionally, Dylan accentuates the theme of love transcending traditional intellect in subsequent verses. In the following lines, he playfully asserts that his significant other struggles with history, reading, and geography. Yet, even in their lack of knowledge, Dylan highlights the immense power of love. He suggests that historical and geographical inaccuracies, like confusing Geronimo with Johnny Appleseed or believing England is in Spain, do not detract from love's ability to earn straight A's. This lyrical choice underscores the notion that love, in its purest form, cannot be measured or confined by the limitations of traditional schooling.Another lyric worth examining is, "You could fall right off the honor roll, you wouldn’t need a shove, but you graduate with honors from the school of love." Here, Dylan introduces the idea that love itself becomes its own esteemed institution, where the rules of conventional education no longer apply. This theme expands upon the notion that love encompasses a unique form of intelligence and wisdom, one that cannot be taught in school but is acquired through experience and emotional connection. By reframing love as a school, Dylan invites us to view it as a realm where success is measured not by academic merit, but by the depth of affection and empathy.As the song concludes, the audience is left with a lasting impression of love's ability to defy societal expectations and shine regardless of one's academic aptitude. Through playful lyrics and unexpected themes, Dylan challenges conventional notions of intelligence and success, emphasizing that love can garner "straight A's" for individuals regardless of their academic abilities.In conclusion, "Straight A’s In Love" is a whimsical and thought-provoking tune. Its exploration of love's ability to transcend traditional measures of intellect and achievement provides a refreshing perspective on the power of human connection. By interweaving the themes of love, knowledge, and academic shortcomings, Dylan ingeniously emphasizes the idea that love can earn "straight A's" where traditional education may fall short. Through this song, Dylan invites listeners to embrace love's universality, reminding us that the heart knows no boundaries or limitations. Embracing the unconventional intelligence of love can truly be transformative for both individuals and society as a whole.