Meaning of True Love Tends To Forget by Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan's song "True Love Tends To Forget" delves into the complexities of love and its ability to cloud our judgment and memories. Through captivating lyrics and an emotive melody, Dylan invites us to explore the different facets of love and how it can affect our perceptions and actions. In this blog article, we will take a closer look at some standout lyrics and the imaginative themes they contribute to the overall narrative of the song.The opening lyrics of the song immediately set the tone for its contemplative nature: "I'm getting weary looking in my baby's eyes, when she's near me she's so hard to recognize." Here, Dylan introduces the theme of disillusionment within a relationship. Love has the power to distort our perception of reality, leading us to question the truth and authenticity of the person we once knew. This theme of uncertainty carries throughout the song, highlighting the malleability of love and its potential to deceive.As the song progresses, Dylan sings, "Every day of the year’s like playing' Russian roulette, true love, true love, true love tends to forget." Here, he draws a parallel between love and the dangerous game of Russian roulette. Love is unpredictable, with each day bringing new challenges and uncertainties. The lyric suggests that in the game of love, there is the constant risk of getting hurt, yet we continue to pursue it despite the potential consequences. This theme sheds light on the enduring and sometimes reckless nature of love.In the chorus, we encounter the following mesmerizing lyrics: "I was lying’ down in the reeds without any oxygen, I saw you in the wilderness among the men, saw you drift into infinity and come back again, all you got to do is wait and I’ll tell you when." These lyrics evoke a sense of longing and desperation. The image of lying down in the reeds without oxygen implies suffocation and the feeling of being trapped. However, amidst this suffocation, Dylan catches a glimpse of his love in the wilderness. This theme suggests that even in the midst of confusion and chaos, love has the power to offer moments of clarity and hope. It speaks to the resilience of love, the ability to find solace in the most unexpected places.Moving on to the third verse, Dylan sings, "You're a tearjerker, baby, but I'm under your spell, you're a hard worker, baby, and I know you well." These lyrics highlight the emotional roller coaster that love often entails. It explores the notion of being entranced and captivated by a partner, even if they may bring tears and pain. Here, the theme centers around the sacrifices and compromises we make for love. It delves into the complex dynamics of relationships, where we find ourselves willingly entangled in the spell of love, even when it may be challenging.Finally, in the last verse, Dylan implores, "You belong to me, baby, without any doubt, don't forsake me, baby, don't sell me out, don't keep me knocking' about from Mexico to Tibet." These lyrics touch upon the yearning for stability and commitment in a relationship. Love often becomes synonymous with a sense of belonging and security. This theme explores the fear of abandonment and the desire for unwavering loyalty. It captures the vulnerability that can arise when one feels they are being kept at arm's length, constantly searching for reassurance.As we reflect upon the diverse themes woven throughout "True Love Tends To Forget," we are reminded of the intricate nature of love. From disillusionment and uncertainty to resilience and longing, Dylan paints a complex picture of the human experience within relationships. The song serves as a poignant reminder that love, though beautiful, can often cloud our judgment and memories. It is a powerful force that shapes our perception of reality and challenges us to navigate its unpredictable waters.