Meaning of Under The Red Sky by Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan's song "Under The Red Sky" is a whimsical and mysterious tale that takes listeners on a journey through a surreal landscape. The overall theme of the song seems to center around a sense of childlike wonder, mixed with elements of fantasy and the unknown. Dylan uses vivid imagery and playful language to create a world where anything is possible, and where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur.One standout lyric in the song is "There was a little boy and there was a little girl, and they lived in an alley under the red sky." This line immediately captures the listener's attention, painting a vivid picture of two children existing in an unconventional and fantastical setting. The theme that emerges from this lyric is the idea of escapism and finding solace in unconventional places. The red sky represents a departure from the ordinary, and the alley symbolizes the forgotten spaces where unexpected magic can be found.Another intriguing lyric in the song is "There was an old man and he lived in the moon, one summer's day he came passing by." This line introduces an element of surprise and introduces the character of the old man who resides in the moon. The theme that arises from this lyric is the idea of hidden wisdom and the influence of unseen forces. The old man represents a source of ancient knowledge and guides the characters through their journey, offering a sense of enlightenment and guidance.In the midst of these imaginative themes, Dylan inserts a surprising bridge that adds another layer to the song. He sings, "Someday little girl, everything for you is gonna be new, someday little girl, you'll have a diamond as big as your shoe." This lyric introduces the concept of hope, dreams, and the promise of a future that holds endless possibilities. The theme that emerges here is the idea of optimism and the belief that even in the most challenging circumstances, there is the potential for greatness and abundance.One of the most striking verses in the song is "Let the wind blow low, let the wind blow high, one day the little boy and the little girl were both baked in a pie." This unexpected and somewhat dark lyric adds an element of tension and danger to the story. The theme that emerges from this lyric is the idea of unexpected consequences and the fear of losing oneself in pursuit of something greater. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us to be mindful of the choices we make and the risks we take.Dylan continues to weave his intricate narrative with the lyric, "This is the key to the kingdom and this is the town, this is the blind horse that leads you around." Here, he introduces the idea of duality and the notion that perception can shape reality. The theme that emerges from this lyric is the idea of hidden truths and the power of perception to influence our experiences. The blind horse represents a guide that may not always be trustworthy, highlighting the importance of discernment and critical thinking.The song concludes with the lyric, "Let the bird sing, let the bird fly, the man in the moon went home and the river went dry." This final verse ties together several themes explored throughout the song. It symbolizes the end of the journey and the return to reality. The man in the moon going home represents the loss of mystical guidance, while the drying river signifies the absence of wonder and magic in the everyday world. The theme that emerges here is the fleeting nature of imagination and the inevitable return to the mundane.In "Under The Red Sky," Bob Dylan takes listeners on a whimsical and thought-provoking adventure. The song's overall theme of childlike wonder, mixed with elements of fantasy and the unknown, is beautifully conveyed through imaginative lyrics and vivid imagery. Each standout lyric mentioned unveils unexpected themes, such as escapism, hidden wisdom, hope, unexpected consequences, duality, and the fleeting nature of imagination. This song serves as a reminder to look beyond the ordinary and embrace the magic that lies beneath the surface of everyday life.