Aretha with no goals, eternally single & one step soft of heaven/ let it be understood that she owns this melody along with her emotional diplomats & her earth & her musical secrets
Bob DylanRead
There are many here among us who feel that life is but a joke. But you and I, we've been through that, and this is not our fate, so let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the seriousness of life despite some perceiving it as a joke, urging honesty and awareness of time's passage.
Bob Dylan's quote suggests that while some people may treat life lightly as if it's a joke, those who have experienced its depth understand the urgency and significance of authenticity. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the realities we face and not shirking from them as we navigate our lives. The reference to time being 'late' serves as a call to engage with life meaningfully, rather than playfully dismissing it.
Themes
LifeJokeTruthTimeSeriousness
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the meaning of life, this quote can highlight the importance of sincerity.
More from Bob Dylan
All quotes →If I wasn't Bob Dylan, I'd probably think that Bob Dylan has a lot of answers myself.
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Some formulas are too complex and I don't want anything to do with them.
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I'm the oldest son of a crazy man, I'm in a cowboy band.
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My songs are personal music, they're not communal. I wouldn't want people singing along with me. It would sound funny. I'm not playing campfire meetings. I don't remember anyone singing along with Elvis, Carl Perkins or Little Richard.
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I wish that for just one time you could stand inside my shoes. You'd know what a drag it is to see you.
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