Angelina

A mysterious song indeed, poetic and full of images. I do not intend to put words in Bobby's mouth, rather drawing on what I know of this period of Dylan's music, and what it brings up in my mind, thus I offer my commentary.

A song of a lady who Dylan is pleading with. He asks her what she will do when she no longer exists and begs her to retreat from her present position and run to God and beg for mercy. This also speaks here and there of the Antichrist.

ANGELINA (Words and Music by Bob Dylan) 1981 Special Rider Music

Well, its always been my nature to take chances My right hand drawing back while my left hand advances Where the current is strong and the monkey dances To the tune of a concertina

Blood dryin in my yellow hair as I go from shore to shore I know what it is that has drawn me to your door But whatever it could be, makes you think youve seen me before Angelina

Dylan starts out with small talk, then let's it be known that it wasn't easy getting to her door, and hints at divine providence bringing him to her door.

Oh, Angelina. Oh, Angelina

His eyes were two slits that would make a snake proud With a face that any painter would paint as he walked through the crowd Worshipping a god with the body of a woman well endowed And the head of a hyena

Do I need your permission to turn the other cheek? If you can read my mind, why must I speak? No, I have heard nothing about the man that you seek Angelina

Yet another Dylan reference to the Antichrist. A memorable man, slits for eyes, a unholy man who worships Satan? Then he speaks with Angelina more, hinting to their troubled relationship.

Oh, Angelina. Oh, Angelina

In the valley of the giants where the stars and stripes explode The peaches they were sweet and the milk and honey flowed I was only following instructions when the judge sent me down the road With your subpoena

Clear references to Israel here, Biblical valley of the giants, place of constant war, yet a place of milk and honey as described in Numbers Chapter 13. The Judge is God and he sent him to her.

When you cease to exist, then who will you blame? Ive tried my best to love you, but I cannot play this game Your best friend and my worst enemy is one and the same Angelina

Everyone dies, and then it is too late to give blame. The narrator has given his best, but he draws the line between them, saying that Satan is her master, and his worst enemy.

Oh, Angelina. Oh, Angelina

Theres a black Mercedes rollin through the combat zone Your servants are half dead; youre down to the bone Tell me, tall man, where would you like to be overthrown Maybe down in Jerusalem or Argentina?

Images of the end times fill the narrators mind. A question to the antichrist, where would you like to be defeated?

She was stolen from her mother when she was three days old Now her vengeance has been satisfied and her possessions have been sold Hes surrounded by Gods angels and shes wearin a blindfold And so are you, Angelina

Perhaps a reference to the "Whore of Babylon" mentioned in Rev:17, he reminds her she is on the side of evil

Oh, Angelina. Oh, Angelina

I see pieces of men marching; trying to take heaven by force I can see the unknown rider, I can see the pale white horse In Gods truth tell me what you want, and youll have it of course Just step into the arena

More images of the end. If you havn't read the book of Revelation in the New Testament I strongly suggest it, the book brings much light to Dylan's lyrics.

Dylan, more than most, realizes that the Christian life is an a battle, in the arena.

Beat a path of retreat up them spiral staircases Pass the tree of smoke, pass the angel with four faces Begging God for mercy and weepin in unholy places Angelina

Dylan begs her to repent. Which is her only hope. Oh, Angelina. Oh, Angelina

This song is rapidly becoming one of my favorites. It is so deep and provides a window into the artists soul. It can be found on the Bootleg Series 1-3. Send me a note if you have something to add, or a critique to make.