Sweetheart Like You

Really a beautiful song, yet difficult to figure out. Sometimes it is hard to figure if Dylan has deeper meanings intended or if he is just making the song sound "cool". My take on it is one I have not seen before. I may be mistaken, but it makes sense to me. The Sweetheart is the Christian Coalition in politics. Or Christians in general involved in politics.

Reasons why this song is most certainly talking about a Christian.

1. Her boss has gone north,

Acts 1:9-11 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

2. The Church is refered to as her because it is the bride of Christ.

3. Her fathers house has many mansions.

John 14:1-3

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.In my Father's house are many rooms (also translated mansions in other translations); if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

4. Christians are to be watching for Christs return. (You know, a woman like you should be at home, That's where you belong, Watching out for someone who loves you true Who would never do you wrong.)

Reasons why the dump is politics.

1. Politics IS a dump.

2. Cheating and dirty dealing is rampant. (In order to deal in this game, got to make the queen disappear,It's done with a flick of the wrist.)

3. Politics is a way to fame (You know you can make a name for yourself), a path to power (tires squealing), and politicians do serious damage to themselves making deals or compromises.

4. Getting to the top in politics is dirty business. Making deals, bribes, doing favors, pork barrel projects, very few politicians make it to the top that have real standards. (Got to be an important person to be in here, honey, Got to have done some evil deed, Got to have your own harem when you come in the door,)

5. Famous political quotes. ("patriotism is the last refuge To which a scoundrel clings.") and ("Steal a little and they throw you in jail, Steal a lot and they make you king." Hitler I believe)

Dylan believes the church's work is elsewhere. "What's a sweetheart like you doing in a dump like this."

Examine for yourself. Let me know what you find. feedback

SWEETHEART LIKE YOU
(Words and Music by Bob Dylan)
 1983 Special Rider Music

Well, the pressure's down, the boss ain't here,
He gone North, he ain't around,
They say that vanity got the best of him
But he sure left here after sundown.
By the way, that's a cute hat,
And that smile's so hard to resist
But what's a sweetheart like you doin' in a dump like this?


You know, I once knew a woman who looked like you,
She wanted a whole man, not just a half,
She used to call me sweet daddy when I was only a child,
You kind of remind me of her when you laugh.
In order to deal in this game, got to make the queen disappear,
It's done with a flick of the wrist.
What's a sweetheart like you doin' in a dump like this?

You know, a woman like you should be at home,
That's where you belong,
Watching out for someone who loves you true
Who would never do you wrong.
Just how much abuse will you be able to take?
Well, there's no way to tell by that first kiss.
What's a sweetheart like you doin' in a dump like this?

You know you can make a name for yourself,
You can hear them tires squeal,
You can be known as the most beautiful woman
Who ever crawled across cut glass to make a deal.

You know, news of you has come down the line
Even before ya came in the door.
They say in your father's house, there's many mansions
Each one of them got a fireproof floor.
Snap out of it, baby, people are jealous of you,
They smile to your face, but behind your back they hiss.
What's a sweetheart like you doin' in a dump like this?

Got to be an important person to be in here, honey,
Got to have done some evil deed,
Got to have your own harem when you come in the door,
Got to play your harp until your lips bleed.

They say that patriotism is the last refuge
To which a scoundrel clings.
Steal a little and they throw you in jail,
Steal a lot and they make you king.
There's only one step down from here, baby,
It's called the land of permanent bliss.
What's a sweetheart like you doin' in a dump like this?