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Marina
Lv 7
Marina asked in Entertainment & MusicMusicLyrics · 1 decade ago

Who is Bob Dylan talking about in "Positively 4th Street"?

Was it a composite of people or someone specific?

2 Answers

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  • Sherpa
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Dylan said in the early 80's that when he uses "you" in a song, about half the time he's talking to himself. Dylan usually talks about a composite of people, himself, those he loves etc. I doubt its Sara, as they got married in '65. It maybe Joan Baez, it may be himself, his agent. Like most great art, the artist rarely tells you who the subject is, you're left to your own devices to interpret it.

    Here's the song:

    You got a lotta nerve

    To say you are my friend

    When I was down

    You just stood there grinning

    You got a lotta nerve

    To say you got a helping hand to lend

    You just want to be on

    The side that's winning

    You say I let you down

    You know it's not like that

    If you're so hurt

    Why then don't you show it

    You say you lost your faith

    But that's not where it's at

    You had no faith to lose

    And you know it

    I know the reason

    That you talk behind my back

    I used to be among the crowd

    You're in with

    Do you take me for such a fool

    To think I'd make contact

    With the one who tries to hide

    What he don't know to begin with

    You see me on the street

    You always act surprised

    You say, "How are you?" "Good luck"

    But you don't mean it

    When you know as well as me

    You'd rather see me paralyzed

    Why don't you just come out once

    And scream it

    No, I do not feel that good

    When I see the heartbreaks you embrace

    If I was a master thief

    Perhaps I'd rob them

    And now I know you're dissatisfied

    With your position and your place

    Don't you understand

    It's not my problem

    I wish that for just one time

    You could stand inside my shoes

    And just for that one moment

    I could be you

    Yes, I wish that for just one time

    You could stand inside my shoes

    You'd know what a drag it is

    To see you

  • 1 decade ago

    probly people in general,or maybe 1st.wife sara..

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