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
But now we got weapons _x000D_ _x000D_ Of the chemical dust _x000D_ _x000D_ If fire them we're forced to _x000D_ _x000D_ Then fire them we must _x000D_ _x000D_ One push of the button _x000D_ _x000D_ And a shot the world wide _x000D_ _x000D_ And you never ask questions _x000D_ _x000D_ When God's on your side
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the devastating power of weapons and the moral dilemmas they create in society.
Bob Dylan's lyrics illustrate the perilous nature of humanity's reliance on destructive technology, particularly weapons that can annihilate. The message urges reflection on the ethical implications of wielding such power—questioning who truly benefits when destructive force is justified through belief or ideology, and the innate human tendency to accept decisions made in the name of a greater cause without scrutiny.
Themes
WeaponsMoralityDestructionPowerTechnology
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on military ethics, one might quote Dylan to emphasize the consequences of blind faith in authority.
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.
Bob DylanRead
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.
Bob DylanRead
I wish that for just one time you could stand inside my shoes. You'd know what a drag it is to see you.
Bob DylanRead
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