The "Misogyny?" in Dylan's "Sweetheart Like You"

[@electricfence61]

Wonderful to hear this Jeff, thank you. You've given me alot to think about.

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks, Mick. I always feel so insecure about posting these "analyses" that I come very close to taking them back down again.....until I hear encouraging comments like yours. Thanks. Jeff

[@ethanschneider2711]

Awesome video! I love how you provide context to explain your reasoning and that you actually delve into the lyrics.

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks, Ethan. Like I was just responding to Mick, I always feel so insecure about posting these "analyses" that I come very close to taking them back down again.....until I hear encouraging comments like yours. Thanks. Jeff

[@Angrybogan]

Thank you, Jeff. I have listened to this song and played it myself for years. I worked out some time ago that the narrator of the song is the Devil. The woman has come to him to "crawl across cut glass to make a deal" in the absence of The Boss, who "as gone North". What the Devil does is say to the woman who comes to him, that she shouldn't be there...

[@CalicoSilver]

I’m glad to hear that I am not the only one who heard this lyric in this way. Thanks for commenting! Jeff

[@jimquinn5316]

A great song with terrific lyrics from a the brilliant Infidels album, Jeff. The Springtime In New York Bootleg series version is amazing too . Great to hear you discuss this again . Cheers Jeff !

[@CalicoSilver]

Hi Jim. Yeah, I came across yet another claim in a review of Infidels that Dylan was exhibiting misogyny, and I just had to make this video to at least offer one of many other ways of looking at it. I could literally have posted at least 3 videos about this song, with different (and somewhat similar, also) interpretations......hey, that might be a good idea for a future project! Haha. Anyway, thanks for your comment as always, Jim! Jeff

[@johnheaton5667]

a brilliant analysis Jeff....thanks!

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks so much, John.

[@garad123456]

Nice video! I now realize that when I have listened to the song, I focus more on how pathetic the guy talking is. It seems like he just doesn't know anything authentic and good, so when a "sweetheart" walks in, he instantly starts to "mansplain" to her how everything is and how she's not enough and the world is too cruel for her and she has also got to get dirty. "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"

[@Bluesofmyblues]

Hello, Great video! I've found your video after a long and deep search about the meaning behind this song, it’s the kind of song that keeps you wondering all the time even after you turn it off, and I've always felt like I needed to know the context and what happened to that sweetheart after that! Hahaha, It never cross my mind that it could be religious even though the album is, my thought of the lyrics were similar to "Unknown Legend" by Neil Young, a sweet misfortunate woman working in a diner, and Dylan is just the regular guy who comes by to see her without talking to her and the song is just the words he would never say to her, and I don't think it is Misogyny because he was saying it as if she deserves some rest and settling since she is in the dump and battling for a good life so, of course, she should have a home and man and family, I don’t see anything wrong with that, he encourages her to stop putting a good face even if that means she could be a bad person for a while because she's too kind and he's telling her it's okay to be bad to protect yourself, but then he says the reason why she would never change her life "Got to be an important person to be in here, honey" she’s attached to an important person that’s why she would never change, I've always thought of this line as a Stockholm syndrome kind of a thing! she's attached to this "important person" because he manipulates her or maybe blackmailed her so she could never leave and she also loves him cause misery loves company! I think this "Got to have done some evil deed" refers to what that person is doing for her not what she did, "They say in your father’s house, there’s many mansions Each one of them got a fireproof floor" could be referring to Edie Sedgwick (since he wrote rolling stone about her) and in this line, he is saying how rich and powerful her dad is and yet she can't go back there for so many reasons even though her father has "fireproof floor" which is a steady unshakable life and it’s sad that she's homeless now, but then "They say that patriotism is the last refuge" and that's what happened with Eddie Sadjwek at the end she went back to her family and it was her last refuge! her last place and her last option after getting betrayed by everyone. That’s what I think. And it's interesting to hear your genius explanation It's impressive when you explained “The boss ain't here” I enjoyed it so much, Bob Dylan is a great writer, I believe maybe meant it both! Religiously and romantically. Thank you so much for this great video, I enjoyed every second of it!

[@CalicoSilver]

Thank you so much for your amazing comments! I really appreciate them. Yes, I absolutely do believe that Dylan often uses Biblical references to sing about Romantic themes. I see that all the time in his ingenious lyrics. Thanks again. Jeff

[@demonsbutterfly]

Magnificent Album The last “True” Classic that Dylan gave us. The Daniel Lanois production has not aged well to my ears. The only problem with Infidels is only that it ain’t long enough I add the tracks from Bootleg Vol 3 when i play this album It becomes Top Shelf with 12 Tracks

[@CalicoSilver]

I agree! Infidels is one of the most interesting albums with another album's worth of equally great outtakes. Shoulda been a double album. Thanks!

[@stephenrostkoski837]

Oops, Infidels isn't produced by Lanois. Its sound is almost the opposite of Lanois' swampy atmosphere.

[@CalicoSilver]

@@stephenrostkoski837 I am pretty sure he was referring to the Oh Mercy and TOOM albums, Stephen. As in saying that despite those albums’ high regard, he doesn’t think their production sound has aged well, and that therefore he thinks Infidels was the last great Dylan album.

[@stephenrostkoski837]

@@CalicoSilver Oh, OK Jeff. That fits in with the general confusion I'm having today, I guess. Anyway, nice analysis from you, as usual. I don't know if I've ever considered that the narrator was Lucifer. I'm considering doing something on the 1992 tour versions of "Idiot Wind" in the near future.

[@stephenrostkoski837]

@@CalicoSilver Look for my Idiot Wind piece on Friday. Wow, this one seemed to come out of nowhere.

[@georgecoventry8441]

That is a very interesting interpretation. You may be right. It's certainly a possibility. The song is clearly about the perils of corruption, seduction, the hunger for fame and riches, and I can see why Dylan would have had concerns about all kinds of charlatans posing as spiritual leaders and seducing people to follow them. So...hmm. Definitely a lot to think about in that song. I agree that it's not just a conversation between Bob Dylan and "a woman", rather it's a parable about the lurking dangers of corruption in high (or low) places. I think a lot about Hollywood and the music business when I hear this song...and what is done to people to corrupt them and morally destroy them when they move in those circles. It's a dangerous game to play in...specially for women, but for men too. The church, of course, is spoken of as "a woman" many times in the Bible...as it is seen as the bride of Christ....but the "boss" has gone north for awhile. Just as in the Garden of Eden. The boss is away.........so here's a chance for "the mice" to play. So, you've given me some stuff to think about here, Jeff. "You've got to be an important person to be in here. You've got to have done some evil deed. You've gotta have your own harem when you walk in the door. You've got to play your harp until your lips bleed...." Yep. That sounds like Hollywood to me. It sounds like the upper circles of political and financial power. The top of the corporate ladder. The top of the banks and Wall Street. And some mega-churches too. Vicious stuff. That song is a cautionary tale about some really serious subject matter. And that characterizes the whole album.

[@Slothrop67]

Well Jeff, You've convinced me that this song is much more than a svengali trying to make a new conquest. I actually first thought it of a movie producer talking up a good looking waitress or barmaid. But no, It's much more complicated (I'll admit that this isn't a song that I've put much deep thought into). I definitely think that this is a type of Dr. Faustus situation of spiritual carrot and stick. Excellent video and commentary. One general thought about Dylan and women. I was listening to "Can You Please Crawl out Your Window" and it occurred to me that Dylan seems to have had a more adversarial view or relationship with woman than he does in the latter part of his oeuvre. I came to the conclusion that age has a lot to do with it. When I was in my late 20s, I definitely has some adversarial situations and/or down right unpleasantness. This is from both parts. Anyway, I put it sown to being young and dumb, hormones still going crazy, over emotionalism, jealousy and all of the other stuff that we all felt in our younger years. I'm curious about your opinion.

[@CalicoSilver]

Tony, I've always put women on a pedestal, and I still kinda do. I very much enjoy being around them and always have. But I was very very shy as a youth and teenager, so even though I did date fairly often in high school, I didn't really come out of my shell until I hit 20 or so. Yes I've had my heart broken and I've been angered at what I considered to be a very short-sightedness and even stupidity of certain girls/women in their selection of mates, haha! But I really do think that I might have a more positive view of women than perhaps Dylan exhibits in some of his songs. That is, if I am even understanding them properly, which is probably not the case. I do my best and enjoy interpreting Dylan (or trying to), but who knows? Anyway, I don't know if I have addressed anything in your comments or not. Jeff

[@Slothrop67]

@@CalicoSilver I'm similar in putting women on a pedestal but I would be lying if I said that I haven't had my share of lover's squabbles. For my part, I pretty much wear my heart on my sleeve. If I'm angry, I'm the type that blows up quickly but I also don't hold grudges. But in terms of Dylan, it may just be me but I can't imagine him writing a song like "Positively 4rth Street" (regardless if it's about a man or woman). Or even Ballad of a Thin Man for that matter. Most people certainly age over time. I'm afraid that hasn't been the case with me. I'm at an age where I usually say what I think. It's not always adversarial. Where ever we go,, my wife says - try not to talk to strangers all the time. I promise, some may not want to talk. Reminds me of the commercial "How not to be like your parents." Too late, I'm already my dad.

[@slumdogjay]

Hi Jeff. Hope you’re well. Looking forward to this one

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks, Jay. I think I've aged 5 years over these 5 months of house hunting in this terrible market, but we are just days away from hopefully closing on a house (an old one with needed repairs, but a solid built house). Thanks again, and I hope you are well also. Cheers. Jeff

[@slumdogjay]

@@CalicoSilver It can be stressful finding a new home. Take it easy and look after yourself man. Hope you get sorted and settled soon.

[@johnsmusicpassions9740]

i am always impressed with lyrical interpretations and enjoyed your message about this song - hoping to get stuck in to some favourite tracks and try and do the same - thanks jeff

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks, John. Yes, song-specific videos are much less cumbersome than trying to review entire albums which are so much hard work. I saw your video about your wanting to shift to more song-specific videos.

[@gorvo31]

Hey Jeff, Good catching up with you. Well being well-versed in neither Bob nor the Bible, shall just have to take your word for it. 😉 Yes though, how we interpret things often coming from our backgrounds as well as personality types and outlooks overall. Thanks for sharing, and hope all's still well with you down yonder. -Carm

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks Carm. It has been an exciting but insanely stressful 5 months, which explains not only the long times between making videos but also the ragged weathered look on my face - I am sure I've aged 5 years in these 5 months! Haha. It is beautiful here in these mountains but it is a very different way of life than I am used to and it takes a lot of adjustment. Yes we view all art through our own lenses. But thankfully I still derive the great joy in music that I always have, even as other interests fade with age (e.g., I have no "bucket list".....other than music). Thanks. Always great to hear from you, Carm. I still plan on doing the Oldfield video. 😀

[@cavewaller]

Wow!!! Love videos on Bob’s lyrics

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks! And I love making these videos too. Hopefully another one will be posted soon. Thanks again. Jeff

[@IAmTheGreatestEver]

Thank you

[@amherst88]

Very interesting Jeff -- I tend to listen to Dylan a bit more 'loosely' so I don't necessarily have a particular context for the songs, I guess for me it's more about what hits me as I'm listening. He has clearly always been in touch with a plane beyond anything 'literal' and, for my money. people who see 'misogyny' are looking at the content of their own minds. He is also someone who has *always* (pre-Christian, Christian, post-Christian) recognized who the charlatans are and how they operate -- always a great tactic if you can discredit someone with that kind of precious sensibility.

[@CalicoSilver]

I know exactly what you mean, Teri. There are layers in his lyrics and prosaic interpretations are just fun exercises for nerds like me, even while I am always fully aware of the plane(s) beyond the literal, as you so well put it. I often feel somewhat embarrassed by so often injecting biblical references and themes, but it is honestly what I hear in so much of his lyrics. But again, I also hear those planes beyond the biblical also. Thanks as always for your comment.

[@amherst88]

@@CalicoSilver I don't think there's any need to feel embarrassed about your interpretation Jeff -- if there's one thing I learned studying poetic language for so many years (and that's certainly the realm Dylan is working in) it's that there's no such thing as 'the meaning' of a poem and our understanding is always a function of who we are -- & that's also why it's so beneficial to find out how other people see things. I think you're right that there are deliberately a lot of Biblical references in what he does -- I think for me they work on all kind of levels (and all at the same time :)

[@jamescurrie2246]

Dylan is singing from the person that is the character of his poetry. I think he wrote it either to the "statue of liberty" or Princess Diana.

[@CalicoSilver]

Hi James. I really like that statue of liberty idea. Very interesting. Yes, Dylan is a great storyteller, singing from the POV of the character in his songs. Great point. Thanks! Jeff

[@happyhippythevinylguy]

I really liked the video my friend!! For me A lot of times I think Dylan is singing in a third person kind of.. that's just my opinion I am probably wrong..LoL

[@CalicoSilver]

I hear ya, Rod. Dylan the master storyteller!

[@trudy5963]

Great analysis, Jeff. I never did get that song. The more I listen to Dylan, the more I hear the bible. I envy him that faith; I have none. I went through a phase of believing; I obsessed over the bible and saw sin everywhere, or if not sin then misinformation about God. Anyway, I quit believing because I didn't see the god of the bible as a good and loving type. Anyway, Dylan's mother said when he was writing in his room full of books he referred to the bible that was on a table in the center of the room more than any other.

[@CalicoSilver]

I hear ya, Trudy. I have greatly enjoyed working with the bible as a sort of puzzle to piece together over the years. But I have struggled with trying to have any kind of faith for so long that I finally decided to stop trying. Whatever “it” is, it is what it is…..in other words, I have no clue (and neither does anyone else) and I’m done trying to deal with it. So yeah, I hear ya.

[@danaaronmusic]

Fascinating interpretation; I think you're onto something here. I always thought it was ridiculous to accuse Dylan of chauvinism in "Is Your Love In Vain?" because that's picking out one line from all the thousands he's written. I'm curious what you think of him saying "I never could learn to drink that blood and call it wine." I tend to see it as a repudiation of Christianity, which I don't think he's ever done directly. What do you say?

[@CalicoSilver]

Hi Daniel. That line, which is an interesting twist using the blood=wine analogy from the communion sacrament, is of course from Tight Connection To My Heart, and it seems to me to just be him saying that he could never make the connection, in that particular relationship sung about in that song, between the motions and good intentions made during a relationship and genuine bonding love (the line after that one was "never could learn to hold you, love, and call you mine"). Great stuff. When it comes to whether Dylan repudiated Christianity or whether he merely repudiated religion....or something else.....I simply don't know the answer to that question. It is clear, to me at least, that Infidels seems to strongly indicate a disillusionment with religion, but his lyrics all the way through to Rough and Rowdy Ways are filled with biblical and faith references that one could easily take to mean he never lost faith. They even still refer to Christianity in places. So, I honestly don't know what his personal faith or spirituality is.....I can only say that, from my reading of his lyrics, it still pours out of him in a very strong way, so I tend to think he never lost his faith.....but he probably lost his faith in religion. If that makes any sense. Jeff

[@danaaronmusic]

@@CalicoSilver Yeah, it makes a lot of sense. Dylan's never been one to feel any obligation to explain himself and I respect that. I don't really need to know more about him than what he expresses through his lyrics, but his lyrics themselves are so deep . . . Do you think it's possible that when he asks, "Has anybody seen my love?" he's referring not to his lover, but to love itself?

[@CalicoSilver]

@@danaaronmusic I like that idea, Daniel! Where is LOVE itself. Great way to look at it. Thanks! Jeff

[@danaaronmusic]

@@CalicoSilver I will keep an eye out for more Dylan content on your channel. Endlessly fascinating topic.

[@slumdogjay]

That interpretation makes sense. I always thought it was some kind of religious story. Especially “Your Fathers house has many mansions. “

[@CalicoSilver]

Haha, yeah that's a pretty strong clue. 👍👍

[@tammydean4479]

Great analysis. Maybe Dylan is the sweetheart being tempted by the con man. Maybe he was disillusioned by organized religion. In the video for this song the sweetheart cleaning lady resembles Dylan. When I first watched it I thought it was Dylan in drag 😂😂 Dylan grew up in an era when men and women held “traditional” roles and sometimes that is reflected in his lyrics. I don’t hold that against him or get my feelings hurt by that. Growing up in the Midwest in the 60s and 70s I was raised thinking those roles were the norm as well. We have all evolved…..love your analysis of Dylan’s lyrics. They always make me think.

[@CalicoSilver]

Excellent take on these lyrics, Tammy! I think you are right that, if Dylan was at all included in these lyrics, he'd be the sweetheart and not the con man. And yes I definitely do think he was disillusioned by organized religion, indeed. Also, I had completely forgotten about that video of the song. Perhaps not surprisingly, this song has never been performed live by Dylan, at least according to bobdylan.com. Thanks for your comments, Tammy. Jeff

[@ianbarnhurst4450]

I think you have probably got this about right, but as someone who struggles with talking snakes I think I prefer the “Pump don’t work caus the vandals took the handles” Bob.

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks Ian. FWIW I don’t think there was a talking snake in the Bible. The “serpent” was not a snake, but is a common metaphor for “Lucifer”…….what/whoever that is. Haha.

[@wanderinggeri8477]

I pick up a good deal of the Evangelical TV preacher references here. They woo women with an idea that they are precious and special and should be and will be treated like royalty by “Godly” men. Inside its anything but. The con is its their money he wants. It’s happening to so many elderly people..especially elderly women

[@CalicoSilver]

Indeed! Lots of references to false teachers/preachers in this album, for sure. Thanks for your insightful comment.

[@alexandervaneijken7741]

After your father,s house ..... with FIREproof floors. (quite an interesting reference ..these fireproof floors. ) In his very long career Dylan has been accused of so many weird and awful things that to list them all requires me to write till sundown. Virtually all these accusations come from people who ,,interpret,, a lyric based on one or two lines in said lyric without considering the ENTIRE lyric With Dylan this happen again and again and again. What you call (friendly as you are) laziness and I call shortsightedness Of COURSE the smooth operator here is NOT Dylan himself. This is not a difficult lyric at all. and STILL there is this incomprehension. (will fully or not) No wonder Dylan was and is completely fed up with these jokers. What a load of Horseshit (excusez le mot) has been written about this singer songwriter of genius! I think you are doing an absolutely first class job Jeff digging into his lyrics as it was meant. Another thing : Just recently I ,,discovered,, a song by Dylan that came out a few yers ago and without overdoing it this song made its entrance in my top five of Dylan songs immediately Title: Cross the Green Mountain,, from the film Gods and Generals. What a beautiful gem of a song. This I can listen to over and over again. This song really ,,moves,,me. Have a nice day and mind your health . Hope you find your new house very soon. And give my regards to your wife.

[@CalicoSilver]

Thanks, Alexander. Thanks for your kind words and well-wishings. Yes, I love "Cross the Green Mountain" too. That would be a good song to talk about in a future video. I don't recall liking the film that much, but the song, yes. I will add it to my queue. Thanks! Jeff (and yes, too many people latch onto one line of lyric and neglect the rest, I agree)

[@alexandervaneijken7741]

@@CalicoSilver I did not see the film so I cannot judge. I,ve always liked Dylan,s soundtrack for the Billy the Kid movie (If EVER there was any kind of hero in the Old West,Billy the Kid certainly was NOT it, One of Peckinpah,s weaker moments in my view. So:two great soundtracks for two mediocre films.

[@isaacsweeney626]

same thing on slow train with when you gonna wake up, not a song that can be construed as mysognist but this line : You got men who can't hold their peace and woman who can't control their tongues The rich seduce the poor and the old are seduced by the young.

[@CalicoSilver]

Oh yeah, good one, Isaac! People see what they want to see and hear what they want to hear, I suppose. I am sure I do the same in my own way. Haha! Thanks for the comment! Jeff

[@malemsaid6699]

I think it's same theme as in "Like a rolling stone" but in another context

[@CalicoSilver]

Interesting.....gives me something to think about. Thanks! Jeff

[@maggiebryan2355]

Love the song never toke any offence to it you could be rightlots of bobs songs have religion in them

[@paulmahon123]

I never liked the song. I heard a completely alien social conservatism in "a woman like you should be at home" that echoes "can you cook and sow, make flowers grow" from Is Your Love In Vain, not necessarily misogynistic (but perhaps guilty by association). It sounded like a piece of cheesy old movie script that said nothing of value. As you say, the rest of the song discredits that take. I still don't like it though, but I think that's because it is bracketed by two much better songs on infidels rather than anything about the song itself. Springtime in New York and Trouble No More shows that early 80s was the most brilliant period (so far) in Dylan's career, albeit one of questionable editing choices.

[@CalicoSilver]

So true, Paul. The early '80s were very brilliant years for Dylan. Infidels could've been a double album, IMHO. I love this song, regardless of the lyrics, but that's just me. I just like the groove of it.....although I never cared for the cheesy Syndrums that permeate the album, ha! Thanks as always for your greaf comments!