“CRYING LIKE A FIRE IN THE SUN”
Now, we all know Bob Dylan’s a genius, but can we name a specific instance that verifies this phenomenon?
For myself, I find myself returning to a Lyric or Lyrics In “Baby Blue”:
“You must leave, now, take what you need, you think will last, but whatever you wish to keep, you better grab it fast
YONDER STANDS YOUR ORPHAN WITH HIS GUN CRYING LIKE A FIRE IN THE SUN.”
Can you visualize that? Have you ever seen a fire in the sun?
If you have then you’ve seen oppression and futility. It seems the Sun is crushing the flames. It’s choking the fire with its light and brilliance. The sun gives it no place to strengthen. The fire is no match. Where did he get this imagery? If this Orphan and his gun get a chance, they are going to take it. Watch out!.
The only way to distract from this symbolism is if the Saints really do come marching through.
“And it’s all over now Baby Blue”….
I find myself constantly going back to this, or maybe I’m just stuck on it. Nevertheless, this poetry comes from another world. Dylan is channelling beauty, circumstance, and truth to our poor misbegotten souls (maybe, I should keep this singular because I’m the one obsessing).
Perhaps, I identify with this.
This identification leads to the need for truth. When art reveals truth to the observer, who seek their version of truth,then, in dramatic terms, a Catharsis takes place. Some of the heavy burden of life is alleviated. One does’nt feel so alone. They can share and identify with someone or something else that experiences what they do- at least, their version of that experience. Life becomes a little easier because we become a part of something. That something is substantial. That is life. It’s not so mundane after all.
