About the song
Background
- Written In A Pivotal Period: Dylan wrote “My Back Pages” in 1964, a crucial moment in his career and in America’s sociopolitical landscape. The folk revival movement was at its peak, and Dylan was considered its leading protest voice.
- Disillusionment: Yet, Dylan was growing disillusioned with the limitations of the protest song format and the expectations placed on him as a movement figurehead. “My Back Pages” marked a turning point in his writing.
Lyrics and Analysis
The song’s lyrics are a complex mix of self-reflection and critique:
- Rejection of Past Certainties: The iconic refrain, “Ah, but I was so much older then/I’m younger than that now,” suggests a rejection of youthful idealism and the black-and-white convictions he once held.
- Mocking Self-Righteousness: He satirizes his self-righteousness and those who held unyielding, simplistic views on complex issues. Lines like “Good and bad, I defined these terms /Quite clear, no doubt, somehow” show his changing perspective.
- Embracing Complexity: Dylan acknowledges the gray areas, the inherent contradictions in society and the self. He rejects easy answers and embraces a more nuanced, mature worldview.
Themes
- Maturity and Growth: The song explores the process of evolving as an individual, both personally and intellectually. It’s about shedding naivety and dogma in favor of a more complex worldview.
- Disillusionment and Self-Critique: Dylan turns a critical eye upon himself and the social movements he was associated with. The song can be seen as a declaration of a more independent artistic direction.
- Generational Shift: Some critics interpret the song as a commentary on the changing landscape of the 1960s, with newer voices questioning the idealism of earlier civil rights and anti-war activism.
Legacy
“My Back Pages” remains one of Dylan’s most significant and analyzed songs. It encapsulates a moment of self-doubt, artistic evolution, and social change, making it resonant across generations.
Additional Notes:
- The Byrds covered “My Back Pages” in 1965 and had a hit with their version, leading to the song’s wider recognition.
- Dylan performed the song memorably at his 30th Anniversary Concert in 1992, joined by a lineup of music legends, further solidifying its iconic status.
Video
Lyrics
Crimson flames tied through my ears
Rollin’ high and mighty traps
Pounced with fire on flaming roads
Using ideas as my maps
“We’ll meet on edges, soon,” said I
Proud ‘neath heated brow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I’m younger than that now.
Half-wracked prejudice leaped forth
“Rip down all hate,” I screamed
Lies that life is black and white
Spoke from my skull, I dreamed
Romantic facts of musketeers
Foundationed deep, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I’m younger than that now.
Girls’ faces formed the forward path
From phony jealousy
To memorizing politics
Of ancient history
Flung down by corpse evangelists
Unthought of, though, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I’m younger than that now.
A self-ordained professor’s tongue
Too serious to fool
Spouted out that liberty
Is just equality in school
“Equality,” I spoke their word
As if a wedding vow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I’m younger than that now.
In a soldier’s stance, I aimed my hand
At the mongrel dogs who teach
Fearing not I’d become my enemy
In the instant that I preach
My existence led by confusion boats
Mutiny from stern to bow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I’m younger than that now.
Yes, my guard stood hard when abstract threats
Too noble to neglect
Deceived me into thinking
I had something to protect
Good and bad, I define these terms
Quite clear, no doubt, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then
I’m younger than that now.