Sara

Bob Dylan's song 'Sara' is a deeply personal and nostalgic ode to his then-wife, Sara Lownds. The lyrics are a poignant reflection on their shared memories, capturing moments of intimacy, love, and regret. Dylan paints vivid pictures of their past, from idyllic scenes of their children playing on the beach to more intimate moments like drinking rum in a Portugal bar. The song is imbued with a sense of longing and melancholy, as Dylan grapples with the changes in their relationship and his own feelings of unworthiness.

The recurring refrain, 'Sara, Sara,' serves as both a plea and a lament, highlighting the complexity of their relationship. Dylan describes Sara as a 'sweet virgin angel' and a 'mystical wife,' emphasizing her ethereal and almost otherworldly presence in his life. The lyrics also reveal Dylan's deep admiration and love for Sara, calling her a 'radiant jewel' and a 'beautiful lady, so dear to my heart.' Despite the evident love and admiration, there's an underlying sense of regret and sorrow, as Dylan questions what made Sara change her mind and asks for her forgiveness.

The song is rich with metaphors and cultural references, adding layers of meaning to the lyrics. For instance, Dylan mentions writing 'Sad-Eyed Lady of the Lowlands' for Sara, a song from his 1966 album 'Blonde on Blonde,' further linking their personal history to his musical career. The imagery of the 'Scorpio Sphinx in a calico dress' and the 'glamorous nymph with an arrow and bow' adds a mythical quality to Sara, elevating her to a timeless and enigmatic figure. Through 'Sara,' Dylan not only chronicles his personal journey but also explores universal themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.