Man Gave Names To All The Animals

Bob Dylan's 'Man Gave Names To All The Animals' is a playful and imaginative song that delves into the biblical act of naming the creatures of the Earth. The lyrics follow a simple, repetitive structure, reminiscent of a children's book or a folk tale, which is fitting given Dylan's storytelling prowess and his frequent use of biblical themes. The song's narrative is based on the Genesis account of creation, where Adam is given the task of naming all the animals. Dylan's approach to this story is both literal and metaphorical, as he describes the process of naming various animals based on their physical characteristics and behaviors.

The song's simplicity is deceptive, as it touches on deeper themes of human language, the relationship between words and meaning, and the human desire to categorize and understand the natural world. Each verse describes a different animal and concludes with a whimsical decision on what to name it. This reflects the arbitrary nature of language and how humans assign names to objects and beings in a way that makes sense to them, based on their observations and experiences. The song's playful tone suggests a sense of wonder and creativity inherent in the act of naming and the power of language to shape our perception of the world around us.

While 'Man Gave Names To All The Animals' may not be one of Dylan's most politically charged or complex songs, it still offers a reflection on the human condition. It's a reminder of the innocence and curiosity that exists in the act of exploration and discovery. The song also serves as a metaphor for the artist's own creative process, as Dylan, like the man in the song, gives new life and identity to the subjects of his music through his unique lyrical expressions.