Song For Bob Dylan

David Bowie's 'Song For Bob Dylan' is a heartfelt tribute to one of the most influential figures in modern music, Bob Dylan, whose real name is Robert Zimmerman. The song reflects Bowie's admiration for Dylan's profound impact on the music world and his ability to articulate the social and political unrest of his time. Bowie describes Dylan as a 'strange young man' with a 'voice like sand and glue,' highlighting the unique and raw quality of Dylan's voice that resonated with so many people. The lyrics suggest that Dylan's songs had the power to bring people together and instill fear in those who opposed his messages of truth and change.

The recurring character of the 'painted lady' in the song symbolizes the superficial and destructive forces in society that Dylan's music once countered. Bowie laments that these forces have returned, and he calls on Dylan to use his powerful voice and poetic lyrics to drive them away once more. The 'painted lady' represents the falsehoods and manipulations that can tear the world apart, and Bowie believes that Dylan's music has the potential to restore unity and sanity.

Bowie also touches on the sense of loss and disconnection that has arisen in Dylan's absence. He speaks of Dylan's ability to connect with people on a deeply personal level, making them feel seen and understood. However, as Dylan's influence waned, so did the sense of unity and shared purpose that his music inspired. Bowie pleads for Dylan to return and help rebuild the sense of community and family that has been lost. The song is both a tribute to Dylan's legacy and a call to action, urging him to once again use his music to bring people together and challenge the status quo.