The meaning of Dire Wolf by Bob Dylan

Dire Wolf is a song by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released in 1974 as part of his album "Before the Flood". The song's lyrics are often interpreted as a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and relationships.

The song begins with the lines "I went to the doctor and I was told to go home and rest / That's just what I'll do now, it's not worth the cost" - these opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song, which is a melancholic reflection on the impermanence of human connections. The lyrics that follow describe a relationship in decline, with the narrator acknowledging that he has lost his partner and is left to wander alone.

Throughout the song, Dylan's poetic language paints a vivid picture of the fragility of human relationships. He sings about how even the strongest bonds can be broken by time and circumstance: "The sun was shining / The old man was applying the perfume / To his finery / Pearl's been waitin' at the door / 20 men, go out to get her some curfewed flowers every night". These lines convey a sense of longing and loss, as the narrator comes to terms with the reality that his relationship has ended.

The song's chorus, "Oh, dire wolf" - repeated throughout the song - is often interpreted as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life. The "dire wolf" may represent the uncertainty and danger that lurks just beneath the surface of human experience. This theme is echoed in the song's closing lines: "Well, the sun was shining / The old man was applying the perfume / To his finery / And he went out to get her some more / But she told him no". Here, the narrator seems resigned to the fact that he will never be able to recapture what has been lost.

Overall, Dire Wolf is a poignant and introspective song that captures the bittersweet nature of human relationships. Through his lyrics, Dylan offers a powerful exploration of the fragility of life and love, and the importance of cherishing every moment we have with others.