Carol - Yes, it could mean that too, actually. It could mean exactly that. I think flattop gave it that interpretation because that was the aspect most relevant to his own life. I tend to often look at social and spiritual issues, so I see those aspects where another might see something else. The song works well in either case. That's what's so fascinating about Dylan's writing, and it's because he uses universal symbols so naturally. They're like basic geometry...they show up everywhere.

I don't for a moment think that Dylan deliberately preplans any of this multi-layered stuff...it just happens naturally when he writes. Some people call that genius. I call it divine inspiration, and it's what is at the heart of all great art, and great science too.

- LH