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Dylan's use of Cards as symbolism

12 Oct 00 - 10:44 AM (#317207)
Subject: Dylan's use of Cards as symbolism
From: Steve Latimer

I have noticed that Bob often refers to playing cards in his songs, The Jack of Hearts, The Queen of Spades and some others. I was looking at the cover of desire the other day and noticed what appeared to be a Tarot card on it. I know very little about cards and was wondering if anyone knew what he is symbolizing.


12 Oct 00 - 10:53 AM (#317219)
Subject: RE: Dylan's use of Cards as symbolism
From: Peter T.

"Oh, I know it had to be, it was written in the cards,
But the bitter taste still lingers on, it all came down so hard."

- ("If You See Her, Say Hello")
classic Dylan warping of two cliches -- "It is written", and "It was in the cards". He does this all the time. "It was written in the cards" evokes who knows what, but certainly Tarot.

Nothing to do with your question, Steve, just riffing.
yours, Peter T.


12 Oct 00 - 01:27 PM (#317357)
Subject: RE: Dylan's use of Cards as symbolism
From: LR Mole

There must be some kind of way out of here/Said the joker to the thief...which as Paul Williams observed is a circular song: the two riders ARE the Joker and the Thief.


12 Oct 00 - 07:47 PM (#317633)
Subject: RE: Dylan's use of Cards as symbolism
From: khandu

In order to deal in this game, got to make a Queen disappear, It's done with a flick of the wrist!

khandu


13 Oct 00 - 01:02 AM (#317878)
Subject: RE: Dylan's use of Cards as symbolism
From: Little Hawk

There's no way you can write a whole lot of good songs without eventually using cards in some symbolic way somewhere. It would be pretty surprising if Dylan had not done so by this time.

The Tarot deck contains symbolic codes for pretty well everything that can happen in life. The regular card deck does so too, but to a lesser extent. Card games involve a combination of conscious strategy, luck, subconscious awareness, possibly ESP, and what might be termed destiny...so cards will always be a handy metaphor for life itself.

"Gentlemen, he said, we don't need your organization, we've shined your shoes, moved your mountains, and marked your cards, but Eden is burning! Either get ready for elimination or else your hearts must have the courage of the Changing of the Guards" - Dylan

Now that's a symbolic statement from common people everywhere to the corrupt power brokers who have dominated and exploited our world through the use of guns and money. The Eden of nature is burning all around us...but the Changing of the Guards is on the way. The System must change too...or it must fall.


13 Oct 00 - 10:48 AM (#318041)
Subject: RE: Dylan's use of Cards as symbolism
From: LR Mole

Is that the trump of doom?