Back Door Blues
Bob Dylan Lyrics


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I'd rather see my coffin comin'
Comin' through my back door
I'd rather see my coffin
Comin' through my back door
I'd rather see my coffin comin'
Comin' through my back door
Than the girl I'm a-lovin'
She say she don't love me no more.

Can you see me leavin'
Babe, I sure left so far
Can you see me leavin'
I feel I sure left so far




Sometimes I'm a-wonderin'
Who you think you are.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Bob Dylan's song 'Back Door Blues' are introspective and melancholic. The singer is facing a painful situation of heartbreak and feels helpless. The imagery of the coffin coming through his back door is a representation of a less painful alternative to what he is feeling at the moment. He would rather see death than be left behind by the girl he loves. This is a powerful image that is used poetically to illustrate the depth of the singer's despair. The lyrics are also indicative of the disintegration of a relationship where one person has lost interest, and the other is trying hard to hold on.


The second verse of the song seems to be a retort to the girl who has left him behind. He is questioning who she thinks she is and why she would do this to him. He wonders whether she can see him leaving and how far away he has gone from her. The melancholic tune of the song adds to the overall sense of regret and loss that is being expressed. Dylan's ability to convey complex emotions through simple words and imagery is evident in this song. The theme of heartbreak is universal, and Dylan does an excellent job of capturing the pain and despair of it.


Line by Line Meaning

I'd rather see my coffin comin'
I prefer to die than to face the rejection of my lover


Comin' through my back door
Death should be a surprise, rather than the anticipated departure of a lover


Than the girl I'm a-lovin'
The pain of losing a lover is greater than the fear of death


She say she don't love me no more.
The artist's lover has rejected him, causing him great emotional pain


Can you see me leavin'
The artist is questioning whether his lover even notices his departure


Babe, I sure left so far
The singer feels distant from his lover both physically and emotionally


Sometimes I'm a-wonderin'
The singer is unsure about who his lover truly is or their intentions


Who you think you are.
The artist questions his lover's motives and identity




Contributed by Penelope V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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