Jokerman
Bob Dylan Lyrics

Standing on the waters casting your bread
You're taking risks and putting yourself out there, even in difficult situations.

While the eyes of the idol with the iron head are glowing
You're aware of the dangers and threats that surround you.

Distant ships sailing into the mist,
You're witnessing change and progress, even from afar.

You were born with a snake in both of your fists while a hurricane was blowing
You have a natural inclination toward violence and chaos, and your upbringing was turbulent.

Freedom just around the corner for you
You believe that liberation is attainable, though not without obstacles.

But with the truth so far off, what good will it do?
You're questioning the value of honesty in a world full of deceit.

Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune,
You're living your life according to your own rhythm, even if it's unconventional.

Bird fly high by the light of the moon,
You're soaring above the circumstances, unrestricted by gravity or earthly concerns.

Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman
Your presence is unique and impactful, and you're aware of it.

So swiftly the sun sets in the sky,
Time passes quickly and without warning, and you adapt to it accordingly.

You rise up and say goodbye to no one
You're not beholden to anyone, and you're comfortable with solitude.

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread,
You believe that fools have the courage that more cautious individuals lack.

Both of their futures, so full of dread, you don't show why
You're unafraid of peril or danger, even when it's unclear why.

Shedding off one more layer of skin,
You're evolving and adapting, shedding outdated beliefs or behaviors as needed.

Keeping one step ahead of the persecutor within
You're aware of your own inner demons and work to keep them at bay.

You're a man of the mountains, you can walk on the clouds,
You're confident and capable, able to navigate any terrain or challenge.

Manipulator of crowds, you're a dream twister
You're skilled at influencing others and shaping their perceptions to suit your own needs.

You're going to Sodom and Gomorrah
You're unafraid of vice and temptation, and seek them out willingly.

But what do you care? Ain't nobody there would want to marry your sister
You're indifferent to others' opinions and judgment, and have a tendency toward callousness.

Friend to the martyr, a friend to the woman of shame,
You're not judgmental and offer friendship and support regardless of status or reputation.

You look into the fiery furnace, see the rich man without any name
You see through the false perception of wealth and status, recognizing that they're sometimes empty or meaningless.

Well, the Book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy,
You're knowledgeable about religious texts, including those that emphasize law and ritual.

The law of the jungle and the sea are your only teachers
You acknowledge that nature and life experience are where you draw the most important lessons and wisdom.

In the smoke of the twilight on a milk-white steed,
You're comfortable with ambiguity and gray areas, and exist in a world that's not always clear or discernible.

Michelangelo indeed could've carved out your features
You're unique and striking, with a memorable or influential appearance.

Resting in the fields, far from the turbulent space,
You seek peace and tranquility when you can get it, and remove yourself from conflict or complication when possible.

Half asleep near the stars with a small dog licking your face
You appreciate the pleasures of simple comforts and experiences, and find joy in unexpected moments of affection or companionship.

Well, the rifleman's stalking the sick and the lame,
You're not oblivious to the danger and cruelty around you, particularly from those in power.

Preacherman seeks the same, who'll get there first is uncertain
You recognize that both the powerful and the spiritual are vying for control or influence, and the outcome is unclear.

Nightsticks and water cannons, tear gas, padlocks,
You're familiar with and perhaps personally affected by the tactics of oppression or suppression from those in power.

Molotov cocktails and rocks behind every curtain,
You acknowledge that there are those who are fighting against the oppressors, and the battle is ongoing and dangerous.

False-hearted judges dying in the webs that they spin,
You know that there are those who are corrupt and manipulating the system, and they will ultimately face consequences of their own making.

Only a matter of time 'til night comes steppin' in
You're aware that things will change and that darkness will come, and you're preparing for it mentally and emotionally.

It's a shadowy world, skies are slippery gray,
You're living in uncertain times, where things feel unstable and precarious.

A woman just gave birth to a prince today and dressed him in scarlet
You're witnessing the birth of someone with great potential or influence, and they're already being groomed for great things.

He'll put the priest in his pocket, put the blade to the heat,
You recognize that this person is ruthless and capable of controlling or manipulating those around him, including religious figures.

Take the motherless children off the street
You acknowledge that there are those who need protection or security, particularly those who lack parental figures.

And place them at the feet of a harlot
You're aware that sometimes seemingly unconventional or counterintuitive solutions are the best ones.

Oh, Jokerman, you know what he wants,
You're aware of the dangers and potential for manipulation from someone in power, and you're not naive or fooled.

Oh, Jokerman, you don't show any response
You're not one to be cowed or intimidated, even by someone of great power or influence.