My Back Pages
Bob Dylan Lyrics


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Crimson flames tied through my ears, rollin' high and mighty traps
Pounced with fire on flaming roads using ideas as my maps
"We'll meet on edges, soon," said I, proud 'neath heated brow
Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now

Half-wracked prejudice leaped forth, "rip down all hate," I screamed
Lies that life is black and white spoke from my skull, I dreamed
Romantic facts of musketeers foundationed deep, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now

Girls' faces formed the forward path from phony jealousy
To memorizing politics of ancient history
Flung down by corpse evangelists, unthought of, though somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then. I'm younger than that now

A self-ordained professor's tongue too serious to fool
Spouted out that liberty is just equality in school
"Equality," I spoke the word as if a wedding vow
Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now

In a soldier's stance, I aimed my hand at the mongrel dogs who teach
Fearing not that I'd become my enemy in the instant that I preach
My existence led by confusion boats, mutiny from stern to bow
Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now

Yes, my guard stood hard when abstract threats too noble to neglect
Deceived me into thinking I had something to protect




Good and bad, I define these terms quite clear, no doubt, somehow
Ah, but I was so much older then I'm younger than that now

Overall Meaning

The song "My Back Pages" by Bob Dylan, Roger McGuinn, Tom Petty, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, and George Harrison is a reflection on the past and the changes in perspective that come with getting older. The first stanza recalls a time of youthful arrogance, when the singer felt confident in his intellectual pursuits and believed he knew everything. As he has aged, however, he has come to realize that his knowledge was limited, and that he has much more to learn. The second verse address issues of prejudice and social justice, as the singer recalls a time when he was more passionately invested in these issues, and the simplicity of his beliefs at that time. The third verse looks at the fickle nature of political ideas and the shifting allegiances that people display over time. The fourth verse discusses how age has brought disillusionment with idealistic notions of social responsibility and equality, and the realization that such concepts are more complex, and more difficult to achieve than once thought. The final verse, with its reference to abstract threats and the realization that one has nothing to protect, speaks to the idea of finding peace in the present, instead of worrying about the past or future.


Line by Line Meaning

Crimson flames tied through my ears, rollin' high and mighty traps
The overwhelming ideas and thoughts I have are creating a sensation of being trapped and are too loud to ignore.


Pounced with fire on flaming roads using ideas as my maps
I am pursuing my dreams with fiery passion, using my thoughts and ideas as my guide along the way.


"We'll meet on edges, soon," said I, proud 'neath heated brow
I confidently declared that we will soon meet at a turning point, buoyed by my passion and conviction.


Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now
Despite feeling wiser and more experienced in the past, I have since learned so much and feel rejuvenated by my new outlook on life.


Half-wracked prejudice leaped forth, "rip down all hate," I screamed
My past prejudices overcame me as I called for the elimination of all hatred and bigotry.


Lies that life is black and white spoke from my skull, I dreamed
I once viewed the world as having clear-cut good and evil, but have since realized the complexity and nuance present in all situations.


Romantic facts of musketeers foundationed deep, somehow
I held onto idealized beliefs of heroic figures from the past, which were deeply ingrained in me for some reason.


Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now
Although I once believed in these romanticized notions, I have since abandoned them and feel more youthful and open-minded as a result.


Girls' faces formed the forward path from phony jealousy
My jealousy towards others, particularly women, was holding me back from progressing in life.


To memorizing politics of ancient history
I became too focused on the past and did not pay enough attention to the present and future.


Flung down by corpse evangelists, unthought of, though somehow
I was unexpectedly brought down by religious zealots, who I had not considered as a threat before.


Ah, but I was so much older then. I'm younger than that now
Despite these setbacks, I have become more youthful and optimistic in my approach to life and its challenges.


A self-ordained professor's tongue too serious to fool
I once spoke with an air of authority on topics I was not fully informed on, taking myself too seriously.


Spouted out that liberty is just equality in school
I espoused the belief that true freedom was achieved through equal education opportunities for all.


"Equality," I spoke the word as if a wedding vow
I fervently believed in the importance of equality, viewing it as a sacred and unbreakable vow.


Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now
Despite prizing equality in the past, I have since learned that there is still much to be done to achieve true equality and I feel more energized than ever to work towards it.


In a soldier's stance, I aimed my hand at the mongrel dogs who teach
I took a militant stance against those who sought to teach or preach harmful or oppressive viewpoints.


Fearing not that I'd become my enemy in the instant that I preach
While unafraid to fight against harmful ideologies, I recognized the danger of becoming like my enemy if I allowed my own beliefs to become too extreme.


My existence led by confusion boats, mutiny from stern to bow
I felt as though I was adrift and directionless in life, with constant internal conflicts and struggles.


Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now
Despite the confusion and struggle, I have since gained wisdom and a renewed sense of purpose in life.


Yes, my guard stood hard when abstract threats too noble to neglect
I remained on high alert, ready to face any challenges or threats to my beliefs, even those that were not immediately present or tangible.


Deceived me into thinking I had something to protect
However, I realized that this constant vigilance had at times caused me to become misguided and overly defensive, believing that I needed to protect something that was not truly under attack.


Good and bad, I define these terms quite clear, no doubt, somehow
Despite recognizing the complexity of the world and its issues, I still held firm in my definitions of right and wrong, even though they were not always clear-cut.


Ah, but I was so much older then I'm younger than that now
While still holding true to my values, I have gained more humility and understanding of the complexity of the world, allowing me to approach issues with a newfound sense of youthfulness and vigor.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bob Dylan

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@olly8

I just turned 71 and THIS IS ...WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH!! 🤯💯👏👏👏👏
DAMN I love being THIS OLD!!! 😁☺️🤗🎸🎸🎸🎸

@bondojoe8161

70 here. Thinking about all we lived through and enjoyed. The total FREEDOM we had. This generation could not conceive of it.

@olly8

@Bondo Joe Yessss! FREEDOM...you said it well.✌🏻 Have a great day and Happy memories. Nice sharing with someone who lived it too. 😉

@bondojoe8161

@Susi E ...There's nothing more important than freedom. That's where all other things flow from! I hope you have a good day!

@tomhoffmann6442

So good for you 🎉😂

@tanyaadams8071

The young kids— under 60, will never understand what music was in the 60s and 70s and will continue to object to what I just said. This video is oh, so bittersweet.

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@jessemerrellmerrell7353

This captures as much rock and roll firepower ever assembled for a single performance. Cherish every lick and note. George and Tom have already departed to the big show in the sky. In another 10 years these talents will all be only memory, and in 20 years few will recognize their names and never experience their brilliance . So, aren’t we the lucky ones to have been alive to feel their genius. I know I am!

@marydanyla-gold4143

Right on!!

@mikebradt8080

I disagree, in the words of Neil Young I believe, "Rock and roll will never die." Great music will not be forgotten

@nomdeguer915

Great eulogy! I cannot believe how well they play together! Some things are planned, some are just meant to be! You can tell they are really just nice people, but exceptionally talented!

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