Rainy Day Women #12 & 35
Bob Dylan Lyrics

Well, they'll stone you when you're trying to be so good
People will criticize you even when you're doing your best.

They'll stone you just like they said they would
People will follow through with their negative actions, just as they threatened.

They'll stone you when you're trying to go home
Even when you're minding your own business and going about your day, people can still try to harm you.

And they'll stone you when you're there all alone
People may attack you even when you're vulnerable and by yourself.

But I would not feel so all alone
Despite the negativity directed towards him, the artist doesn't feel isolated.

Everybody must get stoned
The singer believes that everyone will experience some sort of harmful criticism or action in their life.

They'll stone you when you're walking on the street
Even in a public place, you're not necessarily safe from others' negative actions.

They'll stone you when you're tryin' to keep your seat
People can try to bring you down in mundane, everyday situations.

They'll stone you when you're walkin' on the floor
Even just walking around can make you a target for others' negativity.

They'll stone you when you're walkin' to the door
Even when you're leaving and minding your own business, you can still become a target for criticism or aggression.

They'll stone you when you're at the breakfast table
Even in a supposedly safe and comfortable space, you can still be vulnerable to others' negativity.

They'll stone you when you are young and able
Being young and able doesn't protect someone from others' criticism or aggression.

They'll stone you when you're tryin' to make a buck
Even trying to make a living can make you a target for others' negative actions.

Then they'll stone you and then they'll say "good luck"
Even when they harm you, people may feign support or well-wishing.

They'll stone you when you're riding in your car
Even in the relative safety of your own vehicle, you can still become a target for others' negativity.

They'll stone you when you're playing your guitar
Even something as innocuous as playing music can make you vulnerable to others' aggression.

Yes, but I would not feel so all alone
The artist repeats the sentiment that they don't feel alone, despite the negativity directed towards them.

Everybody must get stoned alright
The singer reiterates their belief that everyone will experience some sort of harmful criticism or action in their life.

They'll stone you when you walk all alone
Being alone can exacerbate someone's vulnerability to others' negativity.

They'll stone you when you are walking home
Even just walking home can make someone a target for others' harmful actions.

They'll stone you and then say you are brave
Even when people try to harm you, they may still try to paint you in a positive light or excuse their own actions.

They'll stone you when you are set down in your grave
Negative actions can even persist beyond someone's death and burial.