Bob Dylan Wrote Propaganda Songs
Brutal Truth Lyrics


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[The Minutemen cover]

I'm waiting and diversing
I'm collecting...diversing information...
Liberation...
Bob Dylan wrote propaganda songs!
Bob Dylan wrote propaganda songs!
Manifesto on my window and my fruit...
Rotation...admiration...outline my root...




Bob Dylan wrote propaganda songs!
Bob Dylan wrote propaganda songs

Overall Meaning

This song is a cover of a Minutemen track, and it delves into social and political commentary. The lyrics state that the singer is gathering information and seeking liberation, potentially from oppression or societal constraints. The chorus declares that Bob Dylan, a celebrated folk musician and songwriter, wrote propaganda songs. This phrase is repeated twice, emphasizing its importance in the message of the song. The lines about a manifesto on a window and fruit could potentially be interpreted as graffiti or other forms of protest messaging. The mention of rotation and admiration as well as outlining roots could also point to a desire to create change and resist the status quo.


The song title itself is a reference to an essay written by the late American author and activist, Howard Zinn. Zinn criticized Dylan for only writing songs about himself and for neglecting to address political issues in his music. The Minutemen cover adds to this critique by accusing Dylan of perpetuating propaganda. However, it's worth noting that these lyrics are open to interpretation and reflect the perspective of the singer rather than objective fact.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm waiting and diversing
I'm patiently gathering and analyzing various information


I'm collecting...diversing information...
I'm amassing and examining diverse sources of information


Liberation...
The ideal of achieving freedom


Bob Dylan wrote propaganda songs!
Bob Dylan's music contained political messaging


Bob Dylan wrote propaganda songs!
Bob Dylan's music functioned as a tool of propaganda


Manifesto on my window and my fruit...
My ideals are clearly expressed and visible in both my beliefs and my actions


Rotation...admiration...outline my root...
The continuation and appreciation of my values define my core


Bob Dylan wrote propaganda songs!
Bob Dylan's work was influential for communicating a particular political viewpoint


Bob Dylan wrote propaganda songs!
Bob Dylan used his influential status to promote certain political messages




Contributed by Ava J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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