Meaning of "10,000 Men" by Bob Dylan

The lyrics of "10,000 Men" seem to paint a vivid picture of societal structures, power dynamics, and gender roles. The repetition of ten thousand men and women highlights the overwhelming sense of community and the masses being controlled or influenced. The men's actions of digging, marching, and being out of jail suggest a sense of labor, struggle, and confinement. The women, on the other hand, are portrayed as domestically involved, subservient, and positioned to offer comfort or support. The line about spilling buttermilk and sweeping it up with a broom hints at the idea of women cleaning up the mess or maintaining order. Overall, the song seems to comment on the complexities of human interactions, power struggles, and the dynamics between men and women in society.