Meaning of "Braggin'" by Bob Dylan

The lyrics of "Braggin'" by Bob Dylan convey a message about humility, hard work, and the emptiness of bragging. The song paints a picture of someone who spends all their time bragging about their fishing skills, horseshoe pitching, or other trivial accomplishments, but neglects important tasks such as planting, mending their barn, or mowing their lawn. Dylan highlights the irony of boasting about one's achievements while overlooking the real work that needs to be done. The lyrics suggest that genuine accomplishments speak for themselves, and there is no need to loudly proclaim one's successes. The repeated lines about not having any cause for bragging unless one's fields are greener than others reinforce the idea that actions speak louder than words. Overall, the song serves as a reminder to focus on meaningful work and genuine accomplishments rather than empty boasts.