Meaning of "Cat's in the Well" by Bob Dylan

In "Cat's in the Well," Bob Dylan uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of a world in disarray. The cat trapped in the well represents a sense of being stuck or in a difficult situation, while the wolf symbolizes looming threats and danger. The horse going bumpety bump and back alley Sally doing the American jump evoke a feeling of chaos and unpredictability. The references to a gentle lady not hearing anything and a pappa reading the news while his daughters need shoes hint at obliviousness to or neglect of important issues. The overall theme of the song seems to be about societal collapse, shown through a breakdown in communication, lack of empathy, and a general sense of foreboding about the future. By using animal metaphors, Dylan conveys a message about the state of the world and the need for awareness and action in the face of impending disaster.