Meaning of "Cold Irons Bound" by Bob Dylan

"Cold Irons Bound" by Bob Dylan delves into the feelings of alienation, disconnection, and despair that the protagonist is experiencing. The imagery of being "waist deep in the mist" and "twenty miles out of town in cold irons bound" conveys a sense of being lost, stuck, and unable to break free from the emotional burdens weighing him down. The lines "I found my world in you, but your love just hasn't proved true" allude to unfulfilled promises and shattered dreams in a relationship that once held so much hope. The references to friends turning out to be false and the realization that some things are beyond control highlight the harsh realities of life and the loneliness that comes with it. Overall, the song captures the deep emotional turmoil of someone grappling with heartache, betrayal, and the bleakness of their circumstances.