Meaning of "Dead Man, Dead Man" by Bob Dylan

"Dead Man, Dead Man" by Bob Dylan delves deep into the theme of moral decay and spiritual blindness. The speaker of the song confronts someone who seems to have lost their way, led astray by the temptations of the world and the grip of sinful influences. The repeated questioning of when the dead man will arise suggests a yearning for redemption and awakening from this state of spiritual death. The references to cobwebs in the mind and dust upon the eyes symbolize the clouded judgment and distorted perception of reality that result from being ensnared in sin. The lyrics also touch on the idea of hypocrisy, with the dead man pretending to be intelligent and powerful while actually being controlled by forces of darkness. Ultimately, the song serves as a powerful critique of materialism, moral corruption, and the illusion of intellect without true wisdom.