The lyrics of the song "Delia" tell the story of a woman named Delia who was a gambling girl. Her mother went on a trip and when she returned, Delia was found dead. The song describes how Delia's friends are gone, her father mourns her death, and Curtis is put in jail for shooting her with a gun.

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Meaning of "Delia" by Bob Dylan


The lyrics of "Delia" revolve around themes of betrayal, loss, and violence. Delia is portrayed as a woman who chose the company of gamblers and "rounders" over the narrator, leading to her tragic demise and leaving a sense of emptiness and loneliness in the lives of those around her. The song delves into the consequences of Delia's choices, such as her untimely death and Curtis facing the law for killing her. The repetitive line "All the friends I ever had are gone" reflects a sense of loss, abandonment, and the destructive nature of Delia's lifestyle. Overall, the song captures the dark and fatalistic reality of a woman who embraced a life of gambling and risky behavior, ultimately leading to her downfall and leaving behind a trail of destruction.