"Desolation Row" by Bob Dylan is a surrealistic and abstract song that paints a desolate picture of a chaotic and corrupt society. The lyrics depict various characters and situations, including postcards of hangings being sold, sailors in a beauty parlor, a blind commissioner, Cinderella, Romeo, Ophelia, Albert Einstein, and more. The song describes a place called Desolation Row, where the only sound left after the ambulances go is Cinderella sweeping up. The song ends with a plea to not send any more letters unless they come from Desolation Row.

Meaning of "Desolation Row" by Bob Dylan

"Desolation Row" is a cryptic and complex song that uses vivid imagery and unconventional storytelling to paint a portrait of a world in chaos. The lyrics tap into themes of societal corruption, disillusionment, and the loss of identity. The references to characters from literature, history, and mythology add to the surreal nature of the song. The song suggests that society is filled with individuals who are trapped in their own personal desolation, unable to escape the confines of their circumstances. The hanging postcards, the sailors in the beauty parlor, and the blind commissioner represent different facets of a society that is filled with hypocrisy, deceit, and power struggles. The characters, such as Cinderella, Romeo, and Ophelia, symbolize broken dreams, unsuccessful love, and the loss of innocence. The mention of Albert Einstein disguised as Robin Hood suggests that even brilliant minds are not immune to the chaos of the world. Overall, "Desolation Row" can be seen as a critique of the human condition and a reflection on the state of society.