Meaning of "My Back Pages" by Bob Dylan

"My Back Pages" can be interpreted as a reflection on personal growth and the changing nature of beliefs and perspectives. The song invokes a sense of maturity, as the speaker looks back on their younger self with a more inclusive and nuanced worldview. The repetition of the phrase "Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now" emphasizes the speaker's acknowledgment of their evolution.

The first stanza suggests the speaker's previous reliance on ideas and their own intellect. They describe themselves using ideas as their maps and meeting on edges with others, indicating a desire to challenge and explore different perspectives. However, they also admit to their own arrogance and imply that they have shed this characteristic, implying personal growth.

The second stanza references prejudice and hatred, with the speaker passionately advocating for the tearing down of these negative emotions. They confess to having believed in a simplistic view of life, characterized by black and white thinking. The speaker depicts a heightened emotional state, suggesting their shift towards a more complex understanding of the world.

The third stanza details the influence of romantic relationships on the speaker's worldview. They suggest that jealousy and politics played a role in their past, but now they recognize the superficiality of these concerns. The reference to corpse evangelists could represent the influence of dogmatic ideologies and organized religion, which the speaker dismisses as irrelevant.

The fourth stanza introduces the concept of equality, which the speaker explores critically. They align themselves with the idea of equality but question its true meaning and application. The mention of a "self-ordained professor's tongue" suggests the speaker's skepticism towards authoritative figures who claim to have all the answers. They imply that true liberty and equality are more complex than what is taught in school.

The fifth stanza presents a shift in tone, where the speaker takes on a soldier's stance. They aim to confront those who perpetuate destructive ideologies and preach hatred. However, they acknowledge the danger of becoming the same enemy they oppose, highlighting the delicate balance between advocating for change and maintaining one's own integrity.

The final stanza explores the idea of personal identity and the significance of having something to protect. The speaker suggests that their previous understanding of good and bad was simplistic and that they now view these terms as more complex and fluid. They have developed a deeper understanding of the world, acknowledging the nuances and contradictions that exist.

Overall, "My Back Pages" encapsulates the theme of personal growth and the evolution of perspectives. The song urges listeners to critically examine their own beliefs and embrace a more complex understanding of the world.