Meaning of "One Of Us Must Know (Sooner Or Later)" by Bob Dylan

"One Of Us Must Know (Sooner Or Later)" by Bob Dylan is a song that delves into the complexities of a failed relationship. The lyrics depict the speaker's introspection and remorse for mistreating their partner. They acknowledge that their actions were not personal attacks but inadvertent. By stating, "I didn't mean to make you so sad, you just happened to be there," the speaker highlights their lack of intention to harm. However, they also emphasize their mistaken assumptions about their partner's feelings and intentions. Lines like "I thought that it was well understood, that you'd be comin' back in a little while, I didn't know that you were sayin' goodbye for good" reveal the speaker's ignorance and inability to perceive the depth of their partner's emotions.

The lyrics suggest a lack of communication or transparency between the speaker and their partner, with both parties concealing parts of themselves. The line "your scarf had kept your mouth well-hid" symbolizes the partner's reluctance to reveal their true thoughts and emotions. Despite this, the speaker trusted their partner's claim of knowing them. The song highlights the vulnerability and gullibility of the speaker, who believed the partner's whispered words and their insistence on leaving together. This naivety is further emphasized when the speaker realizes their partner was much younger than they initially thought.

The imagery of snow in the lyrics carries a sense of confusion and uncertainty in the relationship. The line "I couldn't see when it started snowin', your voice was all that I heard" represents the speaker's lack of clarity and their reliance on their partner's words. The snow also symbolizes the coldness that eventually seeped into the relationship, leading to its demise.

Ultimately, the song conveys the universal theme of longing for closeness and understanding in a relationship. The speaker acknowledges their efforts to bridge the gap, stating "That I really did try to get close to you." Despite the misunderstandings and pain caused, the speaker regrets the harm done and expresses a genuine desire to connect.