Meaning of "Restless Farewell" by Bob Dylan

The song "Restless Farewell" delves into various aspects of life and experiences, exploring themes of money, relationships, personal growth, and resilience. The opening lines address the notion of money and how the speaker gladly spent it on friends, suggesting a willingness to prioritize connections over material wealth. The mention of bottles being done and a closing time indicates the ephemeral nature of these moments and the need to move on. The speaker then reflects on past relationships, proclaiming not to have harmed anyone intentionally and recognizing the importance of time and making amends to maintain friendships. The line "since my feet are now fast and point away from the past" indicates a desire for personal growth and moving forward. The song continues to touch upon the speaker's experiences with adversaries and causes, emphasizing the full commitment without regret or shame. It also highlights the transient nature of darkness and the need to face each day anew. The lyrics shift to the subject of personal thoughts and mental struggles, suggesting a potential for insanity if these thoughts are not expressed. The speaker emphasizes the importance of telling their stories for themselves and their friends rather than seeking validation from others. The notion of time is mentioned again, highlighting its importance but also suggesting that it is not the definitive end. The song concludes with an assertion of resilience in the face of external pressures, such as false clocks attempting to control or distract the speaker and the impact of gossip and rumors. The final lines signify the speaker's determination to stand firm, embracing their true self, and bidding farewell while remaining indifferent to the opinions of others.