Meaning of "Ring Them Bells" by Bob Dylan

"Ring Them Bells" by Bob Dylan is a complex and thought-provoking song that contains multiple layers of meaning. The ringing of bells serves as a metaphorical call to action, urging the heathens, St. Peter, Sweet Martha, and St. Catherine to spread awareness and invoke change in the world. The city that dreams represents a place of hope and imagination, and by ringing the bells from sanctuaries, it emphasizes the importance of spirituality and faith in times of distress. The mention of time running backwards and the world being on its side suggest a state of chaos and upheaval, where conventional notions are challenged. The bride, perhaps symbolizing purity and innocence, is also caught up in this disruption. The song then turns its attention to St. Peter, the gatekeeper of heaven, who is called upon to ring the bells with an iron hand. This signifies the need for decisive action and strength to ensure that the people are awakened to the truths of the world. The rush hour on the wheel and the plow, coupled with the sunset upon the sacred cow, alludes to the daily struggles and vulnerabilities of ordinary people. The reference to Sweet Martha and the poor man's son emphasizes the plight of those who are marginalized and invisible. By ringing the bells, it is hoped that their suffering will be acknowledged and addressed. The shepherd being asleep where the willows weep implies a sense of neglect and abandonment, with lost sheep representing those who have strayed from the path. The song then broadens its focus to include the blind, the deaf, and laments the loss of innocence and the injustices of the world. It calls for the ringing of bells to unite and awaken people, and for the chosen few to bring judgment upon the many when the game, symbolizing life's trials and tribulations, comes to an end. The final stanza brings attention to St. Catherine and the fortress, suggesting the need to defend and protect the values and principles that are symbolized by the blossoming lilies, even in the face of conflict and division. The lines being long and the fighting being strong alludes to the ongoing struggle for justice and the breaking down of barriers between right and wrong.