The narrator asks for the favor of ensuring his grave is kept clean, while reflecting on death with references to white horses, coughing sounds, church bells tolling, and his acceptance of his fate as told in the Bible.

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Meaning of "See That My Grave Is Kept Clean" by Bob Dylan


The lyrics of "See That My Grave Is Kept Clean" by Bob Dylan reflect on the inevitability of death and the narrator's acceptance of his mortality. The repeated request for a clean grave serves as a reminder of the impermanence of life and the importance of being remembered even after passing away. The imagery of two white horses following the narrator and the coughing sound signaling the passing of another poor soul contribute to the somber tone of the song. The mention of church bells tolling further emphasizes the theme of death, with the narrator coming to terms with the idea that one day he too will be gone. Ultimately, the song conveys a sense of resignation towards death and a desire for a dignified farewell, echoing themes of mortality and the passage of time.