Meaning of "Something's Burning, Baby" by Bob Dylan

The lyrics of "Something's Burning, Baby" paint a picture of a relationship in crisis. The singer is grappling with the realization that something has shifted, and he can no longer ignore the signs of trouble. The repeated questions directed at the partner highlight a sense of confusion and desperation to understand what went wrong. The imagery of burning, smoke, shadows, and staring off into the night evoke a sense of impending doom and loss. The reference to charity covering a multitude of sins suggests that the relationship may have been built on illusions and false pretenses, now crumbling under the weight of reality. The plea for answers and the acknowledgment that things have changed point to a deep longing for connection and clarity that seems out of reach. Ultimately, the song captures the pain of watching a relationship unravel and the struggle to make sense of the emotional distance that has grown between two people.