Meaning of "Spirit On The Water" by Bob Dylan

The lyrics of "Spirit On The Water" delve into themes of love, desire, and longing. The narrator is unable to forget about a particular woman, constantly thinking about her to the point where he can't sleep. He believes that their connection extends beyond friendship, and even though he had forgotten about her temporarily, their reunion reaffirms his belief that they were always meant to be together. The narrator's feelings for the woman are intense, as he describes being wild about her and willing to throw his love into the deep blue sea if he can't have her. The mention of a hidden pain and the woman having the key to his brain suggest that her actions have deeply affected the narrator. He mentions trampling through mud, praying, and sweating blood, implying that he has been through hardships and emotional turmoil due to his love for her. Despite this pain, he dismisses any cost or price he may have to pay, emphasizing that being with her makes him a thousand times happier than words can express. The lyrics also touch on the narrator's frustration with the woman's inconsistent treatment of him, questioning why she can't treat him right. The line "You do good all day, and then you do wrong all night" suggests a pattern of mixed signals and emotional ups and downs in their relationship. The mention of sugar symbolizes desire and pleasure, with the narrator longing for the woman to satisfy his desires. The lyrics also express a sense of possession and protection, as the narrator takes good care of what belongs to him and refers to their ties as being strong enough to bind. The imagery of a ghost and blindness suggests a sense of the ethereal and the inability to fully comprehend or grasp the woman's impact on the narrator. The lyrics also touch on the narrator's desire for eternal love and happiness with the woman, even expressing a willingness to live forever with her. However, a past act of violence prevents him from entering paradise, representing the consequences and regrets of his actions. The lyrics conclude with a hint of playful challenge, with the narrator inviting the woman to see what she's got and have a good time together, despite any potential misconceptions about his age or abilities. Overall, "Spirit On The Water" reflects a powerful and complex portrayal of love, desire, longing, and the range of emotions experienced in a relationship.