The lyrics of "When Did You Leave Heaven" ask when the angel left heaven, why they traded it for earthly things, and where they hid their halo and lost their wings. The singer wonders if the angel can return to heaven and if kissing them would be a sin, expressing their admiration for the angel's divine nature.

Meaning of "When Did You Leave Heaven" by Bob Dylan

The lyrics of "When Did You Leave Heaven" can be interpreted in various ways, but at its core, the song seems to address the idea of unattainable love or idealized perfection. The singer's fascination with the angel and their longing to understand why the angel would leave heaven for earth reflects a desire for something unattainable or seemingly out of reach. The questions posed highlight the theme of longing and questioning one's own worthiness compared to something perceived as divine. The imagery of the angel losing their wings and halo can symbolize a fall from grace or a departure from innocence. Overall, the lyrics evoke a sense of yearning and wonder at the concept of heavenly beings and the idea of divine love.