Meaning of "Boy Cried Wolf" by Patti Smith

The lyrics of "Boy Cried Wolf" by Patti Smith explore themes of sacrifice, betrayal, and the lack of response to cries for help. The story of the boy being drawn from the forest and tied to a tree like St. Sebastian symbolizes a form of martyrdom and abandonment. The references to blood, sacramental rituals, and ancient dances evoke a sense of ancient traditions and rituals that lead to questioning their relevance in the modern world. The repeated refrain of "boy cried wolf, wolf don't come, wolf within" suggests a sense of isolation, desperation, and the inner turmoil of the protagonist. The final lines about innocence having its day followed by the cycle of kings being lifted up and thrown down speak to the transient nature of power and the inevitable loss of innocence in the face of harsh realities.