Interpretation
"Farewell Angelina" by
Bob Dylan is a song full of metaphorical and symbolic imagery that allows for multiple interpretations. However, it seems that the main theme of the song is a farewell forced by an impending storm or impending catastrophe.
"Farewell Angelina, the bells of the crown
Are being stolen by bandits, I must follow the sound." In these lines, the singer expresses that he must leave Angelina because he cannot ignore the disaster signaled by the ringing of the bells. The bells being stolen by bandits could be a symbol of the loss of innocence or order, and the singer must follow that sound, which means he must face reality.
"Just the table standing empty by the edge of the sea
Means farewell Angelina, the sky is falling, and I must leave." The empty table by the edge of the sea could be a symbol of the end of shared time or a relationship, and the falling sky could represent an impending catastrophe. The singer must leave this place and leave Angelina behind.
In the following verses, Dylan uses a variety of imagery to intensify the sense of misfortune and the need to depart. Images like the dancing elves on the rooftops, the cross-eyed pirates, and the roaring machine guns all contribute to a sense of unrest and impending chaos.
"But farewell Angelina, the sky's erupting, I must go where it's quiet." At the end of the song, the singer emphasizes once again that he must leave Angelina, as the sky is erupting, representing an even greater catastrophe or a stronger storm. He must go where it's quiet, which could indicate that he is seeking peace or safety.
Overall, "Farewell Angelina" is a song that addresses the inevitable farewell and the escape from misfortune and chaos. The singer must leave his beloved to face reality and possibly seek a safe place."