Meaning of 'Maggie's Farm'

by Bob Dylan

Interpretation

In the song lyrics "Maggie's Farm" by Bob Dylan, it is about a worker who refuses to work on a farm called Maggie's Farm. He is frustrated and dissatisfied with his work situation and decides not to work for Maggie or her family anymore.

The song lyrics begin with the narrator saying, "I ain't gonna work on Maggie's Farm no more." He is determined to break free from this place and the associated demands. He describes how he wakes up in the morning and wishes for rain so he doesn't have to work. His head is full of ideas that drive him crazy, and he is unhappy about how Maggie makes him scrub the floor.

Then he says he doesn't want to work for Maggie's brother either. He describes how Maggie's brother gives him money and asks if he's having a good time. But every time he shuts the door, he gets punished.

The narrator also rejects working for Maggie's father. He describes how Maggie's father stubs his cigar out in his face and has a brick window. There are National Guardsmen at his door.

He also decides against working for Maggie's mother. He describes how she talks to the employees about man, God, and law. Everyone says she's the real head of the family. Though she claims to be 24 years old, she's actually 68 years old.

The song lyrics end by emphasizing that the narrator won't work on Maggie's Farm anymore. He tries to be himself, but everyone else wants him to be just like them. He's bored with singing while he works and doesn't want to pursue it anymore.

In summary, the song lyrics "Maggie's Farm" by Bob Dylan are about a worker who rebels against the oppression and pressure he experiences on Maggie's Farm. He doesn't want to work for Maggie or her family anymore and fights for his freedom and individuality.