Interpretation
The song lyrics 'My Back Pages' by
Bob Dylan are an introspective reflection on aging and personal development. Dylan reflects on his past and realizes that despite physical aging, he feels mentally younger. He uses the recurring refrain 'Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now' as a metaphor for this thought.
In the song lyrics, Dylan speaks about different stages of his life and how his perspective has changed over time. He speaks of 'Rollin' high and mighty traps' and 'Using ideas as my maps', suggesting that in his youth he may have been idealistic or naive. With 'Half-wracked prejudice leaped forth', he speaks of prejudiced judgments he has made and how he has realized that life is not 'black and white'.
The line 'Girls' faces formed the forward path' could be a reference to romantic relationships that have shaped his worldview. Dylan also speaks about politics and history, which have influenced his thinking.
The lines 'A self-ordained professor's tongue' and 'Spouted out that liberty Is just equality in school' could be a critique of the dogmatic nature of education and how it has influenced his thinking.
Dylan also reflects on his own mistakes and fears, as in the lines 'In a soldier's stance, I aimed my hand At the mongrel dogs who teach' and 'Fearing not that I'd become my enemy In the instant that I preach', and realizes that he must find his own truth.
Finally, in the lines 'Yes, my guard stood hard when abstract threats Too noble to neglect Deceived me into thinking I had something to protect', Dylan reflects that in his past he may have been too focused on external threats, instead of prioritizing his inner development.
Overall, 'My Back Pages' is a reflection by Dylan on his personal development and maturity, the understanding of his mistakes, and the realization that he is constantly learning and growing.