Meaning of 'Tough Mama'

by Bob Dylan

Interpretation

In the lyrics of the song 'Tough Mama' by Bob Dylan, there are different strong women who have a special meaning for the singer.

The first woman is called 'Tough Mama'. She is tough and powerful. The singer would like to spend time with her and says, 'Can I give you a little smoke?'

Then there is a woman named 'Dark Beauty', who is beautiful and impresses the singer. He would like her to make room for him and go with him to nature, where the flowers bloom. He says, 'It's my duty to take you to the field where the flowers bloom.'

The next woman is called 'Sweet Goddess'. She is like a goddess and has a special presence. The singer says she knows who she is and where she comes from. He also mentions other men who were attracted to her but quickly disappeared. He says, 'Your perfect stranger finally comes in.'

The last woman is called 'Silver Angel'. She wears a badge of the lonely road on her sleeve. The singer would like to give her a golden ring and says he would be grateful if she accepted it. He also tells of a hot day in the countryside, when he stood alone on a hill watching.

At the end of the lyrics, the singer feels down and disappointed with the world. He says he won't bring any of his lambs to the market anymore. The prison walls are crumbling and there seems to be no end in sight. Although he has received some recognition, he has lost his appetite. He invites 'Dark Beauty' to meet him late at night at the border.

So, the lyrics of the song 'Tough Mama' are about different strong women who have a special meaning for the singer, and about his own disappointment and loss of appetite for life.