Bob Dylan’s “Rainy Day Women” is an enigmatic piece that, at its surface, seems to touch on themes of persecution and society’s tendency to judge and castigate those who deviate from the norm. However, given Dylan’s penchant for metaphor and layered lyricism, the track also holds potential allegorical interpretations. The recurring refrain, “Everybody must get stoned,” not only alludes to the act of throwing stones in judgment but also plays with the 1960s counterculture reference to getting high.
If you’ve ever felt the weight of the world’s judgments or are just intrigued by Dylan’s lyrical mastery, you’ll want to read on.
“Rainy Day Women” Lyrics Meaning
As we journey through the song, it begins with a striking image of someone being stoned for striving for goodness. The use of “stone” here functions as a double entendre. On the one hand, it speaks of society’s readiness to condemn and criticize, while on the other, it winks at the recreational use of marijuana, prevalent in the 60s counterculture.
As the song progresses, Dylan describes various situations where this “stoning” can happen – from mundane activities like walking on the street to moments of vulnerability like trying to earn a living. Each verse broadens the scope of the judgment that society can levy upon an individual.
The chorus is especially telling. “But I would not feel so all alone / Everybody must get stoned” seems to be Dylan’s way of saying that everyone, at some point, faces criticism or feels out of place. Yet, there’s solace in the universality of this experience. Everyone has faced or will face judgment.
Perhaps the most compelling interpretation, especially given the tumultuous times during which Dylan wrote the song, is that of the societal rejection of those who went against the status quo, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement and the anti-Vietnam War sentiments. The ‘stoning’ can be symbolic of societal backlash.
Toward the end, even in the face of inevitable judgment and the finality of death, Dylan’s message remains constant – everyone will face these challenges. And in that shared experience, there’s a sense of unity and understanding.
The Story Behind “Rainy Day Women”
When Bob Dylan released “Rainy Day Women” in 1966, it became one of his most talked-about tracks, not just for its catchy chorus, but also for its perceived references to drug use and its veiled commentaries on societal issues. In the mid-1960s, having established himself as a folk prodigy, he was beginning to experiment with electric instruments, causing a bit of an uproar among his traditionalist fans. This era marked a significant shift from acoustic to electric, from folk to rock, and “Rainy Day Women” was part of this transformation.
Amid this backdrop, there were rumors that the song was recorded during a laid-back, possibly even chaotic, session with musicians laughing and playing instruments in the background, adding to its unique sound. It mirrored the countercultural vibes of the 60s.
Dylan, with his signature cryptic style, never fully clarified the song’s true meaning. When asked about the drug references, he’s been known to deflect or answer playfully. However, given the political climate of the time and his history of activist music, many believe that the song is more than just a playful nod to getting high. Instead, it’s a more profound statement about societal judgments and the human experience.