An Analysis of Bob Dylan's It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)

As in many of Bob Dylan's songs, "It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)" is a commentary on man and the problems that constantly face him. These issues are often prevalent problems that are apparent from ancient times, through the sixties, and into today. Each of the stanzas makes its own point and tells a story in itself, yet in conjunction with the rest of the song, it pulls together to create a more coherent whole. Dylan comments on a multitude of topics, ranging from war, to the government, to individual corruption.

The fifth stanza of the song is a prime example of many of these themes. The first few lines, interpreted one way, show how the actions of the men in power affect everybody around them. However, these actions are not thought of in regard to the people, but to further their own personal motives. These "private reasons great or small [that] can be seen in the eyes of those that call to make all those that should be killed to crawl" could very well refer to politicians leading their people to war, or even display the characteristics of the strong entrepreneurs who take advantage of their workers.

Nevertheless, Dylan does make a reference to those that "don't hate nothing at all except hatred" such as the famed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., or the JFK. In this stanza, Dylan touches upon the evil and corruption in the world, yet hints at a glimmer of hope which is constantly present.

Although there are a select few that shed hope for the masses, in stanza nine, Dylan talks about how the masses are generally ignorant of the fate that awaits them. As a result of the propaganda surrounding the people, they are conned into thinking that they are the one "that can do what's never been done, that can win what's never been won"; be it a successful marriage, a promotion at work, or the end of war. As I read Dylan's prose, I felt as if I was driving down the highway, with billboards flying by me on each side. These billboards were basically promises of a better tomorrow, and a successful future, yet I pull into my driveway, in a house that is falling apart, into a life in shambles. Although a select few were able to rise above the ashes of oppression and corruption most individuals during this time period either fell into a life of drugs, or a battle to join the middle class, or stay in it.

In the following stanza, the despair of the people is made utterly present as people truly feel the hopelessness fall upon them. I feel as if Dylan is showing a person, fallen so far into despair until they are at the point where nothing could bring them any lower. When you feel as if "you suddenly find you got nothing to fear, Alone you stand with nobody near" you are alone, with no friends, no faith, and only continual despair.

However, in these times of no hope, there is one thing that somehow arouses individuals. When all else is lost and you hear "a trembling distant voice unclear," sometimes individuals experience a religious reawakening in which they finally find something new to live and strive for. And with this newfound religious zeal, in a life of despair, there is something to continue living for, something to guide you from day to day. Regardless of whether or not you truly believe in the religion, it is still there to guide you through life.

The commentary that Dylan makes on man is present throughout the world at all points in time. People often fall into lives of despair and hopelessness as a result of the problems of the world. However, very few people are able to point to so many of the human emotions, and experiences that result in these problems. By focusing on each one specifically in its own story, or stanza, Dylan pieces together what looks to be a loosely connected group of societal problems. However, in reality, these are the problems which destroy men's lives.

By individually pointing them out, Dylan is able to prove how important each issue is without detracting from any of the others. Furthermore, the title of the song, "It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)" can be related to each stanza. In each stanza, Dylan points out the troubles in the world, yet each one is only a single part of a total whole. Each stanza represents a single cut, just a little blood that hurts, yet you are only bleeding, you are not going to die. Out of every issue, there is always something, even if it is a shred of hope, it is something that can support you in this time of desperation. And so, Dylan lets his ma know, that its alright, he is only bleeding.