Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[leslie]

Hi,

I was puzzled by Bob Dylan's lyrics of 4th Time Around. Thank you very much for your explanation.
1. Does work on my face mean that the lady shaved the man, or she kissed him or what else?
2. Until breaking my eyes? Does it mean she broke his eyes as in smashing his eyes? or she wounded his eyes while she fixed his face? or she made his eyes open with her fingers? Or what else?

Part of lyrics is below:

When she said,
"Don't waste your words, they're just lies,"
I cried she was deaf.
And she worked on my face until breaking my eyes,
Then said, "What else you got left?"
It was then that I got up to leave
But she said, "Don't forget,
Everybody must give something back
For something they get."

I stood there and hummed,
I tapped on her drum and asked her how come.
And she buttoned her boot,
And straightened her suit,
Then she said, "Don't get cute."
So I forced my hands in my pockets
And felt with my thumbs,
And gallantly handed her
My very last piece of gum.

S
_________________
Less Is Blessed

[Philo Kevetch]

Hello Leslie -

When it comes to interpreting poetry (or Dylan lyrics)...your guess is as good as anyone elses'.

My guess -

they've been arguing... she's had enough...she searches his face intently...silently staring long and hard (coldly?) into his eyes...

What do you think? Philo

p.s. -WHEW!! Been there..done that!.. too many times
and don't relish the thought of going through it again...
but in the words of Willie Loman, "It comes with the territory."

[leslie]

Hi, Philo Kevetch,

Thank you for your insight. I understand now. But it's kind of difficult for an ESL learner like me to 'imagine' beyond words. By way of your interpretation, I can get the picture. Thanks very much.

Leslie
_________________
Less Is Blessed