Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[perspectives]

Hi,

What does it mean: 'He really wasn't where it's at.' in Bob Dylan's Like A Rolling Stone. What does 'it' refer to? Does 'where' mean physically 'a location'? or abstractly 'an absent-mindedness which does not know when and where?" I have difficulty in understanding this sentence. If the sentence goes like--He really wasn't there, then it may mean his mind or his heart was not there anymore but using 'it' baffles me a lot. Could you please explain this sentence or give me an example sentence by using it? Thanks very much.


You used to ride on the chrome horse with your diplomat
Who carried on his shoulder a Siamese cat
Ain't it hard when you discover that
He really wasn't where it's atAfter he took from you everything he could steal.

[pugachevV]

I'm not surprised you have trouble understanding the lyrics. If I had been a fan of the singer back in the dark ages of 1965 it might have made sense to me, but in the clear un-stoned light of day in the year 2010, it's pretty obscure.
But I wasn't a fan.
I believe, "He wasn't really where it's at." (Usually followed by "Man")... Means (or meant in the 60's) something like, "He was not the answer. He was not cool, trendy and the absolute best thing since sliced bread, after all."

[perspectives]

Thanks very much, pugachevV. That makes a lot of sense to me now. Thank you for your explanation.

[pugachevV]

You're welcome.