A Close Look at “Bob Dylan – With God On Our Side”

Introduction

“Bob Dylan – With God On Our Side” is a timeless ballad that delves deep into the complex relationship between war, religion, and morality. Penned and performed by the legendary Bob Dylan, this song has left an indelible mark on the world of folk and protest music. In this article, we’ll explore the profound lyrics and haunting melodies of this iconic song.

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About the Song

“Bob Dylan – With God On Our Side” is a powerful anti-war anthem that was released in 1964. It weaves a poignant narrative that reflects on the futility of war, invoking the notion of divine sanction in human conflicts. The song’s compelling lyrics and Dylan’s signature raspy voice make it a memorable piece of music history.

About the Artist

Bob Dylan, born Robert Zimmerman, is an American singer-songwriter, widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. His career spans over six decades, and he is renowned for his thought-provoking lyrics, which often explore social and political issues. Dylan’s impact on the music industry is immeasurable, and he has received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016.

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Lyrics: With God On Our Side 

Oh, my name—it ain’t nothin’
My age—it means less
The country I come from
Is called the Midwest
I’s taught and brought up there
The laws to abide
And that the land that I live in
Has God on its side

Oh, the history books tell it
They tell it so well
The cavalries charged
The Indians fell
The cavalries charged
The Indians died
Oh, the country was young
With God on its side

The Spanish-American
War had its day
And the Civil War too
Was soon laid away
And the names of the heroes
I’s made to memorize
With guns in their hands
And God on their side

The First World War, boys
It came and it went
The reason for fighting
I never did get
But I learned to accept it
Accept it with pride
For you don’t count the dead
When God’s on your side

The Second World War
Came to an end
We forgave the Germans
And then we were friends
Though they murdered six million
In the ovens they fried
The Germans now too
Have God on their side

I’ve learned to hate the Russians
All through my whole life
If another war comes
It’s them we must fight
To hate them and fear them
To run and to hide
And accept it all bravely
With God on my side

But now we got weapons
Of chemical dust
If fire them we’re forced to
Then fire them we must
One push of the button
And a shot the world wide
And you never ask questions
When God’s on your side

Through many dark hour
I’ve been thinkin’ about this
That Jesus Christ
Was betrayed by a kiss
But I can’t think for you
You’ll have to decide
Whether Judas Iscariot
Had God on his side

So now as I’m leavin’
I’m weary as Hell
The confusion I’m feelin’
Ain’t no tongue can tell
The words fill my head
And they fall to the floor
That if God’s on our side
He’ll stop the next war