Bob Dylan - Red River Shore Lyrics

I've read with interest the previous comments concerning possible Christian references in the song. I would tend to agree with those who say it's a heartfelt song about lost love - until you get to the final two verses, particularly in the context of the first verse. There is clearly a hint of Christ in the "man full of sorrow and strife" who brought people back to life. And why the reference to the language he used? Jesus spoke Aramaic, I think, but how does that help us? Could we be hearing a reworking of "Napoleon in rags and the language that he used"? Like so many of Dylan's songs, we just have to interpret it in our own way and derive from it the message that means the most to us. Is the "girl" a metaphor for Christ? Who knows? I just love the song: never tire of hearing it and never tire of trying to work it all out. Perhaps one day, the hills will give me their song...

amazing !!!

I love that song!

Well, I only have one idea. He´s talkin about his mom. Mayber someone can understand what im saying.

To the Jesus commentators:
This song's about Jesus? Are you all a bunch of dumb so-called reborn so-called christians?
Are we joking and I'm the only one not getting the joke?

Re-read the lyrics, slowly, calmly, and please realize that you are being delusional. When Bob Dylan wanted to talk about Jesus he talked about Jesus, without using lousy metaphors like the ones that spring to your mind.

This song's a song about a girl that moved something special in him, a long time ago. He possibly abandoned this girl in order to pursue other routes in life. Then, later on in life, end approaching, he realizes that those feelings were the truest and strongest of his life. Period.

No Jesus involved.
For Christ's sake.

The live version is my favourite. True Dylan through and through. He never fails to impress me.

Yes, I believe many of the the girls Dylan's songs are longing for could be Jesus, the bride of Jesus, or democracy, or just plain ole love for one another. Yes, "we all wear the same thorny crown". Dylan is a genius, and our moses trying to tell us what's happening to us as we weep.

im a dylan fan from the beginning and this is a song that rates at the top who is the girl from the red river shore all of the above i think

This is one of my favorite songs, I first thought it was about love but now I believe it is about drug addiction. Girl from the red river shore = the drug

It's certain that this song doesn't fit with the rest of Time Out of Mind. It's also certain that no other song evokes such strong feelings in me. Like so many of Dylan's other unreleased songs, this one is far superior to the best songs that most artists will ever write or record. Like Bono has said...Most writers hope for one killer line per album. Dylan knocks you out with each line.
I don't hero worship, but dammit, this man's God-given gift is staggering.

truly an epic -Bob Dylan is the master at this type of tale of love lost-found and lost again -you want the song to go on forever-the man has no equal!!

The lilting melody of the tune is very beautiful coupled and complimented with a heartfelt storyline where he has managed to include nearly a whole verse referring to his Saviour, Jesus Christ. The instrumental at the end completes a jewel of a song.

This songs brings tears to my eyes . Need to say more ?

I think this song is about a girl he loved died very early but his mind didnt let go so he almost hallucinated spending time with her after that. As he grew older he saw through it though and hence why he wishes he could still spend time with her by the red river shore. Also that could be why no one remembers seeing her spending time with him.

I wonder if anyone else thinks that "the girl from the Red River shore" is Jesus? Dylan tells a story of a faith that was, then was lost, and then was sought for again, all the while recognizing that he was never alone at all. "Sometimes I think nobody ever saw me here at all, 'Cept the girl from the Red River shore," suggesting that Jesus was always with him, even when no one else was.

I wonder if anyone shares my thoughts that "the girl from the red river shore" is Jesus. Dylan tells a story of a faith, once held, then lost, then longed for, all the time recognizing that he would not be left alone.

The amazing thing is that Dylan resisted putting it on Time Out of Mind because it didn't work in his comcept for that album - but truly, this is a great song.

I know a real story that is exactly as the one related in this song. carmen knows it too. this is what makes dylan so great. true to life true to me...

Wow. The best song i have ever heard in my life. What a"story".