Everything's Broken: Dylan's Observations As Relevant As Ever

Minneapolis (Photo: Rubin Latz)

Dawn in Minneapolis Saturday.

To say I have been distracted by things happening in Minneapolis is an understatement. Having at one time lived in the Twin Cities for a few years I am quite familiar with all of the neighborhoods that have been assaulted. It's very disheartening.

As I am oft fond of saying there's a Dylan line or Dylan song for everything, and this situation is no exception. "Oxford Town" might apply, and a line from "Hurricane" jumps off the page, but tonight my sentiments lean toward this one: "Everything's Broken."

Broken lines, broken strings
Broken threads, broken springs
Broken idols, broken heads
People sleeping in broken beds
Ain’t no use jiving
Ain’t no use joking
Everything is broken

Here are a couple variations on the song, beginning first with Bob himself and then a cover by R.L. Burnside.

Minneapolis. (Photos: Rubin Latz

Related Links
Map showing the degree of destruction wrought this past few days. 
Sheryl Crowe and Jason Isbell cover of Everything's Broken
Various versions of the song by various performers
My earlier blog post about the song

ADDENDUM
I would be remiss if I did not add that though the song is thought-provoking, I witnessed a basis for hope in some of the scenes I saw today. There was video of good people coming together to clean up their communities, and coming together to affirm values. As has been repeatedly occurring in 2020, the 3000-year-old proverb continues to hold true: "Who can tell what a day may bring forth?"