Dylan's 'Tangled Up in Blue': A Psychedelic Lie or a Precise Borrowing?

Bob Dylan, known for his pretentiousness and rich poetic references, often navigates the realms of literary history in his songs. In 'Tangled Up in Blue,' he evokes a dreamy yet fragmentary encounter with a waitress, a book of poems, and a medieval Italian poet, painting a vivid yet enigmatic picture. This article explores the complexities and historical accuracies behind Dylan's lyrics and investigates whether this memorable song is a psychedelic lie or a precise borrowing.

The Song Context

'Tangled Up in Blue,' from Dylan's 1975 album 'Blood on the Tracks,' tells a story of a man's memories of a past relationship. In the song's renowned verses, Dylan refers to a waitress who handed him a book of poems. The song opens with the haunting line, 'Then she opened up a book of poems / And handed me it/ Written by an Italian poet, /From the thirteenth century/ And every one of them words rang true/ And glowed like burnin' coal/ Pourin' off of every page/Like it was written in my soul/ From me to you' (Dylan, 2016: 328).

A Mysterious Reference

The enigmatic reference to a 13th-century Italian poet has sparked numerous debates among critics and fans. Dylan's use of Plutarch instead of Petrarch during an interview in 1978, as mentioned by Craig McGregor, has fueled further intrigue. If indeed Dylan was referring to Petrarch, it leads us to ponder on the historical and literary significance.

The 13th-Century Poet: Petrarch

Francesco Petrarch (1304–1374) was a key figure in early Renaissance literature. His collection, Canzoniere, contains 366 poems, primarily addressed to his idealized love, Laura. Petrarch's love for Laura is often described as a sacred and artistic passion, much like the fiery imagery Dylan employs in his lyrics. Petrarch’s influence on literature as a whole is profound, making him a likely candidate for Dylan's reference.

Dylan and the Italian Poet

Dylan's use of these images is deliberate. The burning coal imagery encapsulates the raw, emotive nature of Petrarch’s love, suggesting that his poetry has an enduring and transformative quality. Dylan’s references to the book of poems and the medieval Italian poet create a dreamlike and poetic atmosphere, emphasizing the song's Romantic and Symbolist elements.

Historical Context and Analysis

Dante Alighieri (1265–1321) and Petrarch are both towering figures in 14th-century Italian literature. Dante's Divine Comedy is one of the most significant works in world literature, while Petrarch's love poems to Laura are celebrated for their lyrical beauty and emotional depth. However, Dylan’s specific reference to a 13th-century poet aligns with the subtlety and nuance of Petrarch's work.

Conclusion

Whether Dylan's 'Tangled Up in Blue' is a psychedelic lie or a precise borrowing remains a subjective interpretation. His use of literary allusions and evocative imagery places the song within the broader cultural and artistic context of the early Renaissance. Whether the waitress in the bar actually handed him a book of Petrarch's poems or not, Dylan's artful storytelling and poetic references bring the listener into a realm of artistic imagination and reflection.

Key Points to Remember:

Dylan's use of literary references in 'Tangled Up in Blue' adds depth to the song's narrative. Francesco Petrarch is a likely candidate for Dylan's 13th-century poet, given the evocative imagery and historical context. The burning coal imagery in Petrarch's poetry aligns with the emotional and transformative nature that Dylan portrays.

Additional Resources:

Francesco Petrarch - Britannica Petrarch and Folk Literature - Library of Congress 'Tangled Up in Blue' - Yale Alumni Magazine