Abandoned Love

Album: Biograph (1985)
Play Video
  • I can see the turning of the key
    I've been deceived by the clown inside of me
    I thought that he was righteous but he's vain
    Oh, something's a-telling me I wear the ball and chain

    My patron saint is a-fighting with a ghost
    He's always off somewhere when I need him most
    The Spanish moon is rising on the hill
    But my heart is a-tellin' me I love you still

    I come back to the town from the flaming moon
    I see you in the streets, I begin to swoon
    I love to see you dress before the mirror
    Won't you let me in your room one time before I finally disappear?

    Everybody's wearing a disguise
    To hide what they've got left behind their eyes
    But me, I can't cover what I am
    Wherever the children go I'll follow them

    I march in the parade of liberty
    But as long as I love you I'm not free
    How long must I suffer such abuse?
    Won't you let me see your smile before I turn you loose?

    I've given up the game, I've got to leave
    The pot of gold is only make-believe
    The treasure can't be found by men who search
    Whose gods are dead and whose queens are in the church

    We sat in an empty theater and we kissed
    I asked ya please to cross me off your list
    My head tells me it's time to make a change
    But my heart is telling me I love ya but you're strange

    So one more time at midnight, near the wall
    Take off your heavy make-up and your shawl
    Won't you descend from the throne, from where you sit?
    Let me feel your love one more time before I abandon it Writer/s: Bob Dylan
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 4

  • Ellen Kathleen Fyfe from Goderich, OntarioFirst heard this song by the Everley Brothers. Loved the lyrics from day one... got me through tough times for sure.
  • Joe from Stockholm, SwedenEventhough this was written in 75 before he released his slow train album I belive this song is about "is god real?" kind of question. Mean that he feels that the religion had fooled him "I’ve been deceived by the clown inside of me, I thought that he was righteous but he’s vain". and when it comes to the love and feelings he refers to "him"
  • Christine from Underhill, Vt"My head tells me it's time to make a change; my heart is telling me, I love you, but you're strange." That was a tagline for me and one of my old boyfriends.
  • Tam from Baton Rouge, LaOne of my favorites, this song got me through a crazy divorce.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Vince Clarke

Vince ClarkeSongwriter Interviews

An original member of Depeche Mode, Vince went on to form Erasure and Yaz.

Graham Nash

Graham NashSongwriter Interviews

Graham Nash tells the stories behind some of his famous songs and photos, and is asked about "yacht rock" for the first time.

Daniel Lanois

Daniel LanoisSongwriter Interviews

Daniel Lanois on his album Heavy Sun, and the inside stories of songs he produced for U2, Peter Gabriel, and Bob Dylan.

Bands Named After Real People (Who Aren't In The Band)

Bands Named After Real People (Who Aren't In The Band)Song Writing

How a gym teacher, a janitor, and a junkie became part of some very famous band names.

Grammar In Lyrics

Grammar In LyricsMusic Quiz

Lyrics don't always follow the rules of grammar. Can you spot the ones that don't?

Experience Nirvana with Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt

Experience Nirvana with Sub Pop Founder Bruce PavittSong Writing

The man who ran Nirvana's first label gets beyond the sensationalism (drugs, Courtney) to discuss their musical and cultural triumphs in the years before Nevermind.