Bob
Dylan: the Prophet’s Son The
sealed copy of "Love and Theft"
remained on the dining room table for a week. It had
arrived on its release date of September 11th
but the traumatic events of that day took it off the
radar screen for even the most zealous of Dylan fans.
After absorbing the news round the clock and how
everyone's lives were changed, a time came when both mind
and body needed a break, some relief. The wrapper came
off and the CD was played. As the words filled the air
its imagery was striking as it seemed to describe this
changed world and grabbed its verses from recent
headlines. Some may be spooked by the similarities in the
lyrics, mostly written in NYC a few months earlier,
others may find a comfort that there is a Presence that
is not indifferent to our world and that He will still
use men with a willing spirit to be vessels to
demonstrate His love and concern to a fallen creation. The
morning show anchors were well into their second hour
when their broadcast was interrupted with the news that a
plane had crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade
Center in lower New York City. Part of any broadcaster's
training is simply that you always got to be prepared, but you
never know for what. As they attempted to provide
information to their audiences about this tragic
"accident," their news day, and the world would
be changed forever. Behind them, captured on the TV
cameras was the approach of a second plane flying
directly into the South Tower of the World Trade Center.
At 9:03 am, in that minute of the day the bubble could
burst and it did. The United States of America
was under attack. The footage of lower Manhattan showed
the mass exodus of workers and residents of the stricken
area. New York City went into a lock-down to keep any
traffic from entering Manhattan but it was clearly
visible that if you asked people they would tell you that
they were avoiding the south side the best I can.
The talking heads were communicating with the city's
emergency desks trying to find out more information about
what methods of escape were there for those trapped above
the floors that the planes hit. As reporters obtained
eyewitness reports from those who got out of the towers
it appeared that everybody’s moving, if they ain't
already there… everybody got to move somewhere.
All across America, because of the live coverage, many
looked back on the day with words such as these:
"when I left my home this morning the
sky split open wide." President
Bush had to go to Florida and when
he was briefed the President addressed the nation briefly
from a school. He knew he had to say something to the
nation, but the enormity of it all made him appear to be on the fringes of the night, fighting
back tears that [he] can't control. Some people
they ain't human, they got no heart or soul and
now we must defeat them. The President's National
Security team jumped into high gear and began processing
relative data as the Secret Service made arrangements to
bring the President home to Washington D.C. These plans
were aborted when at nine forty five it was
reported that a third plane had crashed in D. C. into the
Pentagon and a fourth plane was hijacked but its
whereabouts uncertain. At the Pentagon battle weary
veterans experienced the unimaginable. They got out of here any way that they
could. Many jumped from windows or crawled through
the corridors where the air was thick and heavy. Back
in New York the evacuation continued and it was obvious
that the folks [would] lose their
possessions and if they could - the folks
[were] leaving town. But for many the horror
only began. As those trapped in the high floors became
aware of their certain fate they tried to get some
control of their lives. Many jumped 90 floors or more.
Doctors say that their hearts would have failed before
impact. Those who jumped appeared to be coffins dropping in the street like
balloons made out of lead. To those who could
bear to watch; they saw a sky full of fire and pain pourin'
down. For almost an hour the New York City Fire
Department and Police Departments had been dispatching
their personnel to do what they do... .rescue victims.
Many of these heroes were raised in the country [and have] been
working in the town. These brave men and women
knew that they may have been asked to pay the ultimate
price in service. As the firemen climbed up the stair
towers they each instinctively knew: my clothes are wet, tight on my skin.
Not as tight as the corner that I painted myself in. Then
at 9:58 a.m. we watched some things that are too terrible to
be true. Things are breaking up out there. The
shacks are sliding down. Suddenly, the top floors
of the South Tower collapsed onto themselves. The police
and the firemen knew when they heard the rumble that we struggle and we scrape. We're
all boxed in nowhere to escape. City's just a jungle,
trapped in the heart of it [and] trying to get
away. To those viewing this from afar the earth and sky melt with flesh and
bone. Then at 10:28 nothing standing there. Highwater
everywhere. The North Tower was gone and so were
hundreds of rescuers and possibly thousands of civilians
drowned in an ocean of steel and concrete. "Don't reach out for me...can't you see
I'm drownin' too?" It's rough out there.
On the ground the survivors were trying to cope with the
enormity of the devastation. Many felt that they never wanted to go back there - I'd
rather have died. Aboard
the fourth plane which was reported hijacked, the
passengers learned of the fate of the three earlier
planes and the destruction on the ground. They banded
together to thwart the terrorists with a battle cry of
"Let's Roll!" They gave up their lives so that
others would not be harmed when the plane plowed into an
empty field in Shanksville, PA. I'm rollin slow...goin' where the wild
roses grow. President
Bush addressed the nation again from the Oval Office.
With tears in his eyes he reminded us he was a peace
loving man but.. ..he had a job to do and he intended to
do it. I'm preachin' peace and harmony, the
blessings of tranquility. But 1 know when the time is
right to strike! Back in New York much of the
mass transit system and bridges were closed to those in
Manhattan this left people stranded in the city that never sleeps. Then
an American phenomenon occurred... stories came with
recorded phone messages of those who though they awaited
gruesome deaths, had the presence of mind to comfort
those that they would leave behind. Content of these
endearments were similar to: I'm tellin' myself I found true
happiness. That I've still got a dream that hasn't been
repossessed So many things that we never will
undo. 1 know you're sorry, I'm sorry too For whom does the bell toll for, love?
It tolls for you and me. They
were grateful to their loved ones. Others glanced into
photos on desks or at snapshots that were stuck inside
fire helmets and for the moment they were transported
back to where and with whom they wished to be: I need something strong to distract my
mind. I'm gonna look at you till my eyes go blind On
Flight 93 over Pennsylvania many passengers, knowing
their death was certain had thoughtful conversations
transmitted over cell and airplane phones. They
heroically rose to the occasion, often with their loved
one's words of encouragement coming out of their ears.
The resolve of the passengers on Flight 93 is like a
chapter taken from the Alamo as they set their face like
flint. Well, the future for me is already a
thing of the past. You were my first love. You will be my
last. Gonna make you see how loyal and true a man can be.
Though many died young that day in their final moments
they may have recalled that their parents warned them not to waste their years. . .
. . . and they didn't. President
Bush, with each address to the nation began to reveal a
reserve of power and strength that many had not noticed.
The next day the President may have been crying to the Lord - I'm trying
to be meek and mild. But a face and enemy had
been identified and he had a job to do. The attack was
carried out by Islamic Fundamentalists loyal to the
Al-Qaeda and its leader, Usama Bin Ladin. Now the
President had to unite the nation and the civilized world
against a terrible evil and danger. He told us in few
words that he knew what everybody in the
world is up against. When the press put a
microphone before him, these were his words: "I want him dead or alive. Either
one, 1 don't care." He warned the world that
it was either on the side of the terrorists or the side
of those who cherish freedom and he would judge the
nations by their actions: If you ever try to interfere with me
or cross my path again, you do so at the peril of your
own life. I'm not quite as cool or forgiving as 1 sound.
I've seen enough heartache and strife. Who
was this Usama Bin Ladin? He was a Saudi Arabian
multi-millionaire who wished to drive all Western
Civilization out of Islamic countries. The United States
had a military presence in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait
because in 1991 we protected those two sovereign states
from Saddam Hussein and his Iraqi forces. The USA also
aided the Afghani people (including Bin Ladin) in
fighting the Soviet Union when it occupied Afghanistan in
the 80s. For these benevolent acts, Bin Ladin wants to
pay us back with mass murder. Try to make things better for someone.
Sometimes you just end up making it a thousand times
worse. The United States has learned first hand
over her short history that lots of things can get in the way when
you are trying to do what's right. President
Bush joined New York City Mayor Giuliani and New York
Governor Pataki visiting what has been titled
"Ground Zero." President Bush walked past
legions of New York's civil servants. Probably few in
those ranks voted for Bush to be their
Commander-In-Chief, but like it or not that was his role
to play. And play it he did. He climbed atop a NYC fire
truck and with one arm around a retired fireman, in a few
words through a bull horn told America what we needed to
sense so we might rally around "our" president.
Feel like a fightin' rooster. Feel
better than I ever felt. He promised the country
that those who knocked down these buildings would soon be
hearing from us and those in attendance roared their
approval. The United States had yet to react with
military might but it was coming.. .He then addressed
both houses of Congress and laid out his plan. The
enemy was being harbored by the Taliban regime and its
leader Mullah Omar in Afghanistan. The Taliban, in return
for financial support to institute an Islamic
Fundamentalist rule, allowed Usama to set up his base
camps where tens of thousands of Islamic zealots trained
in brutal warfare: They're throwing knives into the tree.
Two big bags of dead man's bones, they got their noses to
the grindstone. Living in the Land of Nod. Trusting their
fate to the hands of God. The
Al-Qaeda organization then sent its "graduates"
throughout the world awaiting Bin Ladin's orders. I'm here to create the new imperial
empire, I'm gonna do whatever circumstances require.
As his thugs spread out, Bin Ladin and his top
lieutenants hid in the inhospitable terrain that is
Afghanistan. His mode of operation was to let the cat out of the cage all the
time that I'm keeping a low profile. President
Bush appealed to the Taliban to give up Bin Ladin, but,
bound by their religious extremism their response was: Neither one gonna turn and run.
They're making a voyage to the sun. His Master's voice is
calling me. The Taliban sided with Bin Ladin.
They may have underestimated the resolve of President
Bush and the American people to go across the world to
bring justice for those fallen. Secretary of Defense
Rumsfield would daily tell reporters: It's not easy kicking someone out.
Gotta wait a while - it can be an unpleasant task.
Information soon surfaced on the identities of the
terrorist hijackers. It appears that they were in the
United States and found communities that welcomed them
and educated them. For several of them it was necessary
to go to Florida and dodge them Georgia
laws or other jurisdictions that might be a
hindrance to their diabolical plans. They passed by so silently their
activities failed to be noticed by U. S. authorities.. The
Bush administration began to solicit the help of other
nations and warned others to cease all support to
terrorists in their countries. I know who I can depend on. I know
who to trust. I am watching the roads. I am studying the
dust. The Bush Doctrine told all the nations of
the world that the civilized world would hold responsible
the terrorists and those that harbored them. You can't open up your mind, boys to
every conceivable point of view. It was clear
that harboring terrorists placed host countries in a
precariously dangerous predicament Your presence is obnoxious to me.
Several countries including Islamic Pakistan and Yemen
worked to rid their streets of AI-Qeda members. I've had too much of your company. The
State Department of the U. S. tried to assemble a
coalition to fight against worldwide terrorism. Our
ambassadors found that some people will offer you their hands and some
won't. From Europe and the Arab world we were
answered with criticism or contempt. U.S. blood was shed
to defend many of the nations that now turned their back
during this time of need. To these countries it can be
said, last night I knew you, tonight I don't. Four
weeks after September 11th, U. S. Forces began the
military action Operation Enduring Freedom in
Afghanistan. The U.S. has no desire to occupy Afghanistan
but to liberate it from the brutal rule of the Taliban.
Our goal is clear: I am gonna spare the defeated - I'm
gonna speak to the crowd. I am goin' to teach peace to
the conquered. I am gonna tame the proud As
the war effort begins Usama and Omar with their
bodyguards take to the hills as the United States begins
to freeze their assets: They're one day older and a dollar
short. They've got a parade permit and a police escort.
They're lying low and making hay. They seem determined to
go all the way. The
U.S. Forces are shown on TV doing night drops to gather
information on the enemy in dangerous weather and
terrain: Fog is so thick you can't even spy the
land and other times they came ashore in the dead of the night.
The caves that Al Qaeda uses will be a threat to the
forces for months to come: Plenty of places to hide things here.
If you want to hide 'em bad enough. The battles
will be brutal and those willing to give their lives will
be endless as their leader Bin Ladin and Omar hide out in
fortresses: My captain, he's decorated-he's
well schooled and he's skilled. He's not sentimental at
all about how many of his pals have been killed.
The final captains of 4 airplanes on 9/11 did not
even advise their pals that they were doomed on
this murderous/suicidal mission, so quipped their
Captain Usama Bin Ladin on a video tape several weeks
later. But now the times have changed, we cried and now it is their time to
cry a while as our forces come ashore in the dead
of the night. Operation
Enduring freedom pounds the Afghan countryside but few
Al-Qaeda surrender: I'm not sorry for nothin' I've
done. I'm glad I fought - I only wish we'd won. Bin
Ladin proves to be...Like some feudal lord. He
got more lives than a cat: Omar and Muslim clerics
seek to incite their followers to kill the Infidels:
I'm preaching the Word of God. I'm putting out your eyes.
From an early age, Muslim males are taught to hate and to
seek a victory over non Muslims. Well, a childish
dream is a deathless need. He'll stab you where
you stand. Women in Afghanistan suffer greatly under
strict Islamic rule and mistrust and disrespect for them
are taught. They are best left in the house unseen
because there ain't no limit to the amount of trouble
women bring. If
the terrorists thought that they could bring America to
her knees, they were very mistaken. Try
to bully you - strong arm you - inspire you with fear. It
has the opposite effect.The United States of America
and her Allies were made stronger. At home, a nation
tries to heal and rebuild. In Washington DC, Shanksville,
P A, and Ground Zero, NYC, tireless workers labor 24/7
amidst the devastation that once held abundant life
before 9/11. When they could express themselves, you may
have heard thoughts like this: I'm
having a hard time believin' some people were ever alive.
These
memories I got can strangle a man Well,
the emptiness is endless, cold as the clay. You can
always come back, but you can't come back all the way. My
tears keep flowing to the sea You
got a way of tearing a world apart. See what you've done. Every
moment of existence seems like a dirty trick All
my powers of expression and thoughts so sublime, could
never do you justice in reason or rhyme Today has been a sad and lonesome day Setting
my dial on the radio I wish my mother was still alive Some
of these memories you can learn to live with and some of
them you can't I
keep listening for footsteps but I ain't ever hearing any Donations
to charities that were to direct their receipts to 9/11
were blessed with the generosity of millions. Though
there were problems in the administration of the funds it
was soon aided by the appointment of a master to
facilitate its charter. People soon learned that
fortune is waiting to be kind and it is. Americans
are faced with new limitations on their free society. The
ease in which Americans traveled was hampered with new
security guidelines. This did not sit too well with our
maverick nature because sometimes somebody wants
you to give something up and tears or not it is too much
to ask. Bringing all of rational thinking to
bear on the situation our reaction could still be that
ain't it funny, how the things you have the hardest
time parting with are the things you need the least. In
1963, at the genesis of his song writing career, Bob
Dylan wrote A Hard Rain 'sA-Gonna Fall.
The song is filled with random imagery of a world
gone mad or bad. Much like the imagery we envision
throughout "Love and Theft." In the last verse
of A Hard Rain's A Gonna Fall the
"father" asks his son what is he gonna do now
that he has seen, listened, walked through and possibly
dreamt of experiences that his fellow man may not have
had. The son replies that he will put it in song and that
he will sing it loud so that all men can hear it. This
"son" also has his parent's advice oozing
out of his ears and even at sixty years of age he is
determined not to waste his years. The prophets of
the Bible knew that they had a role to play in the midst
of tragedy and chaos. They exhorted their contemporaries
and the generations that followed to look deeper and
learn of Scriptural truths that will guide us through.
Has Dylan once again been used by our Creator to bring
His very existence into focus? A teaching of Moses from
Psalm 90 is quoted with this line in Mississippi: Every
step of the way we walk the line. Your days are numbered.
So are mine. It
has often been suggested that Dylan uses the placement of
the last track on a CD to impart a special message. On
"Love and Theft" that last track is Sugar Baby. Here are
some lyrics that may not speak of 9/11 but of the future
brought home by the events of 9/11: Look up, look up...seek your Maker 'fore Gabriel blows his horn Ronnie Keohane May 2002 |
ALSO SEE: Time Out of Mind with New Eyes Dylan & The Frucht (a book by Ronnie Keohane)
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