Expert: Thom - 7/28/2005

Question
"Desolation Row" is one of my favorite songs by Bob Dylan. I love all the references to the many characters in the song. I was wondering, however, if you could offer some insight as to how the last verse fits into the rest of the song. I have two specific questions, but certainly don't feel limited to these in your comments:

1. Are "all these people that you mention" the characters referenced in the other verses?

2. Why is the doorknob broken?

Thanks!

Answer
Very interesting question, and I wish I could be more help to you. The first one I would say is a yes...he had to give them all another name...these are real people with a facade;  Einstein disguised as robin hood...
the second part about the door knob, nobody really knows for sure wwhat inspires  him to put whatever obscure line in his songs. Thom