“Mother of Muses” by Bob Dylan

It has been noted that the “mother of Muses” is actually a figure from Greek mythology named Mnemosyne. And in this song Bob Dylan indeed refers to her as a deity, if you will. In earlier parts of the lyrics, he relates to this figure as more of a symbolic entity, as in being representative of certain ideals such as creativity, boldness and a desire to change the world for the better. But by the time the song ends, he is asking the ‘mother of Muses’ to take over his being so to speak. In other words, he relates to her as more of an actual spiritual being. So in combining these two ideas, the singer himself wants to live a life highlighted by bold humanitarian efforts, pious living, and we can also say making good music.

Dylan wrote and also exclusively produced “Mother of Muses”. And Columbia Records put it out as part of his album “Rough and Rowdy Ways” on 19th June, 2020.