The use of an erroneous name for a saint ALSO reflects Dylan's "secret knowledge": that while most American immigrants of the 19th century were Catholics, many of them lost their religion esp. out West (Sarah Palin repeats this pattern), replacing it with Protestant forms of worship that celebrated material success: but Dylanesque personae are losers, bums, prostitutes and winos who in judging themselves failures start recollecting buried memes.
St Augustine was the Bishop of Hippo in what is now Libya, I believe. He converted to Christianity and became a noted theologian and philosopher. He died naturally and was not martyred. Dylan knew all that but "Augustine" scans best.
No, sorry that was Constantine and that Emperor is not recognized as a saint. Constantine did convert to Christianity when before a battle he had a vision of the Cross and the motto in hoc signo vinces. In this sign, conquer.
Dylan Wrote this and I think there is more than religious meaning behind it. The martydom of Augustine was used and perhaps the turmoil of the times was blended into to it also. BAEZ didnt write this.
the tune is the classic union song (i dreamed i saw) 'joe hill'. dylan translated, rehashed, or otherwise borrowed the tune to tell the story of the martyred augustine with the improbable twist at it's end that the king's & queens who executed him were somehow sad about having to do such a thing to such a nice guy.
I love this song. It accurately reflects Joan's search for justice and sense of humility. This has been my favorite Baez song since I first heard it in the 1960's. Thank you for posting.
It's a Dylan song guys
Bleich95 3 months ago 3
The use of an erroneous name for a saint ALSO reflects Dylan's "secret knowledge": that while most American immigrants of the 19th century were Catholics, many of them lost their religion esp. out West (Sarah Palin repeats this pattern), replacing it with Protestant forms of worship that celebrated material success: but Dylanesque personae are losers, bums, prostitutes and winos who in judging themselves failures start recollecting buried memes.
spinoza1111 8 months ago
St Augustine was the Bishop of Hippo in what is now Libya, I believe. He converted to Christianity and became a noted theologian and philosopher. He died naturally and was not martyred. Dylan knew all that but "Augustine" scans best.
spinoza1111 8 months ago
No, sorry that was Constantine and that Emperor is not recognized as a saint. Constantine did convert to Christianity when before a battle he had a vision of the Cross and the motto in hoc signo vinces. In this sign, conquer.
spinoza1111 8 months ago
he was the emporoer of Rome that welcomed Christianity
61wolfy 9 months ago
Dylan Wrote this and I think there is more than religious meaning behind it. The martydom of Augustine was used and perhaps the turmoil of the times was blended into to it also. BAEZ didnt write this.
61wolfy 10 months ago
@61wolfy Augustine was not martyred. =)
redface626 9 months ago
the tune is the classic union song (i dreamed i saw) 'joe hill'. dylan translated, rehashed, or otherwise borrowed the tune to tell the story of the martyred augustine with the improbable twist at it's end that the king's & queens who executed him were somehow sad about having to do such a thing to such a nice guy.
SHAKINGSPEAR1 1 year ago
I love this song. It accurately reflects Joan's search for justice and sense of humility. This has been my favorite Baez song since I first heard it in the 1960's. Thank you for posting.
MMfanAZ 1 year ago 2
but about what is this song really? i dont know the history background
Poposchmatzer 1 year ago
@Poposchmatzer Your question is for Bob Dylan. He wrote the song. The importance of St Augustine I discribe in my description.
Scout4Me1 1 year ago
@Scout4Me1 thank you very much, dylan used a historic person who i didnt know. but i like the song and the sadness which stands behind it.
Poposchmatzer 1 year ago