Abandoned Love

Transcript of the performance by Bob Dylan, recorded 3 July 1975 live at the Other End Club, New York, New York, U.S.A.
Lyric and music written by Bob Dylan


I can hear 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.
Something's tellin' me I wear the ball and chain.

My patron saint is 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 tellin' me I love you still.

I come back to the town from the flamin' moon.
I see you in the street, I begin to swoon.
I love to see you dress before the mirr'r.
Won't you let me in your room one time, before I 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 can't play the game no more, I can't abide
by their stupid rules which get me sick inside.
They've been made by men who've given up the search,
whose gods are dead and whose queens are in the church.

I march in the parade of liberty, [1]
but as long as I love you I'm not free.
How long must I suffer such abuse?
Won't you let me see you smile, before I cut you loose?

Send out for St. John the evangelist.
All my friends are drunk, they can be dismissed.
My head says that it's time to make a change,
but my heart is tellin' me I love you, but you're strange.

So step lightly, darlin', near the wall.
Put on your heavy make-up, wear your shawl.
Won't you descend from the throne, from where you sit? [2]
Let me feel your love one more time, before I abandon it.


[1] Another suggested transcript for this line is:
I'm marchin' the parade of liberty,

[2] Another suggested transcript for this line is:
Won't you descend from the platform where you sit?