Bob Dylan – With God On Our Side

Title: Bob Dylan’s “With God on Our Side”: A Powerful Protest Song

Bob Dylan is widely recognized as one of the most influential songwriters of the 20th century, and his 1963 track, “With God on Our Side,” is one of the most poignant examples of his ability to blend folk music with social and political commentary. This powerful protest song not only reflects Dylan’s concerns about the state of the world but also highlights the dangers of nationalism, blind faith, and war. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of “With God on Our Side” and why it remains a relevant and thought-provoking piece of music more than six decades after its release.

1. The Meaning Behind “With God on Our Side”

At its core, “With God on Our Side” is a song that critiques the idea of using religion or divine justification to support violent actions and wars. The song’s central message is a critique of the way nations often claim to have divine approval for their actions, especially in the context of war. Dylan questions the morality of these claims and highlights the inherent dangers of believing that one side has God’s favor simply because they are fighting for a cause.

The lyrics trace the history of various wars, from the American Civil War to World War II, illustrating how each side has claimed to have God on their side. Dylan challenges this notion, suggesting that such justifications are often used as a way to mask the brutality and senselessness of violence. By repeating the refrain, “With God on our side,” the song creates a sense of irony, forcing listeners to question the righteousness of such claims.

2. Bob Dylan’s Bold Protest Style

Bob Dylan was already known for his powerful folk songs that addressed social and political issues, but “With God on Our Side” pushed the boundaries of protest music even further. The song’s lyrics are unapologetically critical, and its message remains as relevant today as it was when it was written.

The song uses a mix of historical references and contemporary issues to make its point. Dylan’s use of history as a backdrop is particularly effective because it highlights the cyclical nature of war and the manipulation of religion to justify violence. By referencing past conflicts, Dylan draws a parallel to ongoing wars, emphasizing the fact that history often repeats itself.

Dylan’s ability to seamlessly blend personal conviction with political activism is part of what makes the song so powerful. At the time of its release, America was deeply involved in the Cold War and the escalating conflict in Vietnam, and “With God on Our Side” can be seen as a direct critique of these wars. The song not only critiques the political systems in power but also challenges listeners to think critically about the role religion plays in justifying violence.

3. The Song’s Structure and Sound

“With God on Our Side” is a folk ballad, featuring a simple acoustic guitar arrangement that gives the song an intimate and reflective quality. Dylan’s voice, raw and earnest, perfectly matches the tone of the lyrics, making the song feel like a personal, passionate plea for peace. The simplicity of the arrangement allows the song’s message to take center stage, with the focus squarely on the lyrics.

The repetitive nature of the chorus, with the line “With God on our side,” reinforces the song’s central message of questioning blind faith and nationalism. It also gives the song a sense of structure, almost like a chant, further emphasizing the idea of the masses being led by an unquestioned belief in divine approval for their actions.

While the song’s musical composition is relatively simple, its emotional impact is profound. Dylan’s ability to deliver the song with such conviction and sincerity makes it an enduring protest anthem.

4. The Political and Social Relevance of “With God on Our Side”

The song was written during a time of political turmoil and civil rights unrest in the United States. The early 1960s saw significant social change, as the country grappled with the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the broader fight for justice and equality. Dylan, who was already known for his protest songs, used “With God on Our Side” to express his disillusionment with the government’s actions and its justification of war through religious rhetoric.

In addition to its critique of war, the song also addresses the broader issue of how powerful institutions, such as governments and religious organizations, often exploit faith and moral authority to serve their own agendas. This theme resonates with listeners even today, as debates over the intersection of religion, politics, and war continue to be relevant in global conflicts.

The song’s message about the dangers of unquestioning faith in authority figures is just as powerful now as it was in the 1960s. As global conflicts continue to rage and religious and political leaders often invoke God in the justification of their actions, “With God on Our Side” serves as a timely reminder to critically examine the narratives that are often presented to us.

5. Bob Dylan’s Influence on Protest Music

“With God on Our Side” is part of a larger tradition of protest music that Dylan helped popularize in the 1960s. His ability to use his platform to address social issues and inspire change cannot be overstated. The song, along with others like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” became anthems for a generation of people seeking justice and equality.

Dylan’s willingness to speak out against injustice, whether in the context of civil rights or war, helped pave the way for future artists to use their music as a form of protest. His influence can still be seen today in modern protest music, where artists continue to tackle issues like inequality, war, and human rights.

6. The Lasting Legacy of “With God on Our Side”

More than six decades after its release, “With God on Our Side” remains a timeless piece of protest music. The song’s critique of the intersection between religion, nationalism, and war continues to resonate in a world where these issues are still deeply relevant. Whether it’s the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East or the rise of nationalism in various countries, Dylan’s words still feel as urgent as ever.

The song also continues to inspire new generations of listeners to question the narratives they are fed by authority figures and to think critically about the use of religion in politics. Bob Dylan’s ability to blend personal introspection with political commentary is what makes “With God on Our Side” a song that endures, provoking reflection on the complexities of faith, power, and morality.

Conclusion

Bob Dylan’s “With God on Our Side” is more than just a protest song; it is a timeless meditation on the dangers of blind faith, nationalism, and the justification of war. Through its simple yet powerful lyrics and poignant delivery, the song encourages listeners to think critically about the narratives that shape our understanding of conflict and power. Dylan’s ability to merge political activism with heartfelt music ensures that “With God on Our Side” will remain an essential part of the protest music canon for years to come.

Lyrics: With God On Our Side 

Oh, my name—it ain’t nothin’
My age—it means less
The country I come from
Is called the Midwest
I’s taught and brought up there
The laws to abide
And that the land that I live in
Has God on its side

Oh, the history books tell it
They tell it so well
The cavalries charged
The Indians fell
The cavalries charged
The Indians died
Oh, the country was young
With God on its side

The Spanish-American
War had its day
And the Civil War too
Was soon laid away
And the names of the heroes
I’s made to memorize
With guns in their hands
And God on their side

The First World War, boys
It came and it went
The reason for fighting
I never did get
But I learned to accept it
Accept it with pride
For you don’t count the dead
When God’s on your side

The Second World War
Came to an end
We forgave the Germans
And then we were friends
Though they murdered six million
In the ovens they fried
The Germans now too
Have God on their side

I’ve learned to hate the Russians
All through my whole life
If another war comes
It’s them we must fight
To hate them and fear them
To run and to hide
And accept it all bravely
With God on my side

But now we got weapons
Of chemical dust
If fire them we’re forced to
Then fire them we must
One push of the button
And a shot the world wide
And you never ask questions
When God’s on your side

Through many dark hour
I’ve been thinkin’ about this
That Jesus Christ
Was betrayed by a kiss
But I can’t think for you
You’ll have to decide
Whether Judas Iscariot
Had God on his side

So now as I’m leavin’
I’m weary as Hell
The confusion I’m feelin’
Ain’t no tongue can tell
The words fill my head
And they fall to the floor
That if God’s on our side
He’ll stop the next war