Behind the Meaning of Bob Dylan’s Rumored Ode to Joan Baez, “Just Like a Woman”

There are a couple of theories as to who Bob Dylan is singing about in “Just Like a Woman.” This ballad features some of Dylan’s most exceptional writing. Many fans of The Bard consider it one of his best works. Given that, a lot of thought has gone into uncovering the meaning behind it. Read our thoughts on this song, below.

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Behind the Meaning of Bob Dylan’s Ode to Joan Baez, “Just Like a Woman”

Every song has a subject. Sometimes that subject is finite. Other times, that subject is a little less defined. Given how pointed this song is, Dylan fans have long wondered who the “woman” he is singing about is. Two pervasive theories have popped up.

Some think this song is directed to Edie Sedgwick, a romantic partner of Andy Warhol. Others think it’s about Joan Baez. Either way you lean, it is a powerful ode to a consequential relationship.

Though we don’t know for sure who this song is about, we do know Dylan has routinely denied having a relationship with Sedgwick. With that in mind, we are more likely to believe Dylan wrote this song about his fellow folk singer and former flame, Baez.

Nobody feels any pain

Tonight as I stand inside the rain

Everybody knows that baby’s got new clothes

But lately I see her ribbons and her bows

Have fallen from her curls

Dylan and Baez were (and are) global folk icons. Their musicianship was taste making for the genre. The two often expressed their mutual admiration, but things ended between them for a reason. This song seems to dictate that reason.

He makes illusions to seeing a change in his partner.

Lately I see her ribbons and her bows /

Have fallen from her curls

, he sings. In the chorus, he follows that up with references to the things that make her womanly, only to end the line by stripping her of it. She breaks just like a little girl, he sings.

While that line has occasionally come under fire, no one can deny it is cleverly written. Heartbreak can make anyone break down in ways they seldom do in adulthood. Dylan acknowledges that with his chorus.

She takes just like a woman

Yes, she does, she makes love just like a woman

Yes, she does, and she aches just like a woman

But she breaks just like a little girl

Queen Mary, she’s my friend

Yes, I believe I’ll go see her again

Nobody has to guess that baby can’t be blessed

‘Til she finally sees that she’s like all the rest

With her fog, her amphetamine, and her pearls

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