With God On It's Side Sheet Music And Mandolin Tab
With God On It's Side Sheet Music And Mandolin Tab by Bob Dylan With The Lyrics And Chords in the version in C Major.
Bob Dylan's song "With God on Our Side" was originally released in 1963 on his The Times They Are A-Changin' album. The song is in the key of G major.
Dylan's performance of this track features a simple folk arrangement with his guitar, and the key of G major complements its straightforward and somber tone, reflecting the song's serious themes of war, patriotism, and the often-blind belief in divine support for one's actions.
"With God on Our Side" by Bob Dylan is a protest song that critiques the use of religion and divine justification in war and political conflicts. Released in 1963 on his album The Times They Are A-Changin', the song captures Dylan's growing concern with the morality of war, the hypocrisy of religious rhetoric, and the way governments manipulate religion to gain public support.
Song Meaning:
Bob Dylan's song "With God on Our Side" was originally released in 1963 on his The Times They Are A-Changin' album. The song is in the key of G major.
Dylan's performance of this track features a simple folk arrangement with his guitar, and the key of G major complements its straightforward and somber tone, reflecting the song's serious themes of war, patriotism, and the often-blind belief in divine support for one's actions.
"With God on Our Side" by Bob Dylan is a protest song that critiques the use of religion and divine justification in war and political conflicts. Released in 1963 on his album The Times They Are A-Changin', the song captures Dylan's growing concern with the morality of war, the hypocrisy of religious rhetoric, and the way governments manipulate religion to gain public support.
Song Meaning:
- Critique of Religious Justification for War:
- The central theme of "With God on Our Side" is the use of religious justification in warfare. Dylan addresses how different nations and groups throughout history have claimed that God is on their side in conflicts, whether in the context of war, colonialism, or political struggles. The song implies that the belief that God supports one side in a conflict can be dangerous, as it creates a sense of moral superiority and righteousness, which can lead to violence and the dehumanization of others.
- Historical and Political Critique:
- The song references several historical wars and conflicts, including World War I, World War II, and the American Civil War, among others. By mentioning these events, Dylan highlights how political leaders and nations have often manipulated religion to justify violent actions. For example, he alludes to how both the North and South in the American Civil War claimed God’s favor for their respective causes.
- Hypocrisy and Moral Blindness:
- Dylan points out the hypocrisy and moral blindness involved in these justifications. The song asks whether it is truly right for any group to claim that God supports their cause while they commit acts of violence, oppression, and destruction. The song’s irony is palpable, as it questions the idea that divine will is so easily aligned with human conflict and bloodshed.
- Reflection on Personal and National Identity:
- The line "With God on our side" can be interpreted as a critique of the nationalistic attitudes that associate one’s country with divinity or moral righteousness. Dylan seems to question whether such self-righteousness is valid, especially when it leads to harm or exploitation. This could also be a reflection of personal identity—the way individuals and nations align themselves with a higher power to validate their actions, often without questioning the true motives behind them.
- The Futility and Tragedy of War:
- The song ultimately calls attention to the futility and tragedy of war. By listing the various wars and conflicts in history that have been fought with the belief that they were divinely sanctioned, Dylan suggests that war, regardless of the justification, leads to destruction, suffering, and loss of life.
- The Tone of the Song:
- Dylan’s tone in "With God on Our Side" is ironic and critical, as he uses folk music’s storytelling style to highlight the absurdity of religious and political leaders using divine support to rationalize violence. The song’s melody is somber and reflective, reinforcing the weight of the serious topics Dylan is addressing.