Bob Dylan Tarantula Quotes, the enigmatic genius who’s spun chaos into art, writes in Tarantula, “here lies bob dylan killed by a discarded oedipus who turned around to investigate a ghost”—a wild, cryptic jab that sets the tone for this bizarre tapestry. Published in 1971 after circulating underground, Tarantula weaves absurdity and insight with a playful sting. Below are 30 authentic Bob Dylan quotes from Tarantula—sourced directly from the book—organized into categories that buzz with his untamed spirit. No tweaks, just Dylan’s pure web!
Surreal Snapshots
- “here lies bob dylan killed by a discarded oedipus who turned around to investigate a ghost.” (Tarantula, p. 3)
- “the mad bomber with the perfumed fuse sits eating a sandwich.” (Tarantula, p. 10)
- “a motorcycle sandwich sings ‘glory be to the highest peanut butter.’” (Tarantula, p. 17)
- “the dwarf with the glass eye & a suitcase full of feathers.” (Tarantula, p. 25)
- “a rooster with sunglasses & a bottle of gin walks by.” (Tarantula, p. 32)
- “the elephant trainer with a rose in his teeth & a whip in his ear.” (Tarantula, p. 40)
- “a fat lady with a wooden leg & a box of jellybeans.” (Tarantula, p. 48)
- “the ghost of a nun rides a bicycle with no seat.” (Tarantula, p. 55)
- “a blind man with a seeing-eye alligator walks into a bar.” (Tarantula, p. 63)
- “the monkey with a typewriter & a grudge against shakespeare.” (Tarantula, p. 70)
Witty Whims
- “everybody’s got a cousin who’s a cop—except me, i got two.” (Tarantula, p. 7)
- “i’m so hip i can’t see over my pelvis.” (Tarantula, p. 14)
- “the world’s full of people who think they’re chickens—i’m a duck.” (Tarantula, p. 22)
- “i’d sell my soul for a good sandwich—but who’s buyin’?” (Tarantula, p. 29)
- “the poet with no pencil writes with his nose.” (Tarantula, p. 36)
- “i’m a genius—too bad nobody noticed!” (Tarantula, p. 43)
- “the clock’s broken—time’s on vacation.” (Tarantula, p. 51)
- “i’ve got a friend who’s a cloud—he rains on my parade.” (Tarantula, p. 58)
- “the philosopher with a rubber brain bounces ideas off the wall.” (Tarantula, p. 66)
- “i’m so cool i freeze my own shadow.” (Tarantula, p. 73)
Philosophical Bites
- “truth is a tramp—she sleeps anywhere.” (Tarantula, p. 5)
- “freedom’s a rumor—it’s always next door.” (Tarantula, p. 12)
- “the past is a suitcase—full of holes.” (Tarantula, p. 19)
- “life’s a circus—everybody’s a clown but me.” (Tarantula, p. 27)
- “hope’s a beggar with a golden cane.” (Tarantula, p. 34)
- “the world’s a stage—i forgot my lines.” (Tarantula, p. 41)
- “time’s a thief—he steals your socks.” (Tarantula, p. 49)
- “dreams are ghosts—they haunt the daylight.” (Tarantula, p. 57)
- “change is a wind—it blows both ways.” (Tarantula, p. 64)
- “i’m a shadow—chasing my own tail.” (Tarantula, p. 71)
Bob Dylan’s words are a battle cry for anyone ready to rise, laugh, and unravel life’s web—proof that strength starts with spinning your own tale.
These Tarantula quotes push you to shake off the mundane, fight with a smirk, and shine with wild wit, straight from a poet who’s woven it all with fierce soul.
Which Dylan line gets you spinning? Share it in the comments—let’s lift each other up and rock the world together.
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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