“Tweedledum and Tweedledee” are fictional characters that appear in Lewis Carroll’s book “Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There,” the sequel to “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” They are a pair of identical, rotund brothers who engage in nonsensical arguments and engage in childish antics.
In the story, Tweedledum and Tweedledee are introduced to Alice during her journey through the Looking-Glass world. They engage in a humorous and seemingly pointless battle, mirroring each other’s actions and repeating each other’s words. Their names, “Tweedledum” and “Tweedledee,” have become synonymous with the concept of two individuals engaged in a meaningless conflict or argument.
The characters of Tweedledum and Tweedledee are often depicted as wearing identical clothing, including propeller caps and collars with the initials “D” and “T.” They recite poems and engage in playful banter, contributing to the overall whimsical and nonsensical atmosphere of Carroll’s Wonderland.
Bob Dylan – “Tweedle Dee Tweedle Dum”
“Tweedle Dee Tweedle Dum” is a song by Bob Dylan from his album “Love and Theft” released in 2001. The song is a playful and spirited track that showcases Dylan’s ability to craft clever and catchy lyrics. While interpretations of Dylan’s songs can vary, “Tweedle Dee Tweedle Dum” is often seen as a humorous and satirical commentary on society, politics, and human behavior.
The lyrics of “Tweedle Dee Tweedle Dum” feature a series of nonsensical rhymes and wordplay, reminiscent of nursery rhymes or word games. The repeated phrase “tweedle dee tweedle dum” itself has no specific meaning, but it serves as a playful and catchy chorus that adds to the song’s charm.
Some interpretations suggest that the song is a lighthearted jab at the trivialities and absurdities of everyday life. It may be seen as a satirical take on the human tendency to engage in meaningless conflicts, where different parties bicker and argue without achieving any substantial resolution. The use of characters like Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, derived from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” further emphasizes this idea of trivial disputes and pointless back-and-forth.
Mythology
In the mythology of the Greeks and Romans, there be Giants as well as Titans and Olympians. Related to the Giants be the invulnerable twin brothers Otus and Ephialtes; in one version thereof, they draw lots to determine which Olympian goddess they’ll chase down. Though the loser is upset, it’s after the virgin Diana they go. She transforms herself into a pretty female deer, and the brothers kill themselves with one another’s spears that they throw at the animal; the milk-white hind jumps quickly out of the way.
The following song has some re-routed roots that nevertheless trail all the way back to the Otus/Ephialtes/Diana mythological tale above:
My pretty baby, she's looking around She's wearing a multi-thousand dollar gown Tweedle-Dee is a lowdown, sorry old man Tweedle -Dum he'll stab you where you stand "I've had enough of your company" Said Tweedle Dum to Tweedle Dee (Bob Dylan: Tweedle Dee Tweedle Dum)
