Bob Dylan was born in 1941 and grew up in Minnesota. He performed in various bands throughout high school before dropping out of college in 1960 and relocating to New York City where he played music at clubs and was eventually signed to Columbia Records. Unlike those of many artists in his time, the songs Dylan released were topical and drew on political and social issues. His lyrics caused him to be seen as not only a musician, but a voice for the young people in his generation. Much of his music was popularized by prominent musicians covering his songs to voice out important causes. Many of the songs he wrote were controversial, and when he was to appear on the Ed Sullivan Show he was told to refrain from performing certain songs, but chose to fight this censorship by not appearing on the show. By 1963, Dylan was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement and wrote music that became anthems for the movement. Bob Dylan continued a successful musical career throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s. Today, he is known as a legend whose music changed the course of history.
Dylan released “The Times They Are a-Changin’” in 1964 and wrote it to create an anthem for change. Dylan was a part of the civil rights movement and the folk movement, and this song integrated themes from both. The intention of this song was to be a voice for the people. His lyrics are very deliberate and clear. When he says “come senators, congressmen, please heed the call,” he is directly addressing the institutions in America and the need for change, as well as recognizing the fact that change must be made through government action. Although the song was written for the civil rights movement, the lyrics are relevant for a variety of causes spanning a wide timeline and has been used as an inspiring rally cry for activism since its release.
Written By Logan Turner
Politics Through Rhythm 