The Times They Are A-Changin’ Historical Analysis
The Times They Are A-Changin’ Historical Analysis
Change has been present throughout the history of time. The lyrical ballad "The Times They Are A-Changin '" was written by Bob Dylan in the 1960 's, a time in which there was a major shift in political and social reform. Dylan, who was actually born as Robert Allen Zimmerman took on the role of 'the ' folksinger-songwriter of the protest movement, after writing "The Times They Are A-Changin." This lyrical ballad established Dylan as the ultimate songwriter of the 60 's protest movement. Not only did he emerge as one of the most original and poetic voices of American popular music, “Bob Dylan has recently been described by Newsweek critic David Gates as ‘the most influential cultural figure now alive.’” (Santa) In his lyrical ballad, Dylan illustrates the historical events and changes in the 1960 's. From the beginning of the ballad to the end there is a reoccurring line, "for the times they are a-changin '" (11, 22, 33, 44, 55)
The 1960’s like any era was a time of change for many people. In the first stanza Dylan uses water to portray the changes that have occurred. "And admit that the waters around you have grown,” (lines 3-4) which represents that a change has already taken place. Since the “water" has grown new ideas and thoughts have been added to the old. Change should be accepted. "You 'll be drenched to the bone," (6) because it will be prevalent all around. Dylan suggests if time and success are important "then you better start swimmin ' or you 'll sink like a stone," (lines 9-10) meaning learn the new or get left behind with the old.
Dylan invites the media, "come writers and critics who prophesize with your pen,"(lines 12-13) and challenges them to be real journalists by publicizing the truth. The next four lines of the ballad consist of instructions for those particular journalists. He advises that they should pay attention, "And keep your eyes wide"(14). He also warns them not to make quick
Change has been present throughout the history of time. The lyrical ballad "The Times They Are A-Changin '" was written by Bob Dylan in the 1960 's, a time in which there was a major shift in political and social reform. Dylan, who was actually born as Robert Allen Zimmerman took on the role of 'the ' folksinger-songwriter of the protest movement, after writing "The Times They Are A-Changin." This lyrical ballad established Dylan as the ultimate songwriter of the 60 's protest movement. Not only did he emerge as one of the most original and poetic voices of American popular music, “Bob Dylan has recently been described by Newsweek critic David Gates as ‘the most influential cultural figure now alive.’” (Santa) In his lyrical ballad, Dylan illustrates the historical events and changes in the 1960 's. From the beginning of the ballad to the end there is a reoccurring line, "for the times they are a-changin '" (11, 22, 33, 44, 55)
The 1960’s like any era was a time of change for many people. In the first stanza Dylan uses water to portray the changes that have occurred. "And admit that the waters around you have grown,” (lines 3-4) which represents that a change has already taken place. Since the “water" has grown new ideas and thoughts have been added to the old. Change should be accepted. "You 'll be drenched to the bone," (6) because it will be prevalent all around. Dylan suggests if time and success are important "then you better start swimmin ' or you 'll sink like a stone," (lines 9-10) meaning learn the new or get left behind with the old.
Dylan invites the media, "come writers and critics who prophesize with your pen,"(lines 12-13) and challenges them to be real journalists by publicizing the truth. The next four lines of the ballad consist of instructions for those particular journalists. He advises that they should pay attention, "And keep your eyes wide"(14). He also warns them not to make quick
Cited: Dylan, Bob “The Times They Are A-Changin’” Gillespie, Carmen. "Civil Rights movement and Alice Walker." Bloom 's Literature. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 15 Feb. 2014 . Santa, Tracy. "Dylan, Bob." Bloom 's Literature. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 15 Feb. 2014 . Watts, Linda S. "Civil Rights movement and American folklore. " Bloom 's Literature. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 15 Feb. 2014 .