Thursday, October 22, 2009

Lyrical Magic



During the 1960’s, there were many factors that contributed to the counterculture that was taking place, however one of the most influential of these factors was music. In a time of such disorder and misunderstanding, why would people turn to music as the answer to their struggles? With such troubadours as Bob Dylan producing protest music, people saw this as a creative way to express their opinions and feelings about the current state of the world. With the coming of The Beatles taking the nation by storm, many people were given thoughts of change and revolution. Most of the artists during this era huddled around a common topic, revolution, however it was their styles and focuses that made them unique and effective.

Dylan's music was unlike anything anyone had heard before. His influential lyrics and smooth rhythms appealed to everyone who at the time sought consolation. Many of his songs, such as “Blowin in the Wind” and “The Times They Are a-Changin” became anthems for the civil rights movement and the anti-war cause.

Because of this, Bob Dylan became a prominent figurehead for the current counterculture. His lyrics incorporated philosophical, social, political and even literary influences, this is probably why his words were so powerful.

Come mothers and fathers

Throughout the land

And don’t criticize

What you cant understand

Your sons and your daughters

Are beyond your command

Your old road is

Rapidly agin’

Please get out of the new one

If you cant lend a hand

For the times they are a-changin’

-Bob Dylan (The Times They Are a-Changin”)



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