Tuesday, October 18, 2016

The Universal Dylan

So, Bob Dylan wins the Nobel Prize for Literature this year. It’s an interesting choice. It made me stop and think.

As far as being a prolific writer, I don’t think anyone has had such an impact on the pop culture scene as Dylan. Most of his writing was done at a time of great upheaval in this country.

But what I love most about Dylan’s lyrics are their abilty to conjure up almost exact moments in your life. I know those songs by heart. He created characters that remain with me, Mr. Tabourine Man, the boxer, Quinn the Eskimo. Many echo a haunting passion for life – the human experience. It is that universality of his lyrics that have earned him the prize. And so many still ring true:

Yes, and how many times must a man look up
Before he can see the sky?
Yes, and how many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry?
Yes, and how many deaths will it take 'til he knows
That too many people have died?

Now, Mr. Dylan, please come out of hiding to accept the award so many of us believe you have won for all of us.