The early Bob Dylan had a knack of taking an important subject, such as war, and encapsulating the emotion and presenting the case against in a few words. The songs were simple, had poetic content and were effective. They aroused the sensibilities of a generation and captured the mood of everyone involved. He put into words what everyone was thinking and helped them to make their own feelings and thoughts more concrete. He took us all on a journey into our conscience and helped us empathise and understand in a way nobody else had done. He drew people in so that what started as a small number became a much bigger movement. It fed directly into the late sixties protest movement. I wonder if all the sixties underground would have happened without him.
Albert Grossman recognised the potential (as did the Queen of Folk Joan Baez) and harnessed it. He took Blowin’ in the Wind and persuaded the more poppy Peter Paul and Mary to record it. It was a breakthrough. Dylan was big business. Protest was born. Dylan went on to change the course of Rock Music. He created an adult-orientated movement in both style, structure and content. The man is a genius.
In this time where the world is in uproar, barrel bombs are being dropped in Syria on children, schools, hospitals and relief convoys, we need our protest singers more than ever. Where is the new Bob Dylan? Someone to galvanise our horror into action?
Where is the old Bob Dylan? How about a new album of protest and outrage?
Bob Dylan – Blowin’ In The Wind
Before you call him a man ?
How many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand ?
Yes, how many times must the cannon balls fly
Before they’re forever banned ?
The answer my friend is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.Yes, how many years can a mountain exist
Before it’s washed to the sea ?
Yes, how many years can some people exist
Before they’re allowed to be free ?
Yes, how many times can a man turn his head
Pretending he just doesn’t see ?
The answer my friend is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.
Yes, how many times must a man look up
Before he can see the sky ?
Yes, how many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry ?
Yes, how many deaths will it take till he knows
That too many people have died ?
The answer my friend is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.
There is no need for a new Bob Dylan, the old Bob Dylan will do very nicely. Jonathan was very lucky to have seen him in Concert some years ago, I missed it, he promised me next time he will take me. Fantastic night he said, audience mostly my age and all smoking pot – what a night!! After the first debate last night, with Clinton – Bob Dylan better start singing (I know you won’t agree).
Yes Sir, (joking) I am doing my exercises, and shortly off to damn surgery again for another appointment. Have problem now with one or both of my eyes, had Diabetic Test done couple of weeks ago they have found they believe a problem behind the eye(eyes) so have to see them again , it just seems Opher it is never ending. I have to keep fighting.
The trouble with the old Dylan is that he has stopped singing protest songs. He needs to start again. There’s a lot to protest about.
Didn’t see the Clinton/Trump debate. I will try to catch it on the web.
Glad to hear you’re doing your exercises. When I said get your sight fixed on next year I didn’t mean literally. This ageing process is a right pain isn’t it? Aches, pains, problems. People in our village keep dying or going down with horrible diseases. We have to make the best of the time we have. Keep focussed on next year. It’ll all be worth it. I hope your eyes are going to be OK. It is one thing after another. Still – chin up – we’re still here.
Got back from Dr and have to have more blood tests, then have to have a double appointment to see him in a week, he won’t discuss more than one problem per visit. Have to see the Dutch Dr for my shoulder after that fall couple weeks ago, hope I get injection for the pain in the shoulder this time. All in one afternoon, I must as well move into the surgery. No wonder my weight is dropping again. I am beginning to think what is the point.
Of course there’s a point. You have to get the problems sorted, get fit and get yourself off to San Francisco. That’s your target. Bit by bit, step by step.
Sometimes things build up and get on top of you. Deep breath – one thing at a time. Do what’s necessary to get it sorted. You’ll be fine.
Reblogged this on Opher's World and commented:
These are songs that meant something and woke up a generation.