Description
Book Synopsis'All I can do is be me, whoever that is.'
The many ides of Bob Dylan are revealed in this collection of the artist's words and lyrics.
Having celebrated his 80th birthday in May 2021, with plaudits given around the globe, this influential and enigmatic troubadour-poet has been a-changing with the times since the 1960s, when he was the 'voice of a generation'. Nobel and Pulitzer prize-winner, musician, artist, author and actor, the living legend's words have inspired, enthralled, provoked and puzzled generations of fans, literary buffs, musicians and songwriters – and have been mulled over by academics and artists alike. This collection of quotes – humorous, grave, desperate, passionate, fearless, surreal – includes a rich tapestry of confessions, admonitions, laments, prophecies and existential meanderings.
Interspersed with fascinating facts, The Little Guide to Bob Dylan sheds light on the deep inner workings of this taciturn man and his music.
SAMPLE FACT:
Many of Dylan's songs were hits for other artists, including the No.1s 'Mr Tambourine Man' for the Byrds, 'All Along the Watchtower' for Jimi Hendrix and 'Blowin' in the Wind' for Peter Paul & Mary.
Table of ContentsFolk Beginnings: Exploring his early days, his words chart the influences on his road from being Robert Zimmerman to being Bob Dylan • Protest & Freedom: Music as a form of protest has long been one of Dylan's leitmotifs; here are his music and musings on civil rights, social injustice, politics and personal freedom • Love & Women: He covers love from every angle - also here are his thoughts on muses Suze Rotolo, Joan Baez and Sara Lownds • A-Changing: Taking responsibility for one's actions, or not, existential free will and personal identity are all themes in this chapter. Does anyone really know exactly Bob Dylan who is? • The Music & the Meaning: His views on his art and its meaning, as well as the purpose of life and the existence of god, success and failure, stage fright and life on the road • Death, Loss & Longing: Nostalgia, loss, death and the slipperiness of time are the key Dylan themes explored here.
