Dylan started his musical odyssey in 1959 when he began playing in Dinkytown, Minneapolis while attending the University of Minnesota. Shortly after starting to play he changed his stage name to Bob Dylan, after being influenced by the poetry of Dylan Thomas before legally changing his name in 1962.
Much of his best known work is from the 1960s, when he became an informal documentarian and reluctant figurehead of American unrest, promoted by Joan Baez. Some of his songs, such as "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are A-Changin'", became anthems of the anti-war and civil rights movements, with Joan Baez and Dylan singing together at the March on Washington in 1963. However he later became disenchanted with the civil liberty protest scene, feeling that he had been used by them.
His album Bringing It All Back Home marked a move away from the folk scene and a move towards rock and roll and Dylan began to consciously distance himself from his early association with civil rights. He also started to become irritated when being interviewed, often given facetious or irreverent answers to questions. Bringing It All Back Home was a controversial album as it the first on which he played electric guitar. This was seen by some of his fans as a betrayal of this folk roots, with some saying that it obscured his meaningful and poetic lyrics.
The second half of the 1960s was marked by a string of well received releases, with his song "Like a Rolling Stone", released in July of 1965, later being named "The Greatest Song of All Time" by Rolling Stone magazine in 2004, placing #1 in a list of 500 titles. It also marked the formation of Dylan's backing band The Hawks (who would later call themselves simply The Band). Dylan embarked on a world tour of Australia and Europe in 1966, during which he seemed to be under a lot of strain and pressure by both his fans, the music press and his own promoters. Dylan himself admitted that he began taking drugs seriously whilst on this tour, and found it immensely hard work. On returning to New York he crashed his motorbike, sustaining serious injuries in the process, and went into a period of withdrawal while he recuperated. During the late 1960s, Dylan again changed stylistic tradition, moving away from the psychedelic culture of the time. It was then that he recorded All Along the Watchtower, perhaps more famously recorded by Jimi Hendrix.
The 1970s were a period during which Dylan was more sporadic in his output, releasing some poorly received LPs. He rarely appeared in person until 1974, when he began touring again with his backing band The Band. He also wrote one of his most extensively covered songs, Knockin' On Heaven's Door, as well as what is now recognised as one of his best albums Blood On The Tracks. Towards the end of the 1970s, Dylan discovered Christ, and released some albums of gospel music. He started to talk to the crowd about his faith during his performances, and wouldn't play any of his early work, which alienated some of his previous fans.
Dylan today still remains an influential and popular artist; despite a period of little note between 1980-2000, his 2006 album Modern Times reached the US chart at #1, as did his 2009 album Together Through Life, in the US, Britain, France and several other countries. His 2012 album Tempest was also critically acclaimed. Since 1988, Dylan has been on the so-called Never Ending Tour, during which his performances have provoked controversy, with some critics claiming that his lyrics have become incomprehensible, an experience which is not helped by his tendency to change his set-list and vocals almost every performance.
Bob Dylan's strong influence over the past few years is becoming even more prominent amongst a growing group of younger emerging artists such as George Ellias and Devendra Banhart. Dylan's early lyrics incorporated politics, social commentary, philosophy and literary influences, defying existing pop music conventions and appealing widely to the counterculture of the time. While expanding and personalizing musical styles, Dylan has shown steadfast devotion to traditions of American song, from folk and country/blues to rock and roll and rockabilly, to Gaelic balladry, even jazz, swing and Broadway.
Dylan performs with the guitar, keyboard and harmonica. Backed by a changing lineup of musicians, he has toured steadily since the late 1980s. He has also recently performed alongside other iconic artists, such as Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Tom Petty and Eric Clapton. Although his contributions as a performer and recording artist have been central to his career, his songwriting is generally held as his highest accomplishment.
Nobel Prize for Literature (2016) - On October 13, 2016, Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature for “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition”. The prestigious award has been given annually since 1901 and previous Nobel Laureates for Literature include Harold Pinter and Samuel Beckett. Here is the speech written by Dylan, although unable to attend:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/10/arts/bob-dylan-nobel-prize-acceptance-speech.html?_r=0
Fixin' to Die
Bob Dylan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Feelin' funny in my mind Lord, I believe I'm fixin' to die
Well I don't mind dyin' but I hate to leave my children cryin'
Well look over yonder, to that buryin' ground
Look over yonder, to that buryin' ground
Sure seems lonesome, Lord when the sun goes down
Feelin' funny in my eyes Lord, I believe I'm fixin' to die
Well I don't mind dyin' but I hate to leave my children cryin'
Well there's black smoke risin' Lord, it's risin' up above my head, up above my head
Well there's black smoke risin' Lord, it's risin' up above my head
Can you tell Jesus, "Make up my dyin' bed"
Well I'm walkin' kinda funny Lord, I believe I'm fixin' to die, fixin' to die
Yes I'm walkin' kinda funny Lord, I believe I'm fixin' to die
Fixin' to die, fixin' to die
Well I don't mind dyin' but I hate to leave my children cryin'
The song "Fixin' to Die" by Bob Dylan explores the theme of death and the fear associated with it. The lyrics portray the singer's sense of impending doom as he feels strange sensations in his mind and eyes. He expresses his willingness to accept death but regrets leaving his children behind. The singer then acknowledges the certainty of death by referring to the graveyard in the distance and how lonesome it will be when he's gone. The black smoke rising above his head signifies that death is near and he requests Jesus to make his dying bed.
The repeated use of the phrase "feelin' funny" throughout the song portrays the singer's sense of uncertainty and lack of control. The use of repetition further emphasizes this feeling of dread and unease. The singer's acceptance of death is juxtaposed with his regret of leaving his children behind, making the song emotionally charged.
Overall, "Fixin' to Die" is a poignant song that reflects on the inevitability of death and the emotional impact it leaves on loved ones.
Line by Line Meaning
Feelin' funny in my mind Lord, I believe I'm fixin' to die
I'm experiencing a strange sensation in my mind and I have a strong feeling that my death is approaching.
Well I don't mind dyin' but I hate to leave my children cryin'
While I do not fear death, it pains me to think about my children being heartbroken and crying because of my passing.
Look over yonder, to that buryin' ground
If you glance in that direction, you'll lay your eyes on a graveyard.
Sure seems lonesome, Lord when the sun goes down
That place appears to be desolate and deserted, especially when twilight approaches.
Feelin' funny in my eyes Lord, I believe I'm fixin' to die, fixin' to die
Now, I'm also experiencing discomfort in my eyes, and I think that my death is imminent.
Well there's black smoke risin' Lord, it's risin' up above my head, up above my head
I can see smoke rising, and it's getting closer and closer to where I am standing.
Can you tell Jesus, "Make up my dyin' bed"
Please ask Jesus, the son of God, to prepare a comfortable place for me to rest in peace once I pass away.
Yes I'm walkin' kinda funny Lord, I believe I'm fixin' to die, fixin' to die
I'm moving in an unusual way, and I'm convinced that my death is drawing near.
Fixin' to die, fixin' to die
I'm getting closer and closer to the end of my life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Booker T. Washington
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@viktorlinekrantz203
This album makes me feel like I've been working for 35 years at 21 years old
@davidmurray3687
First discovered this album as a student nearly 60 years ago. Loved it then, love it now
@Ad-Ac
I discovered it last year. I was listening to it while driving and it made me feel incredible. The power of his music, of his words, it's beyond comprehension
@brycenorris6888
Bob's best vocals I have ever heard period.
@christiangodoy6018
My Dad turned me on to this album in 1985 when I was 15 and I still love to sing along with every word. Thanks Pops!
@christopherreed2694
Didn't realize how much he dug the blues thats hella cool I dug him anyway so that just lifts him more in my heart 💙
@zarthus8545
Powerful stuff. Stikes a nerve.
@jackyvanhal9514
You always knew your songs well!!!
@loralee-sm5pf
حالة حب ابديه مع الاغنيه ❤❤
@Eboy420ish
Thanks for posting