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
Here Comes Santa Claus
Bob Dylan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Right down Santa Claus Lane
Vixen, Blitzen and all his reindeer
Pulling on the reins
Bells are ringing, children singing
All is merry and bright
Hang your stockings and say your prayers
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight
Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus
Right down Santa Claus Lane
He's got a bag that's filled with toys
For boys and girls again
Hear those sleigh bells, jingle jangle
What a beautiful sight
Jump in bed, cover up your head
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight
Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus
Right down Santa Claus Lane
He doesn't care if you're rich or poor
Oh he loves you just the same
Santa knows, that we're God's children
That makes everything right
Fill your hearts with Christmas cheer
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight
Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus
Right down Santa Claus Lane
He'll come around when the church rings out
It's Christmas morn again
Peace on earth will come to all
If we just follow the light
So fill your hearts with Christmas cheer
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight
Peace on earth will come to all
If we just follow the light
Let's give thanks to the Lord above
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight
Let's give thanks to the Lord above
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight
Tonight, tonight
Bob Dylan’s “Here Comes Santa Claus” is a classic Christmas song that tells the story of Santa Claus making his way down Santa Claus Lane with his team of reindeer, including Vixen and Blitzen, pulling his sleigh filled with toys for boys and girls. The song portrays a joyful and merry atmosphere with bells ringing, children singing, stockings hanging, and everyone waiting for Santa Claus to deliver gifts.
The lyrics of the song also encapsulate the true spirit of Christmas, emphasizing that Santa Claus loves all children, regardless of their wealth or status, just as God loves all his children equally. The second and third verses further express the importance of peace on earth and following the light, which can bring us closer to the true meaning of Christmas. The song ends on a hopeful and grateful note, reminding listeners to give thanks to the Lord above for Santa’s arrival on a peaceful Christmas night.
Overall, “Here Comes Santa Claus” is a heartwarming and uplifting song that fills listeners with the joy and anticipation of the holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus
The arrival of Santa Claus is announced.
Right down Santa Claus Lane
Santa is traveling down the designated route for him.
Vixen, Blitzen and all his reindeer
The names of the reindeer pulling Santa's sleigh are referenced.
Pulling on the reins
The reindeer are being guided using the reins.
Bells are ringing, children singing
The festive atmosphere of Christmas time is described.
All is merry and bright
Everything is joyful and illuminated with the spirit of Christmas.
Hang your stockings and say your prayers
Traditional customs of Christmas, such as hanging stockings and praying, are encouraged.
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight
Emphasis is placed on the imminent arrival of Santa Claus.
He's got a bag that's filled with toys
Santa is carrying a sack full of presents for children.
For boys and girls again
Santa's gift-giving is not limited by gender.
Hear those sleigh bells, jingle jangle
The cheerful sound of the sleigh bells ringing is audible.
What a beautiful sight
The image of Santa Claus in his sleigh is a delightful sight to see.
Jump in bed, cover up your head
Children are urged to go to bed so as to be asleep before Santa arrives.
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight
The anticipation of Santa's arrival is reiterated.
He doesn't care if you're rich or poor
Santa doesn't discriminate based on a person's wealth or social status.
Oh he loves you just the same
Children are reassured that Santa loves every child he encounters.
Santa knows, that we're God's children
Santa has knowledge that humans are all God's children.
That makes everything right
The love that God has for all humanity is all-encompassing.
Fill your hearts with Christmas cheer
People are encouraged to be filled with joy and optimism during Christmastime.
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight
The arrival of Santa Claus is again emphasized as a reason for happiness.
He'll come around when the church rings out
Santa's arrival will coincide with the ringing of church bells.
It's Christmas morn again
Christmas morning has arrived once more.
Peace on earth will come to all
The hope for peace on earth is expressed.
If we just follow the light
By following the light, people can achieve peace and happiness in their lives.
Let's give thanks to the Lord above
Gratitude is expressed to God for the joys of life and for the hope of peace and happiness.
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight
The anticipation of Santa Claus' arrival is tied to the expression of gratitude for God.
Tonight, tonight
The excitement and anticipation for Santa's arrival is reiterated once more.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Oakley Haldeman, Gene Autry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Old account
It’s July and here I am listening to the greatest album of all time. I don’t listen to his mainstream stuff. This is where it’s at.
ædre Andro
yup, same
RMR
I love Bob's version.
Ryan Sanders
Me too
Ryan Sanders
"He doesn't care if you're rich or poor he loves you just the same"
MrThermostatic
I'll hear Bob sing "jingle jangle" in anything, so I'll stand in line.
Joseph B
Even better with Gregory Peck.
Ryan Sanders
Exactly
vparonto
Love this!
janzeyellie
I am here because there was no way I believed this existed and I still kind of think I must be high