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
Key to the Highway
Bob Dylan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm gonna leave here runnin', cause walkin' is most too slow
I'm goin' down on the border, now where I'm better known
Cause woman you don't do nothin', but drive a good man 'way from home
Now when the moon creeps over the mountain, I'll be on my way
Now I'm gonna walk this old highway, until the break of day
Come here, sweet mama, now and help me with this heavy load
I am due in West Texas, and I've got to get on the road
I'm goin' to West Texas, I'm goin' down behind the farm(?)
I'm gonna ax the good Lord what evil have I done
Bob Dylan's rendition of "Key to the Highway" is a bluesy, raw interpretation of the classic song. The song is about a man who has been given the key to the highway, which symbolizes his freedom to roam and travel as he pleases. He is eager to leave and start his journey, as walking is too slow for him. He is going down south to the border, where he is better known, leaving behind a woman who has driven him away from home.
The man is determined to make his way until the break of day, walking down the old highway. He calls out to a woman, asking her to help him with his heavy load, as he is due in West Texas and he needs to get on the road immediately. He questions the evil he has done, indicating that he may be carrying some sort of guilt or regret with him on his journey.
The song itself speaks to the wandering spirit that many people have felt in their lives, the desire to leave behind what is known and familiar and explore the unknown. It also touches on themes of regret and seeking redemption. Through Dylan's raw and emotive interpretation, the song feels a celebration of freedom and new beginnings.
Line by Line Meaning
I got the key to the highway, and I'm billed out and bound to go
I have the freedom to hit the road and I'm determined to do so
I'm gonna leave here runnin', cause walkin' is most too slow
I'm in a hurry to depart, so I'll pick up the pace
I'm goin' down on the border, now where I'm better known
Headed to the border, where folks know me well
Cause woman you don't do nothin', but drive a good man 'way from home
Your actions lead to good men leaving you and their homes
Now when the moon creeps over the mountain, I'll be on my way
Soon as it's dark, I'll start my journey
Now I'm gonna walk this old highway, until the break of day
I plan to walk all night until the sun comes up
Come here, sweet mama, now and help me with this heavy load
Assistance carrying my baggage would be greatly appreciated
I am due in West Texas, and I've got to get on the road
I have a specific destination and must continue my journey
I'm goin' to West Texas, I'm goin' down behind the farm(?)
Heading towards West Texas, at some point behind the farm
I'm gonna ax the good Lord what evil have I done
I intend to question God on why I'm experiencing hardships
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BROONZY, WILLIAM LEE CONLEY / SEGAR, CHARLES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Henderika
Wow, what a voice 😍!
I’m first among equals
Yes 🙌🎸🤘his voice is really good in the line of videos in this night
Henderika
@I’m first among equals Yes, for sure you're right, do like all variations and nuances of Bob's voice, they all add something different, warm and unique 😍:)!!
Sometime Alias
Last year i saw Bob live in Australia....still got the bottle excellent vintage
nissi
Wow! 👏 Thank you!
I never heard this before! 🤍
Maria da Conceição Figueira
❤❤obrigada
ship penman
His Bobness
AMEER
Soo...studio?