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
Political World
Bob Dylan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Love don't have any place
We're living in times
Where men commit crimes
And crime don't have any face
We live in a political world
Icicles hanging own
And angels sing
And clouds cover up the ground
We live in a political world
Wisdom is thrown in jail
It rots in a cell
Is misguided as hell
Leaving no one to pick up the trail
We live in a political world
Where mercy walks the plank
Life is in mirrors
Death disappears
Up the steps to the nearest bank
We live in a political world
Courage is a thing of the past
Houses are haunted
Children unwanted
The next day could be your last
We live in a political world
The one we can see and feel
But there's no one to check
It's all a stacked deck
We all know for sure that it's real
We live in a political world
In the cities of lonesome fear
Little by little
You turn in the middle
But you're never sure why you're here
We live in a political world
Under the microscope
You can travel anywhere
And hang yourself there
You always got more than enough rope
We live in a political world
Turning and trashing about
As soon as you're awake
You're trained to take
What looks like the easy way out
We live in a political world
Where peace is not welcome at all
It's turned away from the door
To wonder some more
Or put up against the wall
We live in a political world
Everything is hers and his
Climb into the frame
And shout God's name
But you're never sure what it is
The lyrics of "Political World" by Bob Dylan paint a picture of a society defined by politics, where love is absent and crime is faceless. The song's opening line sets the tone for the rest of the song. No place for love in a world where men commit crimes. The use of the word "political" in the first line of every stanza highlights the theme of the song; that modern society is governed and defined by politics, and the consequences of such a world are all-encompassing.
The first verse highlights an apocalyptic environmental crisis, as icicles hang down, and clouds cover the ground. The second verse takes a grim look at the justice system, noting that wisdom is imprisoned and misguided, leaving no one to pick up the trail. The third verse is a biting critique of the banking system, where "mercy walks the plank," and "death disappears up the steps to the nearest bank."
The fourth verse equates modern society with a "city of lonesome fear," and the fifth is an indictment of modern culture with "haunted houses" and "unwanted children." The sixth verse laments the absence of courage and agency in modern life, and the seventh contends that peace is not welcome at all. The final verse concludes that everything belongs to "her and his," and that the search for identity and meaning is a dead end.
Line by Line Meaning
We live in a political world
The world is one where politics, not love or other emotions, governs everything.
Love don't have any place
Love doesn't play any role, utility, or value in this political world.
We're living in times
This is the era when we exist and experience this political world of ours.
Where men commit crimes
People break the law or indulge in unethical activities, regardless of their gender.
And crime don't have any face
This wrongdoing is not restricted to anyone or any group, so no particular person or party can be blamed for it.
Icicles hanging own
The surroundings are cold, icy and lifeless.
Wedding bells ring
Regardless of the political scenario, life goes on, people celebrate their special moments, and continue to dream and hope.
And angels sing
No matter how grim the situation is, individuals can imagine a better world and that someday, they will reach there.
And clouds cover up the ground
These clouds symbolize a type of blindfold that doesn't allow people to see what's happening right in front of them.
Wisdom is thrown in jail
Even knowledge and logic, the most logical tools to solve problems or make informed decisions, don't have any standing or respect here.
It rots in a cell
Wisdom can't find any way to come out, apply or execute itself appropriately in this political world.
Is misguided as hell
People or society are following the wrong authorities or sources to make decisions and judgments, leading to disastrous consequences.
Leaving no one to pick up the trail
Individuals are not interested in tracking or following the proper way to move forward and be just and equitable.
Where mercy walks the plank
The essence of compassion or empathy is absent, as people show no mercy or kindness in their making decisions.
Life is in mirrors
Life is fleeting and just reflects what is happening in human society, which can be indiscriminate, self-centered, and harsh.
Death disappears
Death doesn't seem to be an important issue or consideration anymore, as human society concentrates on its own agenda.
Up the steps to the nearest bank
People's actions mainly lead to monetary earnings or financial prosperity; there is little importance attached to ethical, moral values.
Courage is a thing of the past
Individuals or society no longer value bravery, creativity, or individuality that prevails over difficulties and challenges.
Houses are haunted
People live in fear or have a disturbing memory of the past events that makes their lives difficult to endure.
Children unwanted
Children are born unloved or uncared for, as a result of social, economic, or political conditions.
The next day could be your last
No one knows what lies ahead, as the future looks bleak and uncertain due to chaotic circumstances.
The one we can see and feel
There is a tangible physical reality to this world; that is, it exists and has real, profound consequences.
But there's no one to check
No one has the authority or ability to curb, control, or balance out the political powers or actions that result in inequality and injustice.
It's all a stacked deck
The power structure is intentionally rigged or designed so that some people or institutions have an inherent advantage over others.
We all know for sure that it's real
Everyone experiences the effects or consequences of the political world and its power struggles in one way or another.
In the cities of lonesome fear
Even in urban areas, people experience isolation, anxiety, and a sense of helplessness or despair because of this political world.
Little by little
Slowly but surely, people are impacted or affected by this cruel and oppressive reality, either directly or indirectly.
You turn in the middle
People are forced to change their perspectives, beliefs, or behaviors in response to the political world that surrounds them.
But you're never sure why you're here
Despite the political world they find themselves part of, people often have no explanation or reason for why they are there.
Under the microscope
People are scrutinized and observed by those in power or the elite, who wield power with impunity and impunity.
You can travel anywhere
Regardless of where one goes or what one does, the political world always follows one, and it's inevitable.
And hang yourself there
A metaphorical statement, implying that one could easily enhance their trouble if they try to work against the political world as it is.
You always got more than enough rope
A deadly warning that if one tries to go against the political world, they will have enough blame or guilt, which ultimately leads to their downfall.
Turning and trashing about
Society is caught in its turmoil and the incessant struggle against the political world that is trying to keep them under control.
As soon as you're awake
The moment people realize what is happening to them, and the wrong they face, they start opposing and trying to change the status quo.
You're trained to take
People are conditioned to become submissive, passive, or unresponsive to the world around them, leaving the wrong doing to continue unchecked.
What looks like the easy way out
Working or supporting the political world might go well for some, and they might get what they want. But this way of life is full of consequences, suffering, and misery for others.
Where peace is not welcome at all
The political world is confrontational and hostile, where peace and tending of personal relationships take a backseat over fulfilling political ambitions.
It's turned away from the door
Peace has little or no acceptance in this world, and people's intentions are always geared towards pursuing personal interests.
To wonder some more
People are in a state of confusion, trying to find answers or solutions to many issues that negatively impact their lives.
Or put up against the wall
People can either give up against the political powers that be or try and properly oppose and question them.
Everything is hers and his
Everything is owned or controlled by the elites, the powerful, or the corrupt, and people have no say or agency to make their own way.
Climb into the frame
Aspects of people's lives are controlled or dictated by external forces, leaving them with little power or control over their own affairs.
And shout God's name
Outcomes or decisions are heavily influenced or justified by religious, spiritual belief system- to the point where again, people have no control.
But you're never sure what it is
Why, how, what this belief system aims to do or convey- people don't even understand the basic tenets of the religion they are forced to subscribe to.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
andrew james Bunting
Lyrics
We live in a political world
Love don't have any place
We're living in times
Where men commit crimes
And crime don't have any face
We live in a political world
Icicles hanging own
Wedding bells ring
And angels sing
And clouds cover up the ground
We live in a political world
Wisdom is thrown in jail
It rots in a cell
Is misguided as hell
Leaving no one to pick up the trail
We live in a political world
Where mercy walks the plank
Life is in mirrors
Death disappears
Up the steps to the nearest bank
We live in a political world
Courage is a thing of the past
Houses are haunted
Children unwanted
The next day could be your last
We live in a political world
The one we can see and feel
But there's no one to check
It's all a stacked deck
We all know for sure that it's real
We live in a political world
In the cities of lonesome fear
Little by little
You turn in the middle
But you're never sure why you're here
We live in a political world
Under the microscope
You can travel anywhere
And hang yourself there
You always got more than enough rope
We live in a political world
Turning and trashing about
As soon as you're awake
You're trained to take
What looks like the easy way out
We live in a political world
Where peace is not welcome at all
It's turned away from the door
To wonder some more
Or put up against the wall
We live in a political world
Everything is hers and his
Climb into the frame
And shout God's name
But you're never sure what it is
Vincenzo Str
We live in a political world
Where love don't have any place
Were living in times where men commit crimes
And crime don't have a face
We live in a political world
Icicles hangin' down
Wedding bells ring and angels sing
And clouds cover up the ground
We live in a political world
Wisdom is thrown into jail
It rots in a cell misguided as hell
Leaving no one to pick up the trail
We live in a political world
Where mercy walks the plank
Life is in mirrors, death disappears
Up the steps into the nearest bank
We live in a political world
Courage is a thing of the past
The houses are haunted, children aren't wanted
Your next day could be your last
We live in a political world
The one we can see and feel
But there's no one to check, it's all a stacked deck
We all know for sure that it's real
We live in a political world
The cities are a lonesome fear
Little by little, you turn in the middle
But you're never sure why you're here
We live in a political world
Under the microscope
You could travel anywhere and hang yourself there
You've always got more than enough rope
We live in a political world
Turning and a-thrashing about
As soon as you're awake, you're trained to take
What looks like the easy way out
We live in a political world
Where peace is not welcome at all
It's turned away from the door to wander some more
Or put up against the wall
We live in a political world
Every thing's hers and his
Climb into the flame and shout God's name
But you're not even sure what it is
K István
Bob Dylan Political World
Egy elpolitizált világban élünk
Nincs helye a szeretetnek
olyan időket élünk
mikor emberek gazságokat követnek el
és a bűn maga arctalan.
Egy elpolitizált világban élünk
Lelógó jégcsapok között
Esküvői harangok zúgnak
Angyalok énekelnek
Felhők elfedik a tájat.
Egy elpolitizált világban élünk
A bölcsességet bebörtönözték
Rothad a cellájában
Pokoltól elcsábítva
senkinek meg nem engedve,hogy kövesse
Egy elpolitizált világban élünk
Ahol a kegyelem pallón jár
Párhuzamos létünkben
A halál elillan
A legközelebbi bank lépcsőházába.
Egy elpolitizált világban élünk
Amelyben a bátorság csak régmúlt emlék
Nemkívánatos gyermekek
Lidércként tipegnek otthonokban
És a holnapod lehet az utolsó perced is.
Egy elpolitizált világban élünk
Ahol tudunk látni és érezni együtt
De nincs senki aki ellenőrizne
Az egész csak egy kártyatrükk
Mindannyian tudjuk, hogy ez így igaz.
Egy elpolitizált világban élünk
A magányos rettegés városaiban
Cseppenként befordulva
Kétségek közt, hogy miért is vagy itt
Egy elpolitizált világban élünk
Mikroszkóp alatt
Utazhatsz bárhova
És felkötheted magad
Mert a kelleténél több kötelet kapsz.
Egy elpolitizált világban élünk
Kifordulva és sérülten
Amint feleszmélsz
Arra vagy képezve, hogy válaszd
a könnyebbik utat.
Egy elpolitizált világban élünk
Ahol egyáltalán nem mindenki békés
Elhagyod otthonod
Hogy csatangolj még egy keveset
Vagy a falhoz állsz.
Egy elpolitizált világban élünk
Minden az övéké
Te csak keretek között mászol
Istenért kiáltasz
De sosem tudod meg ki is Ő.
ersilia deiovanna
It was written in the 80ies but it explains what we are living right now,so well in 2022! Great Dylan!
Gerry Curran
Ditto. So true.
koko 17
Many of Bob's songs hold up from decade to decade.
Jason dylan Sargent
To be fair not a voice of a generation but a voice of all generations
Vern Pascal
That is very well said. This song has a hell of a lot more meaning than in 1989 when it came out. Mainly because since then it has been an absolute nightmare beyond words.. The Bush Years, The Clinton Years, and The Donald Years, and all their sycophant apologists have ruined any real hope.
Old Men in Chairs
@Vern Pascal And don't forget the Obama/ Biden years!
koko 17
I love this tune!! I love the whole "Oh Mercy" album. Thanks Bob!!!!
Sydney
Bob Dylan is another one of those musicians I will always be thankful wasn’t taken too early by the 27 club
Johnny Aces
I don't even like to imagine if that had happened. Think of all the songs we'd never have heard, and the wonderful man we'd never had known
GOODING
yessssss