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
This Land Is Your Land
Bob Dylan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From the California to the New York Island
From the Redwood Forest, to the Gulf stream waters
This land was made for you and me
As I went walking that ribbon of highway
I saw above me that endless skyway
Saw below me the golden valley
I roamed and rambled and followed my footsteps
To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts
All around me a voice was sounding
This land was made for you and me
When the sun come shining, then I was strolling
In wheat fields waving and dust clouds rolling
The voice was chanting as the fog was lifting
This land was made for you and me
This land is your land, this land is my land
From the California to the New York Island
From the Redwood Forest, to the Gulf stream waters
This land was made for you and me
When the sun come shining, then I was strolling
In wheat fields waving and dust clouds rolling
The voice was chanting as the fog was lifting
This land was made for you and me
Bob Dylan’s “This Land Is Your Land” has become a classic American folk song that seems to connect with listeners in deep and personal ways. The song is written in a style that is meant to be easy for people to sing and features a memorable melody that is accompanied by simple, uplifting lyrics. At its core, the song is about the beauty and vastness of the American landscape and the sense of freedom and opportunity that it represents.
The lyrics move through different locations across America, from California to New York, from the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters. The song describes a speaker who is walking along a long stretch of highway and taking in the vastness of America as they go. The singer senses that people from all walks of life can find a home in America, and this land was made for them. The singer goes on to describe moments of joy, such as strolling through wheat fields and misty mornings. The overall message is one of hope and belonging.
Interestingly, Bob Dylan's version of the song differs from the original version written by Woody Guthrie in 1940. The original lyrics included a verse that calls out the government and corporations for hoarding the nation's wealth, but Dylan's version omits this verse, perhaps to make the song more universally appealing.
Line by Line Meaning
This land is your land, this land is my land
This land belongs to every person who resides within it regardless of their social status or ethnicity.
From the California to the New York Island
This land stretches across the entire country from the West Coast to the East Coast.
From the Redwood Forest, to the Gulf stream waters
This land includes all natural wonders from the towering Redwood trees to the sparkling waters of the Gulf.
This land was made for you and me
Every aspect of this land was designed for the benefit of its inhabitants, whether it be the beauty of nature or the opportunities it provides.
As I went walking that ribbon of highway
While traveling on this journey of life, I am constantly surrounded by reminders of the beauty and wonder that our land has to offer.
I saw above me that endless skyway
I constantly witness the grandeur of the world around me, from the infinite sky above to the vast land below.
Saw below me the golden valley
I am constantly reminded of the beauty and value of the natural resources that our land provides, such as the rich, fertile valleys that can provide sustenance to so many.
This land was made for you and me
Everything about this land was crafted with the benefit of all its inhabitants in mind, from the beauty of nature to the resources that it provides.
I roamed and rambled and followed my footsteps
I have traveled far and wide across this great land, following my own path and taking in all the wonders that it has to offer.
To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts
I have witnessed the stunning beauty of the arid deserts that span across this land, with their glittering sands and brilliant sunsets.
All around me a voice was sounding
Everywhere I turn, I hear a constant reminder of the natural beauty and wonder that surround me on this land.
This land was made for you and me
Every element of this land was crafted with the greater good of all its inhabitants in mind, and it remains so to this day.
When the sun come shining, then I was strolling
During the bright and sunny days, I love nothing more than taking a leisurely walk and basking in the warmth of the sun's rays.
In wheat fields waving and dust clouds rolling
As I walk through the fields of golden wheat, I marvel at the natural beauty of this land and the bounty it provides.
The voice was chanting as the fog was lifting
The natural world around me constantly sings a song of praise and celebration, particularly as the morning fog begins to lift and the day begins anew.
This land was made for you and me
No matter where I am or what I do, I am constantly reminded that this land is meant for the benefit and enjoyment of all its inhabitants, both present and future.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@vacueno
Alors que je marchais sur ce ruban d'autoroute
J'ai vu au-dessus de moi cette voie aérienne sans fin
J'ai vu en dessous de moi cette vallée dorée
Cette terre a été faite pour toi et moi
Cette terre est ta terre, cette terre est ma terre
De la Californie à l'île de New York
De la forêt de séquoias aux eaux du Gulf Stream
Cette terre a été faite pour toi et moi
J'ai erré et divagué, et j'ai suivi mes traces
Aux sables brillants et ensoleillés de ses déserts de diamants
Et tout autour de moi une voix est venue chanter
Chanter cette terre a été faite pour toi et moi
Cette terre est ta terre, cette terre est ma terre
De la Californie à l'île de New York
De la forêt de séquoias aux eaux du Gulf Stream
Cette terre a été faite pour toi et moi
Il était tôt un matin alors que je me promenais
Les champs de blé s'agitent et les nuages de poussière roulent
Alors que le brouillard se levait, une voix vient chanter
Cette terre a été faite pour toi et moi
Cette terre est ta terre, cette terre est ma terre
De la Californie à l'île de New York
De la forêt de séquoias aux eaux du Gulf Stream
Cette terre a été faite pour toi et moi
Personne vivant ne pourra jamais m'arrêter
Alors que je marche sur mon autoroute de la liberté
Personne ne peut me faire revenir en arrière
Cette terre a été faite pour toi et moi
Cette terre est ta terre, cette terre est ma terre
De la Californie à l'île de New York
De la forêt de séquoias aux eaux du Gulf Stream
Cette terre a été faite pour toi et moi
@a.e.jabbour5003
I've absolutely loved Dylan's version of this classic. If anyone "gets it," it's definitely Bob.
@johnpossum556
One of the best evenings I ever had was with a wonderful gentleman telling me stories. He was a private pilot who flew Bob Dylan around after his career with Continental was over. Excellent version of this song. I've just been getting deeper into Dylan's works lately.
@dylanstandingalone
This was one of my favourite songs to play on the guitar. I should go perform it.
@anom3778
I love dylans style of guitar playing
@johnpossum556
Both of you should study Mark Knopfler's European Claw style of picking. It's very powerful and better than most musicians can even manage. But it's beautiful.
@austindeadhead
This is the Carnegie Chapter Hall performance, November 8, 1961. Remarkable.
@helenbostock2350
We are all born on this rock
@dilandilanjoao4310
Wow. Never heard it before by Bob. Much slower and i loved it. The graspy voice turns it very special.
@sergiorighetto4250
La terra più bella è quella di tutti. VIVA WODDY VIVA BOB... YES! (2023)...
@vacueno
Alors que je marchais sur ce ruban d'autoroute
J'ai vu au-dessus de moi cette voie aérienne sans fin
J'ai vu en dessous de moi cette vallée dorée
Cette terre a été faite pour toi et moi
Cette terre est ta terre, cette terre est ma terre
De la Californie à l'île de New York
De la forêt de séquoias aux eaux du Gulf Stream
Cette terre a été faite pour toi et moi
J'ai erré et divagué, et j'ai suivi mes traces
Aux sables brillants et ensoleillés de ses déserts de diamants
Et tout autour de moi une voix est venue chanter
Chanter cette terre a été faite pour toi et moi
Cette terre est ta terre, cette terre est ma terre
De la Californie à l'île de New York
De la forêt de séquoias aux eaux du Gulf Stream
Cette terre a été faite pour toi et moi
Il était tôt un matin alors que je me promenais
Les champs de blé s'agitent et les nuages de poussière roulent
Alors que le brouillard se levait, une voix vient chanter
Cette terre a été faite pour toi et moi
Cette terre est ta terre, cette terre est ma terre
De la Californie à l'île de New York
De la forêt de séquoias aux eaux du Gulf Stream
Cette terre a été faite pour toi et moi
Personne vivant ne pourra jamais m'arrêter
Alors que je marche sur mon autoroute de la liberté
Personne ne peut me faire revenir en arrière
Cette terre a été faite pour toi et moi
Cette terre est ta terre, cette terre est ma terre
De la Californie à l'île de New York
De la forêt de séquoias aux eaux du Gulf Stream
Cette terre a été faite pour toi et moi