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 âfor having created new poetic expressions within the great American song traditionâ. 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
When He Returns
Bob Dylan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The strongest wall will crumble and fall to a mighty God
For all those who have eyes and all those who have ears
It is only He who can reduce me to tears
Don't you cry and don't you die and don't you burn
Like a thief in the night, he'll replace wrong with right
When he returns.
He unreleased His power at an unknown hour that no one knew
How long can I listen to the lies of prejudice ?
How long can I stay drunk on fear out in the wilderness ?
Can I cast it aside, all this loyalty and this pride ?
Will I ever learn that there'll be no peace, that the war won't cease
Until He returns ?
Surrender your crown on this blood-stained ground, take off your mask
He sees your deeds, He knows your needs even before you ask
How long can you falsely and deny what is real ?
How long can you hate yourself for the weakness you conceal ?
Of every earthly plan that be known to man, He is unconcerned
He's got plans of his own to set up His throne
When He return.
In the song "When He Returns," Bob Dylan explores themes such as faith, truth, fear, and redemption. The lyrics speak of the power of God and the hope that one day, when He returns, wrongs will be corrected and peace will reign. Dylan highlights that despite the strength of man-made structures like walls or an iron hand, they will eventually fall to the will of God. He emphasizes the importance of having one's eyes and ears open to recognize the power of the divine.
The song also touches on the challenge of navigating prejudice, fear, and pride, and the need to surrender oneself to a higher power. Through powerful imagery - "Surrender your crown on this blood-stained ground" - Dylan urges listeners to let go of their ego and embrace the realization that everything is in God's control. He encourages listeners not to give up hope, even in times of chaos and war, because all will be made right when God returns.
In summary, Dylan's "When He Returns" is a powerful message of faith, redemption, and hope, reminding listeners of the ultimate power of God in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
The iron hand it ain't no match for the iron rod
Punishments for wrongdoing are not as strong or lasting as the love and power of God
The strongest wall will crumble and fall to a mighty God
Even the most impenetrable defenses will fade before the power of God
For all those who have eyes and all those who have ears
Anyone who is willing to see and listen can discover the truth about God
It is only He who can reduce me to tears
Only by experiencing the love and power of God can one truly be transformed
Don't you cry and don't you die and don't you burn
Trust in God's ultimate justice and mercy, and do not be overwhelmed by fear or pain
Like a thief in the night, he'll replace wrong with right
God's justice may come unexpectedly, but it will ultimately set things right
Truth is an arrow and the gate is narrow that is passes through
The path to truth and salvation is difficult and requires sacrifice
He unreleased His power at an unknown hour that no one knew
God's timing and methods are mysterious and often unexpected
How long can I listen to the lies of prejudice ?
The persistence of false beliefs and hateful attitudes can be debilitating
How long can I stay drunk on fear out in the wilderness ?
Fear and isolation can lead to despair and hopelessness
Can I cast it aside, all this loyalty and this pride ?
To truly embrace God, one must be willing to let go of earthly attachments and ego
Will I ever learn that there'll be no peace, that the war won't cease until He returns ?
Without God's intervention, there can be no lasting peace in the world
Surrender your crown on this blood-stained ground, take off your mask
To truly be saved by God, one must reject the worldly trappings of power and image
He sees your deeds, He knows your needs even before you ask
God is all-knowing and compassionate, and provides for His people without them even asking
How long can you falsely and deny what is real ?
Continuing to deny the truth of God can lead to inevitable suffering and despair
How long can you hate yourself for the weakness you conceal ?
Self-hatred and shame can be overcome through the love and grace of God
Of every earthly plan that be known to man, He is unconcerned
God's plans are beyond human understanding or influence
He's got plans of his own to set up His throne
God's ultimate plan is to establish His reign and justice over all creation
When He returns.
The hope and expectation of God's ultimate return to set things right
Lyrics Š BOB DYLAN MUSIC CO
Written by: BOB DYLAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@p1b1harper
The iron hand it ainât no match for the iron rod
The strongest wall will crumble and fall to a mighty God
For all those who have eyes and all those who have ears
It is only He who can reduce me to tears
Donât you cry and donât you die and donât you burn
For like a thief in the night, Heâll replace wrong with right
When He returns
Truth is an arrow and the gate is narrow that it passes through
He unleashed His power at an unknown hour that no one knew
How long can I listen to the lies of prejudice?
How long can I stay drunk on fear out in the wilderness?
Can I cast it aside, all this loyalty and this pride?
Will I ever learn that thereâll be no peace, that the war wonât cease
Until He returns?
Surrender your crown on this blood-stained ground, take off your mask
He sees your deeds, He knows your needs even before you ask
How long can you falsify and deny what is real?
How long can you hate yourself for the weakness you conceal?
Of every earthly plan that be known to man, He is unconcerned
Heâs got plans of His own to set up His throne
When He returns
Copyright Š 1979 by Special Rider Music
@venkateshkamalhaasanuniver6436
The iron no match for the iron rod
The strongest wall will crumble and fall to a mighty God
For all those who have eyes and all those who have ears
It is only he who can reduce me to tears
Don't you cry and don't you die and don't you burn
Like a thief in the night, he'll replace wrong with right
When he returns
Truth is an arrow and the gate is narrow that it passes through
He unleashed his power at an unknown hour that no one knew
How long can I listen to the lies of prejudice
How long can I stay drunk on fear out in the wilderness
Can I cast it aside, all this loyalty and this pride
Will I ever learn that there'll be no peace, that the war won't cease
Until he returns
Surrender your crown on this blood stained ground, take off your mask
He sees your deeds, he knows your needs even before you ask
How long can you falsify and deny what is real
How long can you hate yourself for the weakness you conceal
Of every earthly plan that be known to man, he is unconcerned
He's got plans of his own to set up his throne
When he returns
@michellelanden3017
The iron hand it ain't no match for the iron rod
The strongest wall will crumble and fall to a mighty God
For all those who have eyes and all those who have ears
It is only He who can reduce me to tears
Don't you cry and don't you die and don't you burn
Like a thief in the night, he'll replace wrong with right
When he returns.
Truth is an arrow and the gate is narrow that is passes through
He unreleased His power at an unknown hour that no one knew
How long can I listen to the lies of prejudice ?
How long can I stay drunk on fear out in the wilderness ?
Can I cast it aside, all this loyalty and this pride ?
Will I ever learn that there'll be no peace, that the war won't cease
Until He returns ?
Surrender your crown on this blood-stained ground, take off your mask
He sees your deeds, He knows your needs even before you ask
How long can you falsily and deny what is real ?
How long can you hate yourself for the weakness you conceal ?
Of every earthly plan that be known to man, He is unconcerned
He's got plans of his own to set up His throne
When He return. đ
@MC-eu1hx
One of the top most superb Gospel songsâđđśđ. Always when times are bad, listening to a Dylan Gospel song or folk song makes me feel better. Praise Godâ
@MC-eu1hx
For example, our building's fire alarms are now going off, so it gives me a reason to sing this loud without it bothering anyone.
@garypaulstanfield3752
This song is so beautiful. Its got me in tears. Bob dylan is the best poet ever
@andyarmstrongstkilda
I am not a religious person. I love Bon Scott, The Strokes, Fugazi, The Smiths, Nirvana, Velvet Underground and all good music ... but I just cannot think of one album that is more beautiful, complete, spine tingling & higher-ranking, than Slow Train Coming. There isn't one.
@rambleon2011
Listen to Seeds of Change by Kansasâs Kerry Livgren. Check out the musicians he invited to play on that album.
@rogerpotger9261
May your wisdom be a blessing to you forever and forever ... God bless your insight.
... an Australian friend and a son of Israel.
@Mrs.GrayMan
Because itâs Holy Spirit filled đĽđĽđĽ
@xlr82u
I think there's a difference between religion and faith. Religion can get in the way of faith. I believe both have their place but faith is the overarching fundamental.
@psst...heyyou6508
I'm not a religious person either but I am a Christian and like most of the artist you listed. I've been hearing this record since 5th grade when it came out. Still love it today and it means so much more to me now. One of my favorite Dylan records for sure.
@bert7548
I remember hearing this album when the Lord started to call me in 1980, it strengthened and encouraged me so much, lost friends but it was so encouraging to know that the same thing was happening to Bob, Iâve never let go and will walk this walk until Hr returns or calls me home.
Thank you Bob.