Bob Dylan's Handwritten Lyrics for "The Times They are A-Changin'"
Maker
Bob Dylan
(American, born 1941)
Datec. 1963
ClassificationsMusic
DimensionsFrame: 31 x 21 x 2 in. (78.7 x 53.3 x 5.1 cm)
DescriptionBob Dylan's original working handwritten lyrics to "The Times, They Are a Changin'", c. 1963. The lyrics are contained on a single sheet of lined notebook paper, written in pencil. The lyrics have been framed with a white mat, metal plaque, and glossy black frame.Dylan has written out and numbered five verses on the left side of the sheet, with an additional verse on the right side that has been struck through. The verse that has been struck out begins, “Come all you magicians of illusion and deceit with 100 lbs tied to your feet." This verse did not appear in the final recording. The lyrics contain additional annotations and The working lyrics contain annotations and emendations also in Dylan's hand made throughout. Additional note in top right of page reads "Backwater Blues - Bessie Smith," another note reads "Mozart as Thou O Lord hast made me strong."
The song appeared on Dylan’s 1964 album of the same name.
Bob Dylan’s (b. 1941) impact on culture transcends music. His topical lyrics, protest statements, and anti-establishment appearance made him an icon of the civil rights and anti-war movements of the 1960s. Dylan’s early music drew on elements of folk, R&B, gospel, and Beat Generation poetry to create an original sound.
After establishing himself in the folk community, Dylan created controversy when he played an electric set at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. His “plugged in” performance was met with boos but spoke to his shift in musical style and attitude. Dylan’s entry in TIME 100: The Most Important People of the Century speaks to his legacy. He is referred to as a “master poet, caustic social critic and intrepid, guiding spirit of the counterculture generation.”
