Dylan uses naturalistic elements to elicit an emotional response from the audience. Using the earth element of "wind" brings a movement and dynamics to the song. Still it is the use of questions that make the verses so strong. Dylan does not mean for the result to be answers but to get people thinking. The use of overblown imagery Riley writes, "is necessary balance -- the first verse alone pits a dove against flying cannonballs" (56). Through this word usage, Dylan creates a good vs. evil theme. The dove represents an innocence that could be destroyed by acts of violence. Still such description creates a contradiction of terms and creates contempt for inhumanity. It is only his voice "seems to be harbouring secret messages" (Riley, 54).
Highway 61 Revisited"
These lyrics are also set-up as free verse however; he uses rhyme and careful word positioning to paint many images. This song is about trying to create a new world out of the old but the message is that this can only be done by throwing away the trash of the old world. Dylan elaborates that there is a place for the old trash and the missing people of the world. It can be found on Highway 61. He creates a dynamic by describing the people who are changing the world with "Now the fifth daughter on the twelfth night / Told the first father that things weren't right" (Bobdylan.com) and also uses Biblical references to create a social consciousness for the situation.
Oxford Town"
Oxford Town" tells the story of racism and struggle for civil rights in the South. There is a sorrowful tone through the song that only foreshadows the meaning. It paints a picture of struggle by using words and structure like "He come in to the door, he couldn't get in All because of the color of his skin/What do you think about that, my...
The word color emphasizes the differences between the people of this struggle. It is never said who is right or wrong but there is still a clear divide. Also the use of the sun as a natural element juxtaposed with the dark subject context also brings out the struggle.
The Times They Are a-Changin"
The title speaks for itself and this song remains Dylan's anthem for social change. It is free verse with rhyme interspersed. His use of simile is effective as describing the mission at hand. He evokes the image of change by using instruments of action like a writer's pen or wheels still spinning. He also uses water as a tool to create fear or reaction in the listener. It is as if to say that if one does not react that change will drown them and this is not easy to understand. His tone implores for patience and non-judgment of those who do react.
With God on Our Side"
Finally these lyrics outline an American History the common man has grown to accept. It is from the point-of-view of war. Dylan uses rhyme to emphasize this message and highlight the meaning of feeling complacent. He concentrates on comparing in a progression the images of war like "We forgave the Germans / and we were friends / Though they murdered six million /
In the ovens they fried / the Germans now too / Have God on their side" (Bobdylan.com). This makes the song even spooky but also it is his use of repetition that engrains the message to the listener.
Works Cited
Bob Dylan. 10 Dec. 2004 http://www.bobdylan.com/index.html..
Riley, Tim. Hard Rain: A Dylan Commentary. New York: Alfred. a. Knopf, 1992.
Williams, Paul. Performing Artist: The Music of Bob Dylan Volume One, 1960-1973. Novato: Underwood-Miller, 1990.
