Last week something very interesting happened. Bob Dylan has been awarded with the Nobel Prize in Literature. Over the weekend there were many whose opinions were heard loudly in either concurrence or disagreement. It is a first that a music artist has won this award. As a result, I want us to discuss this. We have been reading songs in my classroom as poetry for several years now and analyzing them. This year, we are looking at Musical Theater. Is it such a stretch that song lyrics be considered poetry?
Read this article from the New York Times, "Bob Dylan Wins Nobel Prize, Redefining Boundaries of Literature." Pull two things from the article that resonate with you and explain why. Once you have read the article and pulled your two items, listen to one of his songs. Tell us the title and what you think of the writing. Then, look at one other post from this week by one of your peers and respond to their thoughts. (When you do respond to your peer, please be respectful).
Just so you know, this year we have read two others who have won this same award: Toni Morrison and Samuel Beckett.
I believe that the idea of artists being considered as writers should have been developed much, much sooner than the 21st century. With so many revolutionary artists born in the 20th century (The Beatles, Journey, etc. etc.) it is a surprise to me that a writer on the music spectrum has not won the Nobel prize sooner. Ben Sisario writes in his article “Bob Dylan Wins Nobel Prize, Redefining Boundaries of Literature” about the multiple opinions arising ever since the award was given to Dylan last week. Sisario writes, “But from the start, Mr. Dylan stood out for dazzling lyrics and an oblique songwriting style that made him a source of fascination for artists and critics.” Sisario is completely correct when he states that Dylan made a revolution in songwriting even before he won the prize. This point really stood out to me because although certain people criticize Dylan for not being a “poet,” his lyrics over the years prove otherwise. He has written successful songs for himself and other well-known artists, and at age 75 his name is still very well known. Songs are in-depth pieces of rhythmic writing, and therefore have no reason not to be considered poetry. Sisario writes, “Since 1988, Mr. Dylan has toured almost constantly, inspiring an unofficial name for his itinerary, the Never Ending Tour.” This I was not aware of, and it really spoke to me because for Bob Dylan to be on a continuous tour for a majority of his life really proves that he loves what he does; what is more deserving of the Nobel prize than that?
ReplyDeleteWhen I heard we were talking about Bob Dylan for this week’s blog, the song to immediately pop in my head was his classic song, “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door.” His song reads, “That cold black cloud is comin' down / Feels like I'm knockin' on heaven's door.” This insane extended metaphor of dying and traveling to heaven really shows the talent and capacity of Dylan’s writing capabilities. This song and many others prove that Bob Dylan and his “poetry” skills were deserving of the Nobel Prize.
Kara, I completely agree with you when you say that recognition of songwriters is well overdue. Music has played large roles in humanity since its conception, and the idea that songwriters were not recognized sooner, perhaps due to bias or a stigma against popular artists, makes me question the idea that writing in every form is treated equally and with the same respect as a sonnet by Shakespeare.
DeleteKara, I absolutely agree that musicians and lyricists should have been acknowledged of having literary merit long ago. If Bob Dylan was a revolutionary figure in the music industry, then he could also be a revolutionary figure in literature. Songwriters and writers in general all are people who want to express themselves through writing, so they should indeed be at level ground.
DeleteThe expansion of literature and the acceptance of art, in all forms, is an advancement that is worth celebrating. The announcement of Bob Dylan as a Nobel Prize winner is living proof of such an achievement within society. It is upsetting to realize that of the 115 years of the prize, it wasn’t until this year that songwriters were not regarded as highly as writers, mostly due to the popular culture that surrounds songwriters. It seems as if the New York Times article is showing that not all were in favor of Mr.Dylan, such as novelist, Rabih Alameddine who held the opinion that it is not right for such an honored prize to be given to such a popular man. I strongly disagree with this, not as a fan of Mr.Dylan, but as a student of both music and literature. The beauty and power of music is on that affects listeners, musicians, and composers alike, in such a way that even without any words to understand the purpose of the piece, one is able to receive an emotional response that is tailor fit for the individual. As a writer, Mr.Dylan is said by Billy Collins to have written lyrics that provide meaning not just in context of music, but on a blank page as well, which prove Dylan’s work as poetry. I do not agree, however, with the insinuated idea that music should only be credited by lyrics alone. Songwriters posses a talent in which they are able to combine two art forms in a way that can touch society on a grand scale. Just because a song is popular, does not mean it has no literary merit, the song may not be understood by all who listen. In a similar way, music does not require lyrics in order to be understood. A woman or man who is able to successfully integrate the two forms are more than deserving of a prize in literature, for a worthy winner has written in a way that has progressed the history of man and progressed man as an individual as well. Bob Dylan’s song “I Shall Be Released” is a song that utilizes strong lines with a meaning that is not presented at face value, but in spite of a deeper meaning, his folky, simplistic chords and rhythms within the song provide a sense of understanding and familiarity to its listeners. I enjoyed the writing, which provided an idea of hope and justice for the speaker, who believes that any day “I shall be released.” Mr.Dylan words connect with long time listeners and first timer listeners, like myself, in a way that provides personal inflection to listens, as well as upon society, making him a worthy winner of the Nobel Prize.
ReplyDeleteHi Jessica! I agree with you that music is not credited by lyrics alone. I don't understand why so many people dislike instrumental music; there are so many moving melodies that make my heart feel happy, and it's entirely possible for music to create the meaning of the piece. I love that you looked at the chords and rhythms of Mr. Dylan's piece rather than words alone, and the music makes his lyrics all the more powerful. I also agree with your stance on popular music. I used to hate Hozier a couple years ago, for tying something so seemingly innocent, like the church, with something as lewd as climax. But now that I've analyzed "From Eden", I think it's important to look at music and find the deeper meaning, and why they songwriters use messages like that to express their purpose.
DeleteJess I totally agree with you! Although I am not used to listening to Bob Dylan and he is not a favorite artist of mine, I agree that his lyrics hold a very deep meaning, and do in fact combine the aspects of literature and music together.
DeleteJessica, I agree that it is astounding a songwriter has never been awarded this prize until this year. Like you said, if a person is able to combine well written song lyrics with music, than they are capable of creating something beautiful, and manage to present their piece in a unique way. Even with the music stripped away, Dylans lyrics still hold value and are well written. They hold just a much literary merit as any other poet. His work should not be disregarded in the literary community simply because it was put to music.
DeleteI completely agree that the popularity, or lack thereof, should not be the only merit of a song, or other forms of art. Many songs and books that aren't popular are wonderful, and many that are lack true meaning. It surprises me that so many people believe that if a song is popular it cannot have merit, or that something sung cannot be considered literature. If a speech can be awarded a Nobel Prize, why not a song?
DeleteBob Dylan’s Nobel Prize is an accomplishment to be celebrated, not discredited, in my opinion. He took a risk by “plugging in an electric guitar and alienating folk purists.” Bob Dylan was a founding father of rock music, and without him, rock music could be a lot different; he did something others were afraid to do, and the result was something many people came to enjoy. Progress comes from people stepping out of the mold, and I think this especially applies to music. Things will not change unless you set out and do something different, and I think Bob Dylan was one of the pioneers who revolutionized music, so I certainly think he is an accredited person worthy of winning the Nobel Prize. Novelist Jodi Picoult tweeted, “I’m happy for Bob Dylan, #ButDoesThisMeanICanWinAGrammy?” Not to sound cliche, but I believe Picoult was jealous here; she is envious that someone who does not fit the mold of a typical recipient won a prize she didn’t. Those who criticize Dylan in such a malign manner misunderstand the true meaning of literature. In my eyes, literature is writing which has a deeper, significant meaning and holds value in the eyes of many. Just because his literature was set to music doesn’t mean that he doesn’t count as a literary genius. Sara Danius, a member of the academy, pointed out that Homer and Sappho’s works were passed down orally, yet we still see them as credible poets. Music speaks what words alone cannot, so Dylan’s art had more meaning than some claim. Not only do words express ideas, but the chord progressions, the way the melodies weave together, and the rising and falling of the natural rhythm can influence a listener to “feel” the music.
ReplyDeleteI listened to “Tangled Up in Blue” and I really enjoyed it. The music has a nice repetition that brings a sense of comfort, and I like his folksy vibes, which I think allow the listener to connect to Dylan quite well. His lyrics tell a story of a woman he once met and how they will eventually meet again, and how they were “tangled up”, constantly in each other’s lives. I like how his text is clear to understand, but can easily be analyzed for even deeper meaning. He writes, “All the people we used to know /
They're an illusion to me now” which is curious. It brings about questions within the listener, which may even be existential. For example this quote makes me think: how well do we *really* know others? How well do we even know ourselves? If we may be an illusion to others, what is stopping up from being an illusion entirely? He certainly is a thinker, and he is well-cultured - he makes reference to “an Italian poet from the thirteenth century” and Delacroix, a famous painter. Dylan’s lyrics have references to larger works, and are thought-stimulating, which I think are worthy of the Nobel Prize he has received.
On a side note, I would like to express my own personal view without any influence from outside sources. I am angry. So angry. What is the difference between a song and a poem? The only thing I can think of is that the song is set to music, and sometimes, the text of a song can have real literary meaning, carrying a deeper message. As a musician, I’ve gotten a lot of hate for what I do, especially from the adults who are supposed to be guiding me towards my future. In August, I was at a reception for Buckeye Girls State and I overheard my dad talking with an American Legion Auxiliary member about how I was “wasting” my life by pursuing music when I could be doing something that will “make money”, like engineering. Three years ago, I was told by my biology teacher that I won’t go anywhere in life if I pursue music; they snickered, humiliated me, and tried to put up an argument in front of the entire class. Yeah, some people fail in music, but not me. I am sick of it. I am sick of people telling me what to do, and I am sick of people telling musicians that their lives will amount to nothing simply because they choose to do what makes them happy! I am an independent, ambitious, young woman, and if I want to do something, I am going to do it! I will be the best darn music teacher you know because I will set my mind to it and put all of my passion into what I do and strive for excellence. People complain about musicians, but where would they be without music? They wouldn’t have music playing in the grocery store while they shop, in the background of movies, at ceremonies, and on their iPods (or whatever people listen to these days) just for their entertainment. Without us, so many people would be without something that offers a creative outlet, and a relatable way for them to connect to and understand others’ situations, as well as their own. The negative reactions to Bob Dylan’s Nobel Prize just add to the war against musicians and it’s getting to the point where I am going to start speaking out with a fire in my eyes and in my heart.
DeleteIn response to your anger about the text of a song being looked on as inferior to written poetry, I believe the reason certain of the intelligentsia are so down on the idea of Dylan- a singer- winning an award for literature is perhaps a simple one. These critics feel like the qualifications of great literature are becoming too loose, and that eventually there will not be such a literature as was written in olden days. That there'll not be another poem like Paradise Lost, Faerie Queene, any of Blake's illuminated books,or The Prelude.
DeleteYet, a counterargument lies in the fact that all of these great works are in fact quite revolutionary in themselves. Paradise Lost is not so conservative as some may look at it now as being, and neither was Dante's Divine Comedy. So it can be argued that the boundaries of literature have been constantly placed and up-heaved, challenged, and so on, so on, ad infinitum.
As to looking down on singers and musicians, it is truly a hypocrisy to look down on mediums like music (or, as I've experienced personally, cinema) while venerating Moliere and Shakespeare, who were once looked down upon by the established intelligentsia as well. Much that we place literary merit upon now, was not read or even respected in its time. People really must broaden their respect for the arts,and be willing to accept that they shall never be a static, unchanging thing. What worth is art, when individuals aren't willing to express what has not been seen or experienced yet in the concrete."Make visible what, without you, might perhaps never have been seen"-Robert Bresson.
P.S.- Brilliant filmmaker.
Bob Dylan winning the Nobel Prize showed how music can hold the same value as poetry. The New York Times article quotes Billy Collins who says “ Most song lyrics dont really hold up without the music… Bob Dylan is in the two percent club of songwriters whose lyrics are interesting on the page even without the harmonica and the guitar and his very distinctive voice. I think he does qualify as poetry”. Dylan doesn't write lyrics just to sing them, he wants them to have meaning and value. His words flow in a poetic fashion, and can stand alone without the addition of music. This is what sets him apart from other artists and qualified him to win the Nobel Prize. The article also talks about the influence that Bob Dylan has had one the music industry. The academy is quoting saying ‘ “Dylan has the status of an icon. His influence on contemporary music is profound, and he is the object of a steady stream of secondary literature”. His music has influenced other artists, and continues to do so still. With his lyrics he leaves an impact on his audience that is unique to himself. His writing goes beyond music and enters the world of poetry. In his son “The Times They Are a-Changin” Dylan writes in a simple fashion, but still manages to hold on to the poetic form. His lyrics flow and contain a disjointed rhyme scheme that is still able to connect the verses. It holds a message about how life is changing and that people have to accept it and adapt to the changing times. This piece, though simple is an example of how is lyrics are capable of being poetry even without the accompany of music.
ReplyDeleteDevon I absolutely agree with what you said about Dylan writing lyrics with meaning and value. The reason that his work is on the same caliber with the likes of Beckett and Morrison is because his lyrics are more than just words that can be put to music. They have profound messages that they want to share with the world in order to change it. His work successfully changed the world for the better and not many other writers can say that.
DeleteI also did the song "The Times They Are a-Changin" because it heavily related to this blog post. I agree that people need to accept and adapt to the changing times, just like this current debate. People do not realize the poetic art song lyrics are able to have, so once they heard Bob Dylan won for his music, they assumed he was not deserving. However, as you said above, he is part of that two percent club and his words flow in a poetic fashion. Dylan changed the thought process behind the Nobel Prize of Literature, and critics need to accept that.
DeleteI had very a similar opinion to you for this entire piece and what really resonated with me as I listened to and read, "The Times They Are A-changin'," and it was completely striking that they lyrics could stand alone. I could admire the piece from a completely literary aspect and thats why he won this prize and can open the doors for others. I just really agree with your stance and ideas.
DeleteBob Dylan is the first musician in history to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature! This is such a momentous occasion because as is said in the New York Times this reward, “dramatically redefined the boundaries of literature, setting off a debate about whether song lyrics have the same artistic value as poetry or novels”. Artist for decades and centuries have been writing poetry and creating music. The most impactful ones have written with a larger goal of changing society in mind. Bob Dylan’s “Masters of War” is a prime example of lyrics that are able to stand alone and impact the world. In this song Dylan is able to use his poetic talent to mix politics and emotion into a concoction that stirs up emotion in readers. Bob never uses particularly lofty diction like many Nobel writers. Rather his speech is on the level of common man, dealing purely in matters of the heart and the physical world. This unique quality of his musical poetry is why Dylan was awarded the Nobel prize. Not only has Dylan written volumes of powerful music but he has also, according to New York Times, “He has also published poetry and prose, including his 1971 collection, “Tarantula,” and “Chronicles: Volume One,” a memoir published in 2004”. This publishing of works beyond just music helps give more credibility to Dylan as more than a musician. These publications show that he is a writer and interested in literature as much as he is in music.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it's great that the Nobel Prize is helping to expand the ideas of “high” and “low” art. By recognizing Dylan as someone worthy of an award such as the Nobel Prize, other artists may get more recognition when before their art was considered too “low” for high society. I’ve never listened to “Masters of War” but I agree that Dylan’s lyrics can stand on their own as poetry. It amazes me that Dylan realized the impact he had on people through his lyrics and used them to try and create a better society for himself and others.
DeleteI think it's interesting that you mention Bob Dylan's common diction, and I agree that this diction gives his writing a unique style. It speaks to Dylan's ability as a poet that he is able to intelligently influence the masses while using such colloquial language. I also find it interesting that you see Dylan's writing as a political and emotional mix, which I also agree with. I believe that any form of art must have a political and/or emotional view point to affect people. After all, the most eye-opening conversation must have controversy.
DeleteOne point made in the article is that “In giving the literature prize to Mr. Dylan, the academy may also be recognizing that the gap has closed between high art and more commercial creative forms” (Alter 4). Throughout history, nobel laureates for literature have not necessarily come from actual book writers or poets. In fact, according to the article, Winston Churchill was awarded the same prize for his literary merit in his speeches as prime minister. Music may be partly commercial but it is creative as any art and therefore there is no longer a distinction between the high or low art, just art itself. This statement reminds me of the particular street art that I had analyzed, where it was an imitation of the portrait of “The Girl with the Pearl Earring”. In the same way as music, street art is sometimes considered a low art due to the location it is placed in, however, both are the same as high art in that they push people to think and change their perceptions on the world. The article also points out that “Mr. Dylan stood out for dazzling lyrics and an oblique songwriting style that made him a source of fascination for artists and critics” (Alter 7). Unlike many artists, Bob Dylan’s lyrics were so powerful that they didn’t need musical instrumentation to back it up. Lyrics are a form of poetry and therefore, they are of great literary merit. My grandfather is renowned musician himself in India, and like Bob Dylan, many people in India think that his lyrics are particularly powerful and full of literary meaning. In fact, after being a lyricist for so many years, the skills and literary merit he had gained as a songwriter pushed him to write volumes of his own books. My grandfather has won literary awards not only for his books and articles, but also for his song lyrics. There is no reason that Bob Dylan’s lyrics are not of literary merit because they could contain more meaning than even a book.
ReplyDeleteI listened to Bob Dylan’s “The Times They are A-Changin’” and realized how profound of a piece it really is. Its poetic form is quite simple with brief, but powerful lines. He uses a lot of similes and alliteration to add rhythm and depth in the meaning of the song. The main theme of the song is that people have to adapt to the changes happening in the world around them and learn to accept those changes.
I agree that Bob Dylan's receipt of the Nobel Prize was a profound moment in modern day because the gap that defines the worthiness of an art form can finally be demolished! I have always thought that the distinction between "high" and "low" art was absurd because they all serve the same purpose, and that is to express some sort of truth that allows individuals to tap into an alternate perspective that allows them to explore humanity and the meaning of our existence is a different way. Whether it is a song or a book, the all hold the same purpose, and it is about time that they are accredited accordingly.
DeleteTo begin, let me say that I am not a fan of Bob Dylan or his music. I will try not to be biased in this post because I have no right to be, I have not sat down and listened to any of Bob Dylan’s music (and after listening to a few songs I am still not a fan of it). As for the article, I was very interested to find out that Dylan writes his own music. It may sound kind of strange that this was surprising to me but it’s sad when most popular artists don’t write their own music anymore. It was the first thing I questioned when I heard that he was awarded the Nobel Prize. Upon mention of “his voluminous archives, showing his working process through thousands of pages of songwriting drafts,” I had a newfound respect for Dylan. This is a man clearly dedicated to his work even when some of his fans turned against him. I still don’t know if he was the right one for the Prize, though. Personally, I may just be missing the point, but I don’t see the power behind his lyrics that the article talks of. I do see how his lyrics “can stand on their own as poetry.” Because I was not familiar with his songs I looked up some of the lyrics of them and they do remind me of poetry, maybe of the type that we would analyze in class, unlike other popular songs of this time. As for the song I listened to, “The Times They Are a-Changin’” was not my cup of tea. It is about the exact opposite of the music I enjoy and I did not have a very good time listening to it. The lyrics are interesting, though. They seem like a call to action to me, as if Bob is trying to unite his audience behind some greater good, to get people to understand that change is good. Still, after reading this article and his acquisition of the Nobel Prize, I don’t think I’ll find myself sitting down to enjoy some Bob Dylan any time soon.
ReplyDeleteI respect your honesty in regards to your opinion of Dylan's music, along with your willingness to be open-minded on his music in regards to the recognition. While his particular style of music is hardly for everyone, at least it can be agreed that his lyrics can serve as poetry, as essentially a proof-of-concept for the idea of the connection between the two.
DeleteI find it unfathomable that songwriting has not been considered worthy of literary merit or recognition until now, especially when you think about the definition of literature. The word “literature”, according to Google, defines “written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit”. Billy Collins is quoted in The New York Time’s “Bob Dylan Wins Nobel Prize, Redefining Boundaries of Literature” article saying the following: “Most song lyrics don’t really hold up without the music, and they aren’t supposed to,” Mr. Collins said in an interview. “Bob Dylan is in the 2 percent club of songwriters whose lyrics are interesting on the page even without the harmonica and the guitar and his very distinctive voice. I think he does qualify as poetry”. This quote illustrates that music is not a senseless artform that is used solely to project nonsense into the world masked with harmonies to give them a shred of purpose; it is an artform that artists use to make a commentary on various issues in society. Whether the song is in the genre of rock, hip-hop, alternative, or country, the authors of these works use their social platform and artistic abilities to explore the complexity of humanity and human existence in the same way that authors of books do. Dylan’s lyrics portray an important allegorical truth and just because he took that message and put a melody behind it doesn’t (and shouldn’t) decrease the value of his work. The author of the article presents the following perspective: “But others called the academy’s decision misguided and questioned whether songwriting, however brilliant, rises to the level of literature”. I think the perspective that songwriting isn’t at the same level as formal literature is ill-conceived and ignorant. A testimony to this assertion is the song Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan. The first four lines in the first verse of the song say the following:
ReplyDelete“How many roads must a man walk down
Before you call him a man?
How many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?
Yes, and how many times must the cannonballs fly
Before they're forever banned?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind” (Dylan 1-7).
In the first two lines, Dylan wonders how much a person must endure through his or her life before they are acknowledged by others in the world. Because this song was written during the Civil War time period, I took this as him wondering when society will finally accept African-Americans as people and stop dehumanizing them with outrageous laws and regulations. In the following four lines, Dylan uses the connotations that a white dove holds, peace, to question when peace can finally be established when violence runs wild in our world. In the last line, Dylan finally unveils that there are no answers to his questions posed in the first few lines (yet). Through this, he makes the commentary that the answers are out there, however, no one has found them yet even though they are in obtainable reach. Dylan presents this message with a very simple melody and solely two other instruments to support his assertions to put into perspective how absurd it is that the answers go unnoticed. Judging by this song, I believe that Bob Dylan is extremely well deserving of this prize because of the profound comments that he unveils in his artwork, and it is about time that society begins to acknowledge it.
Bob Dylan's recognition as the 2016 Nobel Prize winner helps establish music as a form of literature and poetry. According to the New York Times article, “Literary scholars have long debated whether Mr. Dylan’s lyrics can stand on their own as poetry, and an astonishing volume of academic work has been devoted to parsing his music.” Although it has been debated, Bob Dylan’s songs are simply poetry enhanced through the use of music. Through the use of literary elements and poetic form Dylan creates lyrics that can stand alone and serve the same purpose as poetry. The article also talks about Bob Dylan’s influence on music and poetry, “In its citation, the Swedish Academy credited Mr. Dylan with ‘having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.’” He is recognized for his contributions to music and literature. Dylan extended poetry into music and influenced many other artists. Bob Dylan’s Nobel Prize is not something that should be looked down upon because he has redefined literature and opened the door for the respect and recognition of all forms literature. “Like a Rolling Stone” is a song that has poetic elements such as form and rhyme. Dylan also incorporates similes and metaphors into his song. The writing in this song goes beyond what you would normally expect song lyrics to include. The song is beautifully written and could be read as a poem. With all of these reasons I find it easy to see why Bob Dylan was recognized as the first musician to win the Nobel Prize for literature.
ReplyDeleteI agree so much that he helped establish music as piece of literature. I really love that he was awarded this prize because of his influence on music and he is opening a whole new door of literature. I also listened the the song "Like a Rolling Stone" and I immediately noticed the poetic structure along with how much it told a story more than modern songs on the radio do. Because of the story- like feel, I also sensed that there was a lot of emotion put into the song as well as thoughtful lyrics.
DeleteMusician Bob Dylan winning the Nobel Prize in Literature has sparked a debate in the literature community. Although I see both sides of the argument, I firmly believe his award is well-deserved. The article, “Bob Dylan Wins Nobel Prize, Redefining Boundaries of Literature”, authors Ben Sisario, Alexandra Alter and Sewell Chan support this same statement. They explain Mr. Dylan’s “reputation as a brilliant literary stylist” and how “Billy Collins, the former United States poet laureate, argued that Mr. Dylan deserved to be recognized not merely as a songwriter, but as a poet.” Music lyrics hold great power even without the accompaniment of a voice or instruments. In fact, lyrical works are a form of poetry, thus proper to be factored into the Nobel Prize in Literature. The Swedish Academy states that Bob Dylan “created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.” Dylan’s songs revolutionized both the poem and the music industry.
ReplyDeleteBecause of this, my eyes were drawn to his song, “The Times They Are A-changin’,” as it also related to the heading of this blog. This song does not have the typical verse, chorus, verse, chorus setup. Instead, he creates a more repetitive stanza-like setup, mirroring a poem. The meaning of this song also relates to the current situation. Specifically his lyrics “Come writers and critics/Who prophesize with your pen/For the times are a-changin”. Here, he makes a reference to writers and critics, which are both the people involved currently in this debate. While the critics may disagree with his award, they need to realize that times are a-changin’. Music is now considered an additional form of art, more specifically an additional form of literature. Bob Dylan completely deserved the Nobel Prize in Literature, as countless people appreciate both the musical and poetic aspects of his work.
I completely agree that his award was well deserved! I also saw the mirroring of poems in several of his songs that I listened to. I think it's very important that people see music as equal to any other "traditional" type of literature. I love your point that lyrics hold power without the accompaniment of instruments or a voice, and I agree 100%!
DeleteIt makes me so happy that a musician has won the Nobel Prize in Literature! I had never thought about it before, but now that it has happened, I’m really surprised that this is the first time in history that this has occurred. The first part of the article that stood out to me was this: “But others called the academy’s decision misguided and questioned whether songwriting, however brilliant, rises to the level of literature.” I think it is outrageous that anyone believes there is truly a difference between songwriting and literature. The only noticeable difference between the two in my opinion could be the lengths; a 3 minute song obviously isn’t as long as a novel, but quality should be considered over quantity. For example, I would say that a song such as “We Are the World” is more impactful than a lot of books or poems. In today’s day and age, generally speaking, people listen to a song a lot more often than they read a book. Musicians have an opportunity now more than ever to make an impact on their audience and the rest of the world with their work. Songs are like poems that have music added in. Though there are plenty of songs, especially in current times, that really don’t have a meaning (or at least a positive one), artists and bands such as The Beatles, Michael Jackson, John Lennon, Elvis Presley, etc. have all released songs that impacted lives all over the world, just as a poem or novel could, and possibly even more so. The article also states that “Literary scholars have long debated whether Mr. Dylan’s lyrics can stand on their own as poetry, and an astonishing volume of academic work has been devoted to parsing his music.” To me, this shouldn’t have to be debated about any song or artist. Poetry comes in all different shapes and sizes; almost any song could be seen as poetry to someone who only had the lyrics in front of them, arranged in stanzas like a poem. A Bob Dylan song I have always liked is “You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go.” I think is a beautifully written song. It also has a rhyme scheme, and a lot of imagery; there is no reason for it to not be considered poetry. Bob Dylan deserved this Nobel Prize, and hopefully in the future we will see more artists win the award!
ReplyDeleteMegan, I completely agree with your point that "quality should be considered over quantity." I love that you have mentioned this because it is something that I have often thought about when I have had to compare songs and their lyrics to novels or poems in the past. I also like how you touched on the fact that musicians have more opportunity to impact today's youth now more than ever. I completely agree with this point because of the influence the media has on young minds and beliefs.
DeleteI agree with your point that it is outrageous to believe that there is a large difference between songwriting and literature. People do listen to music more then they read literature and Bob Dylan manged to portray a positive message through his music and lyrics. Therefore I believe he deserved to win the award.
DeleteOne statement from the article that resonated with me was, “Most song lyrics don’t really hold up without the music, and they aren’t supposed to,’... ‘Bob Dylan is in the 2 percent club of songwriters whose lyrics are interesting on the page even without the harmonica and the guitar and his very distinctive voice.” I really like this quote because it emphasizes that music is not just about the instruments, but also the effect of the words written to the music. If the words are not well thought out and just thrown into the music, it is not as impactful as it could be. Another point that resonated with me was, “His influence on contemporary music is profound, and he is the object of a steady stream of secondary literature.” This statement describes how Dylan has been a well know icon of contemporary music by being responsible for influencing the changes it has gone through. Also the phrase “ secondary literature” is very powerful because since he received this nobel prize for his music, it emphasizes that this is a new turning point for literature and smoothing the line between “official literature” and music being of the same value. I listened the song “Like a Rolling Stone” and I really like how this song tells a story and has emotion connected to it. This seems to be a more angry song; he is singing about how this girl who thought she was the center of the world ended up crashing down. This is a song about staying humble even when you have a fairly good life, written in a very unique, story - like way.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your first point about the importance of words in music, instead of the integrity of a song being based around its instrumental components. I think your point about Bob Dylan's influence on contemporary music is very important. Musicians and lyricists have huge followings, and people that love and analyze their works constantly. So why wouldn't their writing be considered equal in terms of literary merit as those who have won this award in the past? If a person can have as huge an impact on music and the poetic merit of lyricism as someone like Steven King had on the world of writing and literature, then they should be regarded as equals in terms of their contributions.
DeleteTwo points from this article that stood out to me were the claim that when lyrics can stand on their own without music that music should be considered poetry, and that the nomination of Bob Dylan for the Nobel Prize closes the gap between “higher” and “lower” forms of art. For the former point, I agree that the lyrics of many songs can and do read as poetry when laid out, because they use many of the same literary devices as actual poetry, namely rhyme schemes, enjambment, and the use of symbols to convey a clear meaning. However, many songs are written off by poets because they are often repetitive and may lack the deep meaning that people traditionally look to poetry to provide. The latter comment that struck me was that the nomination to nontraditional candidates is closing the gap between different forms of art. What is the difference between a poem someone famous wrote and one that I wrote? Publishing and notoriety, but also the meaning others have placed on it and the idea that certain famous people, no matter what they say or write will be considered a literary genius. This same idea can be applied to any form of art, a Grammy winning single versus someone singing in a coffee shop, or a doodle in a notebook versus a framed piece in a gallery. The differences are minimal, and subject to those who believe that one is inherently better than the other. For Bob Dylan, would he have reached the acclaim and success he has if all of his songs had been published in a book? Probably not, but their meaning and the emotions they evoke would not change whether they are heard or written.
ReplyDeleteThis is actually the first time I have ever listened to Bob Dylan, so I chose my song based on the title of this blog, that is I listened to “The Times They Are a Changin’”. In my opinion, this song contains many of the elements that are essential to well-written poetry as well as deviating from traditional song formats that would have stolen from that. This song conveys the message that though things may be hard right now, as long as you keep fighting and prepare yourself for the differences new days will bring, things will eventually get better. Not bogged down and hidden in symbolism and metaphor, the message comes across very clearly in the midst of music. However, by reading the lyrics of this song, I noticed that it has a very specific rhyme scheme: ABCBDB for the verses (it changes to ABABAB in the last verse) and EFGHG in the chorus, but changes to EFGHF after the first. By using the poetic devices, Dylan conveys that indeed things change, however, the song, read or listened to, flows despite the changes, as we all can too. There are obviously other literary devices used and much more meaning than I have found, but I have seen enough to argue that any type of verse, written or sung, should be considered literature.
One point that stood out to me was when Billy Collins said, "Bob Dylan is in the 2 percent club of songwriters whose lyrics are interesting on the page even without the harmonica and the guitar and his very distinctive voice. I think he does qualify as poetry." This is interesting because lyrics in present day are usually very repetitive or say the same thing a different way. Back then, they wrote protest songs and the lyrics actually meant something to a lot of people. The reason that his lyrics can be left without music is because he uses the same structure and literary devices as authors of poems do. Another great point was said by Sara Danius, who described Dylan as, "a great poet in the English-speaking tradition." Listening to a song or poem can change how you view a piece. The reading of it can give it more feeling and meaning than just reading it off of a page.
ReplyDeleteThe song I chose was "Knocking on Heavens Door". My interpretation is I picture an old Sheriff who is dying. He lived through all of the battles of his profession and came out on top. He is old, tired and dying from a natural cause. He is remembering his sins as a lawman and the injustice committed in the line of duty, perhaps someone he shot when there was another way. He would have put these things out of his mind while he was working, made excuses to keep on going . Now at the end of his life he remembers these sins, he has regrets. He has no use for violence anymore and is seeking inner peace by putting away his old professional tools. He is seeking justice and forgiveness.
The line in the article that says, “literary scholars have long debated whether Mr. Dylan’s lyrics can stand on their own as poetry,” particularly resonates with me, because not only do I believe strongly that lyrics can stand on their own with poetic merit, but the added dimension of music gives lyrics that much more merit. That said, I think the musical element, composition being a talent in itself, furthers the validity behind Bob Dylan winning this award. If the lyrics couldn’t stand on their own with literary merit, they certainly should be able to when combined with their musical accompaniment.
ReplyDeleteThe part of the article where the author mentions that several prominent writers have considered Bob Dylan’s winning of the Nobel Prize as a “great choice” also resonates with me. As a teenager with very little means of judging the “qualifications” of true or good literature, at least in the ways that they would be judged by those choosing who wins the Nobel Prize, I find myself easily accepting Bob Dylan as its winner. However, if anyone were to take issue with the decision, I would think it would be those in higher positions of literary judgement or regard. So, the fact that these are the very people being quoted as considering the decision a great choice is a bit stunning, while also quite reassuring.
I listened to “Subterranean Homesick Blues.” The lyrics are really indicative of the time period, where rock music was a form of protest, or rebellion, making mention negatively to the government and the cops. The piece did seem very poetic, with metaphors and allusions, and a very strong sense of rhyme and rhythmic continuity throughout. It’s also important to note that this song, and many of Dylan’s other pieces, led to similar ideals being seen in the following generations of punk and folk music.
I would also like to add that I hope to see Morrissey win this award in the future, as he is in my opinion the greatest lyricist of all time.
DeleteThe most striking concept of the entire article can be summed up in this quote, “In giving the literature prize to Mr. Dylan, the academy may also be recognizing that the gap has closed between high art and more commercial creative forms. ‘It’s literature, but it’s music, it’s performance, it’s art, it’s also highly commercial,’ said David Hajdu, a music critic for The Nation who has written extensively about Mr. Dylan and his contemporaries. ‘The old categories of high and low art, they’ve been collapsing for a long time, but this is it being made official.’” It is easy to forget how competitive and structured creative fields are, such as literature, or at least how they use to be. Bob Dylan’s literature prize has caused influence, as this article states, “the gap has closed between high art and more commercial creative forms” and this nods to the restrictions that use to dictate what literature is. It is just so fascinating that song lyrics are finally being accepted as works of literature, which I believe they are. Some pieces of literature stand alone, are in great volume, are meant to be read aloud or performed in plays or movies so it should be no different that some pieces of literary merit just happen to be accompanied by music. This brings me to my next related topic, “Billy Collins, the former United States poet laureate, argued that Mr. Dylan deserved to be recognized not merely as a songwriter, but as a poet.” I just love the realization of song lyrics as the pieces of literature that they are. People may argue that most pop songs offer no literary merit, which is true, but it also be said that all books are masterpieces. In Bob Dylan’s song, The Times They Are A-changin’, he writes like a poet, with great symmetry and figurative language. In this song he explains essentially how times are changing and how people must basically ‘get with it.’ As one reads his songs they can stand alone, they are pieces of literature and therefore I feel as though he was a great pick for the Nobel Prize, as this choice has opened doors and inspired many.
ReplyDeleteThe general population respects writing novels of literary merit as a form of artistic expression, so why is writing poet lyrics and forming a song any different? In my opinion I believe that song lyrics can be considered poetry and I love the fact that a singer/songwriter has been awarded this year’s Nobel Prize in Literature. In the New York Times article, “Bob Dylan Wins Nobel Prize, Redefining Boundaries of Literature” the author writes, “Most song lyrics don’t really hold up without the music, and they aren’t supposed to...Bob Dylan is in the 2 percent club of songwriters whose lyrics are interesting on the page even without the harmonica and the guitar and his very distinctive voice. I think he does qualify as poetry.” I agree that many songs are written purely for music entertainment, but there is a large portion of songwriting that aims to be poetic and meaningful, like bob Dylan’s lyrics. Lyrics such as these deserve to be recognized for their literary elements and poetic nature and I think it’s about time they have been recognized in such an honorary and well-respected manner. The article also states, “The old categories of high art and low art, they’ve been collapsing for a long time, but this is it being made official,” which I think means that people are beginning to realize that lyrics and poems can be analyzed on the same level because they can both aim to create a piece of art that delivers a message in a similar manner.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this article I listened to Bob Dylan’s song “Like a Rolling Stone” and this is a great example of how his lyrics are more than just a catchy tune to accompany his harmonica and guitar. This song discusses the life of young girl who had a promising future and a nice life until she found herself struggling to survive on the streets. The lyrics he uses not only tell this girl’s story, but they develop it for the reader through metaphors and rhyme scheme just as a poem would do.
Hi Lizzy, I think you and I have the same perspective on what is poetry and what lyrics are. I'm glad to see someone else has a similar opinion to mine, and I think you support it very well with ideas pulled from the article and Dylan's own song!
DeleteOne thing from the article that struck a chord with me (pun intended) was the reference to high art when compared to low art. The notion that there is a difference between ‘high’ and ‘low’ art is completely ridiculous; art is something that is used to show expression, or a new perspective, and it’s credibility has nothing to do with the person it came from. Instead, art’s credibility comes from the potential impact it can have on others. The nobel prize for literature should be awarded based on the beauty of the writing, and not on the brow of society it is considered a part of. When one looks at Bob Dylan’s lyrics, it’s clear that he has the capability to change perspectives. I believe this gives his art enough credibility to be considered for a ‘high’ literary award, such as the nobel prize.
ReplyDeleteI also find it interesting that dissenters of Bob Dylan and his achievement are also dissenting of Winston Churchill’s literary achievement. “Bob Dylan winning a Nobel in Literature is like Mrs Fields being awarded 3 Michelin stars. This is almost as silly as Winston Churchill” (Rabih Alameddine). This comment is another false distinction between high and low art, as well as fairly disrespectful, if not insulting. Rabih calls not only Bob Dylan unworthy, but also Winston Churchill, one of the greatest political orators in history. This opinion creates restrictions and guidelines on what can be considered art. Did Churchill’s speeches not motivate and inspire a rage against the Germans in WWII? Did they not inspire hope when France was lost? Did they not force the public to question the tension caused by the iron curtain? Churchill created new emotions in the public that changed the world, making him deserving of the nobel prize for literature.
Bob Dylan’s music has similarly changed the way the world looks at certain issues. His song The Times They Are A Changin’, which was written in 1964, comments on the Civil Rights Movement. “And there's no tellin' who/ That it's namin'/ For the loser now/ Will be later to win/ For the times they are a-changin'” (Dylan). This lyric is a reference to the shift in society and class during the Civil Rights Movement, and the ‘losers’, or the African Americans, who are less invisible, and thus ‘winners’. The outlook that Dylan created in his fans through this piece was a dynamic change when compared to the bigoted outlook many held before.
Hi Rachel, I liked the point you made about art being neither "high" nor "low". I don't claim to be an artist by any means, but I like the idea that art can be whatever makes someone happy, or whatever expresses emotions. I also like that you considered Dylan and his literature as a means of change.
DeleteOne of the interesting facts mentioned in the New York Times article was that Bob Dylan wrote poetry and prose as well as songs. I was unaware that Dylan wrote a variety of literature, and I think that further justifies his Nobel Prize. I personally think that lyrics can stand alone as poetry, a question brought about in the article, because I think lyrics are nothing but poetry set to music. I see no distinction between poetry and lyrics apart from the fact that lyrics have accompanying music that can strengthen the message and the theme of the collective words. Another point made by the article was that literary critics question if lyrics can stand alone as poetry, and I can completely see how lyrics could stand alone.
ReplyDeleteOne of Dylan’s songs, “The Times They Are A-Changin’”, is a perfect example of how lyrics and poetry are synonymous. Dylan writes with a rhyme scheme and literary devices such as anaphora, when he writes, “Don't stand in the doorway / Don't block up the hall” and personification, when he writes, “And admit that the waters / Around you have grown”. I think the piece works really well hand in hand with aspects of both song and poetry to convey a message of open-mindedness. There is a rhyme scheme similar to poetry, and a simple message shown through rhythm that we often see in lyrics. Due to the overlapping qualities of lyrics and poetry and other various forms of literature, I think Dylan is deserving of this award.
The origin of music stems from the telling of stories, passing on history and lessons through sound, and put to rhythm. The origin of literature follows a similar path, with those same stories preserved through parchment. As these mediums grew apart with the passage of time, so did their recognition. Music and prose grew into vastly different mediums of unique merit, and the common assumption was that the line drawn between them was not crossed. However, not all is as it seems, and Bob Dylan now holds the regard for the first musician to be recognized formally with a prize for Literature, despite following the seemingly separate path. While much to the chagrin of some, this development is both logical and likely was inevitable.
ReplyDeleteIn an article in the New York Times discussing this controversial award, the fact is mentioned that Bob Dylan's song, "Desolation Row," was already formally recognized as poetry, being placed in the Oxford Book of American Poetry. As stated earlier, it makes perfect sense that music would eventually have an opportunity to be recognized, at least unofficially, as a form of poetry. In essence, music can be self-expression, setting thoughts, hopes, dreams, and fears to tune, and perhaps sharing this with the world. Poetry can be much the same, as a means of self-expression. While not all lyrics share the emphasis on the words, relying more on the instruments to tell their tale, music and poetry draw from the same desires, work with similar tools, and can affect people in much the same way. It is not at all illogical that they share this connection, and that music can be regarded as literature. The difference, rather than lying in the nature of the mediums themselves, lies within their interpretation. As descendants of diverted paths, poetry and prose are regarded as separate entities all together from song, regarded as different forms of art. Yet, as it was mentioned this was likely inevitable, as the David Hajdu, music critic, wrote, "The old categories of high and low art, they’ve been collapsing for a long time, but this is it being made official" (Hajdu). With this in mind, the fact that music and the rest of literature were regarded as separate forms of art has gradually fallen more and more by the wayside, as the mentality and ability to encapsulate the concept of art in distinct, clear categories. Bob Dylan's lyrics crossed the weakening threshold between the collapsing barriers of song and literature.
The same song that was included in the Oxford Book of American Poetry, "Desolation Row," invokes by its name alone the concepts of destruction and void, along with a string of commonality between people, much akin to criminals residing on death row. Once one listens to the song, they can find a plethora of allusions to literature, history, and myth, from the multitude of Biblical allusions such as the brothers Cain and Able, the sign of Noah's covenant with God, or the Good Samaritan, in addition to Greek myth such as Ophelia, and stories such as Robin Hood, or figures like Einstein. All of the inspiration drawn up into the lyrics of the song paint a picture fitting the title, of an evocation of the gradual destruction and atrophy of the world. With a relatively simple and somber musical score, the lyrics take center stage, and essentially serve as poetry set to music. While this is the only Bob Dylan song I have heard so far, the attention to lyrics and meaning make a logical link to poetry and prose, and thus justifying to me the decision to award him a literature award, as that is essentially what his work is already.
One of the most interesting points of the article- as well as on of the most persuasive arguments offered for the justification of Dylan's being awarded- was Sara Danius' reminder of the oral roots of fine literature. Homer, now a canonized master in the history of Western literature and high art-was in fact a man who sung his poetry, whose poetry is meant to be heard more so than read.
ReplyDeleteIt is as if Danius is suggesting that through music poetry, and in fact literature, is perhaps returning to it's origins. Many of the finest storytellers of America- Leadbelly, Robert Johnson, and Woody Guthrie- were singers. Jim Morrison and Bob Dylan, as has been noted before, were truly poets in the guise of singers, influenced by the likes of Verlaine and Rimbaud in lieu of Elvis and Chuck Berry. It is of interest, how the writer points out that, along with Dylan's prose and poetic works, his song lyrics have been published in volumes. Like Homer,what was originally sung aloud shall be read. Yet, unlike Homer, we have recordings of Dylan. These two points promulgated to the literary community truly encourage a reconsideration of the boundaries of what is literature and what is not. Dylan performs his writing to music. Our much revered Shakespeare's writing was meant to be performed as theatre, not read. There is an anecdote of a certain playwright being mocked for releasing a folio of his plays in that time. Sophocles, Epictetus, and Confucius, while read in volumes now, in fact did not write, but spoke what we now read. Dickens was famous for giving public readings aloud to eager audiences. To consider performed material inadequate for literary consideration, requires an entire revolution in the consideration of the canon.
In the song "You're a Big Girl, Now", Dylan employs a style of song-writing that really is in fact quite poetic. The lyrics are metaphorical, laced with reference(one reference to a favorite movie of mine, Les Enfants du Paradis) and simile. The song is truly an amalgamation of the bluesy, folksy tradition of Bessie Smith and Guthrie, and the elusive modernism of Rimbaud and Ginsberg. Like the former: emotion raw and simple; like the latter; opening realms of mystery and
symbol in the commonplace. Rimbaud found heaven and hell in lonely walks, crude fantasies, and the ugly commonplace. Dylan finds it in a simple love ended, left unfulfilled.