Robert Zimmerman aka Bob Dylan. The first musician I can remember hearing. My mum is a massive fan of Bob Dylan, I have her to thank for my ever growing obsession with this man and his work.
What is it about Bob Dylan that draws you in? Is it his voice? His words? The way he plays? It’s not one single factor, it’s a combination. For me, I love the way his words just work. Lyrics mean everything to me, and Bob Dylan sure stole my heart with his.
I advise you to listen to Hurricane and Forever Young if you don’t know much about his work.
One song in particular that I remember being sung to me when I was little was, Like A Rolling Stone. Little did I know how much over the years would that song mean to me. Everything about that song from the words to the music means the world to me. I like to put my headphones on and let Dylan’s words pour into my ears as I go into my own little world. In my own little world it consists of me, Morrissey, Bob Dylan and Cat Power- it’s not as depressing as it sounds.
Too many people seem to shrug Bob Dylan off thinking he’s depressing or whatever- you’re missing the point if that’s the case. He’s more than a singer, the guy is a poet. A legend. His songs give advice (please please please listen to Forever Young) and to an extent- guidance. Been screwed over by a friend? Then listen to Positively 4th Street. Unsure about the one you love? Check out Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I’ll Go Mine). Want to hear an 8 minute long true story? Hurricane is the track for you.
Bob Dylan is not just a musician. He’s an artist and a radio presenter. His hourly show on Radio 2 is worth listening just to hear his voice.
There’ll never ever be another Bob Dylan. No other musician will ever be able to do what this man has done- how could they? The guy is one in a million. After being called “Judas” 42 years ago just for trading the acoustic guitar for an electric- I think genius was the word they were looking for.
There’s so much to write about him, but words do not do this man justice.
I wear my Bob Dylan tattoo on my neck with pride and love.
Beat In My Bones. 