100 Days
of Bob Dylan
My Journey to Ascertain the Genius that is Bob Dylan
How Does it Feel?
The first morning I woke up at college, someone in my dorm had these two huge speakers turned facing out of his window and blaring, “Like a Rolling Stone.” It was the first real day out on your own and you hear, “How does it feel to be on your own, away from home, like a rolling stone?”
Since that first day at State University of New York in 1973, my father has grown a deep appreciation for Bob Dylan. As a Milennial, this same adoration did not come naturally. I just didn’t get it. Why Bob Dylan? He’s not even a good singer. His lyrics don’t really make sense. Why do people think he’s the best songwriter?
In an effort to get to know my father on a deeper level, and to understand the impacts of Bob Dylan’s legacy, I set out on a journey to explore the music for myself. Part of the expedition included this book, “Dylan: 100 Songs and Pictures” by Peter Doggett.
Each song posted here includes content from this book along with other sources I cited where applicable.
BOOK: “Dylan: 100 Songs & Pictures”
Blog Posts
Bob Dylan – Song #4: “Ballad of Hollis Brown”
Link to Song: Ballad of Hollis Brown What you should know about this song: Bob Dylan claims that the song is based on a true story that he saw in a newspaper about a man who, overwhelmed by the desperation of poverty, chooses to kill his wife, five kids, and himself...
Bob Dylan – Song #3: “Tomorrow is a Long Time”
Link to Song: Tomorrow is a Long Time What you should know about this song: This was the only Dylan song ever performed by Elvis Presley, which Bob has gone on to say was his favorite interpretation of his material... ever. Additionally, it's been covered by many...
Bob Dylan – Song #2: “Blowin’ in the Wind”
Link to Song: Blowin' in the Wind What you should know about this song: One of Bob Dylan's most famous songs of all time, "Blowin' in the Wind" was the second self-composed song featured on Dylan's first album (The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan, 1963) and has since been...
Bob Dylan – Song #1: “Song to Woody”
Link to Song: Song to Woody What you should know about this song: This song came off of Dylan's 1962 debut album and was written specifically for a significant influencer to Dylan's music, Woodiy Guthrie. Interestingly enough, it was only one of two self-composed...