Bob Dylan, a well-known American singer songwriter and recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature, has often been called a “modern day troubadour.” Read the article by David Ward, "Is Bob Dylan a Poet?" published in the Smithsonian Magazine in October 2016.
Dylan’s beginnings as a folk artist who idolized Woody Guthrie solidified his storytelling and protest-singer status with songs such as “Death of Emmett Till” and “A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall.”
Using information from the article, this week’s lecture and videos, discuss Dylan’s status as a “modern day troubadour.” Is it an accurate description of him and his music? Discuss his use of literary devices and possible compositional considerations discussed in the lecture. Do you know any other examples of "modern day troubadours"? Share an example with your classmates.
Full Answer Section
Ward also argues that Dylan's songs are often characterized by a sense of urgency and immediacy. He writes that Dylan's songs "speak to the moment" and that they "capture the mood of the times". This is evident in songs like "Blowin' in the Wind", which was written in the midst of the civil rights movement, and "The Times They Are a-Changin'", which was written in the wake of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Ward concludes by arguing that Dylan is a "modern day troubadour" who uses his music to "tell stories, to make observations, and to speak truth to power". He writes that Dylan's songs "are a testament to the power of art to change the world".
I agree with Ward's assessment of Dylan as a "modern day troubadour". His songs are characterized by their poetic language, their sense of urgency, and their ability to speak to the moment. Dylan is a master storyteller who uses his music to explore a wide range of topics, from social and political issues to personal relationships. His songs have had a profound impact on popular culture and have inspired generations of musicians and artists.
In addition to the literary devices mentioned by Ward, Dylan also uses other compositional techniques in his songs, such as repetition, refrains, and call-and-response. These techniques help to create a sense of rhythm and momentum in his songs, and they also help to make the lyrics more memorable. Dylan's songs are also often characterized by their use of improvisation. He often changes the lyrics and melodies of his songs from performance to performance, which keeps them fresh and interesting.
These are just a few examples of the many "modern day troubadours" who are using their music to tell stories, make observations, and speak truth to power. These artists are carrying on the tradition of the troubadours, who were wandering minstrels who traveled from place to place, singing songs and telling stories.
In conclusion, I believe that Bob Dylan is a true "modern day troubadour". His music is characterized by its poetic language, its sense of urgency, and its ability to speak to the moment. He is a master storyteller who uses his music to explore a wide range of topics, from social and political issues to personal relationships. His songs have had a profound impact on popular culture and have inspired generations of musicians and artists.
Sample Answer
In the article "Is Bob Dylan a Poet?", David Ward argues that Dylan's use of language and imagery in his songs is comparable to that of a poet. He cites examples of Dylan's songs that use figurative language, such as metaphor, simile, and allusion. For example, in the song "A Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall", Dylan uses the metaphor of a hard rain to represent the coming of social and political upheaval. He also uses allusions to biblical imagery, such as the "four horsemen of the apocalypse".