Dissent: The Times They Are A-Changin’
October 7th, 2008 | by Scott |For the first entry I thought I would post my all-time favorite protest song. There was no song that so indelibly captured the social and political change that rocked the 1960s like this Dylan classic. Released in 1964 this songs has been covered hundreds of times and stands as one of the greatest social commentaries ever recorded in music form. Dylan recently invoked this song when he endorsed Barack Obama for president.
The version below contains the lyrics:
I absolutely love this version by Blackmore’s Night:
7 Responses to “Dissent: The Times They Are A-Changin’”
By Politics & Culture on Oct 7, 2008 | Reply
What’s interesting is that Rock & Roll started out as anti-establishment. But now many of those same artists (Springsteen, Dylan, etc.) are embracing the establishment.
Love this quote from Alice Cooper: “If you’re listening to a rock star in order to get your information on who to vote for, you’re a bigger moron than they are. Why are we rock stars? Because we’re morons. We sleep all day, we play music at night and very rarely do we sit around reading the Washington Times.”
By Scott on Oct 7, 2008 | Reply
I stridently disagree with Mr. Cooper, although I am a big fan. I don’t believe that a categorical refusal to listen to an individual based upon their profession is a wise endeavor. If we failed to allow them to contribute to the national debate then we never would have elected Ronald Reagan and Rush Limbaugh (nothing more than a glorified entertainer) would not have a radio following.
There are many people who find themselves in the entertainment industry who have deep and passionate interests in making the world a better place. Their line of profession does not negate that. Look at Jackson Browne with nuclear proliferation, Charlton Heston with second amendment rights, John Mellencamp and Willie Nelson with the plight of the farmer and Jack Johnson with his environmental activism.
By greg on Oct 7, 2008 | Reply
The spider’s gonna get you . . .
By Robin on Oct 7, 2008 | Reply
How old are you again? Do you remember the 60’s to embrace an all time favorite protest song?
By Scott on Oct 7, 2008 | Reply
I’m not sure what my age has to do with my ability to have a favorite song in a genre regardless of how old it is.
But, to answer your question, I am 40.
By Robin on Oct 7, 2008 | Reply
It’s not the favorite song, it’s the next sentence about capturing the social and political change of the 60’s that makes it sound like you were there and involved.
By Scott on Oct 8, 2008 | Reply
Actually the statement is about the historicity of the song. I believe that I am intelligent and well-read enough to make a statement about a time in which I was not alive that seems to echo the historical perspective.
As a matter of fact, I make a living doing that.