Bob Dylan

Dylan's career began in the early 1960s. He was known for writing songs that dealt with social issues like war and civil rights. His song "The Times They Are A-Changin" is a great example of this, as its theme is that people can come together and create positive change if they stand up for what they believe in (civil rights).

"The Times They Are A-Changin" original copy:

Lyrics:

Come gather around people

Wherever you roam

And admit that the waters

Around you have grown

And accept it that soon

You'll be drenched to the bone

And if your breath to you is worth saving

Then you better start swimming or you'll sink like a stone

For the times they are a-changing

Everyone come together, and admit that the problems around you have grown. If you do not see what is happening around you (racism, poverty, etc.) or if you sit back and do nothing, then the problems will only worsen.

Come writers and critics

Who prophesize with your pen

And keep your eyes wide

The chance won't come again

And don't speak too soon

For the wheel's still in spin

And there's no telling who that it's naming

For the loser now will be later to win

Cause the times they are a-changing

Writers and critics, don't be too quick to write about the bad times we're in. The times are changing for the better soon.

Come senators, congressmen

Please heed the call

Don't stand in the doorway

Don't block up the hall

For he that gets hurt

Will be he who has stalled

There's the battle outside raging

It'll soon shake your windows and rattle your walls

For the times they are a-changing

Senators and congressmen, don't block out the people who want to take part in the political revolution. If you stand in their way, you will end up being the one who gets hurt.

Come mothers and fathers

Throughout the land

And don't criticize

What you can't understand

Your sons and your daughters

Are beyond your command

Your old road is rapidly aging

Please get out of the new one if you can't lend your hand

Cause the times they are a-changing

Parents, don't criticize your children for fighting for what they believe in. Your ways are no longer current.

The line it is drawn

The curse it is cast

The slowest now

Will later be fast

As the present now

Will later be past

The order is rapidly fading

And the first one now will later be last

Cause the times they are a-changing

The minority of people are fighting for this political revolution, but they will soon be the majority because the times are changing.