How does ‘The Times They Are-a-Changin’ explore the global issues of power and conflict?

There was quite a lot of historical, social and political upheaval that was taking place in the United States at the time that Bob Dylan released his legendary track ‘The Times They Are-a-Changin’ – this defiant song therefore gives an assured voice to the important issues and concerns that were present at the time.

I definitely think that two of the most prominent global issues that can be explored within this song, but also within most of Bob Dylan’s songs are the global issues of power and conflict – not only political conflict, but also social conflict. This song is about how the times are changing, and how it is important for us to accept that the times are changing and not let life pass us by. His lyrics therefore serve as a call to arms to all of those who were unaware of what was happening – he was trying to tell the audience, through his lyrics, to wake up and see that the world is quickly changing around them, saying that it will pass by all of them if they let it. The lyrics of the song definitely try and represent a lasting sense of change that can be referred to throughout the entire song. Along with the global issue of conflict that can be explored, we can see the theme of justice that is presented, as Bob Dylan has made sure that he warns the people of the repercussions and therefore the bad consequences that their actions could have if they decide to not go along with the change that is occurring. There is a sense of inevitability since Dylan seems to be giving the audience a warning, saying that if we continue to live this way, it will be inevitable for the things that he has mentioned to actually happen. He makes it seem as though there is still time to take action, however it is extremely important for that action to be taken now in order for the proper change to occur, and in order for our actions to actually make a difference before time catches up to us.

Bob Dylan is quite subtle in the way that he warns the audience about impending conflict and struggles if we do not take action now. He uses figurative language in order to emphasise his message as it could imply the fact that his perception of society and an ideal world is too unrealistic. For example, some of his lyrics in the first stanza of this song are “And admit that the waters / Around you have grown / Then you better start swimmin’ / Or you’ll sink like a stone”. Bob Dylan does not want his audience to interpret these lyrics in the literal way, as water can’t “grow”, however the use of figurative language in this cases symbolises the fact that water is rising, therefore representing possible problems that might be arising. The following two lines demonstrate the fact that if no action is taken, there could be fatal consequences. Dylan is directly appealing to the audience in order to protest and take action against the unfair and arbitrary actions of society at the time. The figurative language that is used is simple, and therefore exaggerates the importance as well as the complexity of the problem, leaving it up to the audience to interpret what aspects of society need to be changed, and what might require immediate action. Bob Dylan makes sure to use simple ideas in order to get his message through, and make his message more relatable and understandable for the audience.

The idea of conflict is presented to the audience in a more subtle manner as we can see that the message to us is that conflict will arise if people do not move along with the change that is occurring. However, the idea of power and hierarchies within society is explored throughout the lyrics. The fact that he begins every verse with “come” and then names a different group of people shows the audience that he is calling out to everybody, and that he is breaking down the hierarchy and the difference in social status. He is making sure that equality reigns over in his lyrics as he addresses every single person in society, whether they be congressmen or writers. I believe that one of his most powerful messages that he wants to get through this song is that no matter what your social status is, and no matter how much power you may have in your own field, we are all people, and we are therefore meant to live in an equal society. He is saying that if we do not work together, as a whole, and break down the hierarchy present in society as well as the differences in equality within different social classes that have been so harshly defined, we will never be able to survive the change that is happening around us.

The main global issues of power and conflict are explored throughout the entire song as Bob Dylan targets the hierarchy that is found within society as well as the impending conflict that could occur should society continue functioning and acting in this manner.