Bob Dylan’s song “The Times They Are-a-Changin” explores the global issue of change and making sure that society is taking action to actually make a difference before time catches up to us. He criticises the way in which people are choosing to believe that there is no need for change. The song was released in 1964 in an attempt to create change at that time. He was protesting the decisions of the government and society with reference to the America-Vietnam war and other events happening at that time.
Dylan uses figurative language to emphasise his message and to tell his listeners that they need to accept the fact that they need to change. He sings-
“And admit that the waters
Around you have grown”
“Then you better start swimmin’
Or you’ll sink like a stone”
The use of figurative language here is a metaphor for the arising problems and the consequences they will have if nothing changes. Dylan appeals to the common people to protest the lack of change and against the unfair actions of the society at that time. He simplifies his language to further connect with his listeners and so that it is easy for them to relate to. It is left up to the listener’s interpretation about what specific aspect of society needs to be changed.
Dylan sings that we shouldn’t “stand in the doorway” and “don’t block up the hall.” The doorway symbolises the exit from this unequal society into a change. It suggests that no one should block the way towards a positive and beneficial transformation that is needed for society. He is telling his audience that too many people are not in favour of change and that these people need to change their perspectives as they are preventing potential beneficial advancements.
The tone of this song is encouraging as it motivates the audience to take action and warns them of the consequences if they do not take the steps needed to prevent issues in society from becoming a large problem. The repetition of the lyric “for the times they are-a-changin” emphasises that there is still time to make a change. The song could also be interpreted as being more threatening through the lyric “if your time to you, is worth savin.” This suggests a more aggressive tone as it criticises his audience for allowing society to get to a point where it has become a question of life or death.
The lyrics of the songs represent a lasting sense of change that is referred to throughout the entire song. The theme of justice is also present as we can see that Dylan has made sure that he warns the people of the repercussions and consequences that their actions may have if they decide not to change in time with the changing perspectives of society. He makes it clear that it is extremely important for actions to be taken now in order for positive change to occur, and in order for our actions to make a difference before time catches up to us.
