Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changin'" (reflective post)

"The Times They Are A-Changin" written by Bob Dylan was constructed in the early 60's during the hippie movement/civil rights movement. I enjoy Bob Dylan and have heard this song before, but I have never stopped to analyze the lyrics. The only line I ever really heard was "For the times they are a-changin.'"  What exactly is Bob Dylan talking about?  


In the first stanza of this song, Dylan is calling people to gather together.  He is asking for unity to take place and for others to "admit that the waters around you have grown."  This is pointing to the flaws of the government and that if people do not see what is happening with racism and poverty and realize that something needs to change, than nothing will.  "Then you better start swimmin' or you'll sink like a stone," represents the call for people to stand up against what is going on in the United States so things don't end up worse.


In the second stanza, Dylan is speaking directly to those I am assuming who write for the media/newspaper.  The news has been talking badly about the times they are in and about the crisis of poverty and discrimination.  But, Dylan makes sure to tell them to not be to quick to speak, for times are changing and the good is arising.


In the third stanza, Dylan addresses the senators and congressmen and those involved in government affairs.  Bob Dylan is telling them to hear the call from those who want change and don't block those fighting for freedom.  "Don't block up the hall for he that gets hurt will be he who has stalled."  If senators and congressmen don't to anything to improve the country, then they will be hurt.  "There's a battle outside and it is ragin," could mean that there is about to be a battle for civil rights.  When I first read this, I thought it meant that there is a battle of government trying to keep control, but I believe Bob Dylan is talking about the good that is rising in the country.


In the fourth stanza, Bob Dylan addresses mothers and fathers and tells them not to criticize what they don't understand.  I believe this means that the youth are probably fighting for freedom and mothers and fathers look down on their kids for "rebelling," but Bob Dylan is saying that there is a need to fight for this freedom.  "And don't criticize what you can't understand your sons and your daughters are beyond your command your old road is rapidly agin' please get out of the new one."  

"The line it is drawn
The curse it is cast
The slow one now
Will later be fast
As the present now
Will later be past
The order is
Rapidly fadin'
And the first one now
Will later be last
For the times they are a-changin'."

In the last stanza, Bob Dylan is now speaking of the change that is taking place directly. Those who are standing up for their freedom and for civil rights are now the minority, but soon they will be the ones ruling and making change.  "As the present now will later be past the order is rapidly fadin,' shows that there is change taking place.  "For the times they are a-changin,'" is echoed throughout this whole song.

Even though Bob Dylan wrote this song in the 1960's, this song can be pretty applicable for today. We are currently going through a political revolution.  We are about to get a new president and many people are getting serious about what they want in their country.  People are starting to see what the country needs and the reasons why there needs to be dramatic change.  If we stand up and fight for what we believe in, we can change the course of history and bring positive change.  This year is very important for those to get educated in politics and realize that if you do stand up against what is wrong, change will eventually take place.