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The Nobel Lecture
Published for the first time in a beautiful collectible edition, the essential lecture delivered by the 2016 recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature, Bob Dylan.
On October 13, 2016, Bob Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, recognizing his countless contributions to music and letters over the last fifty years. Some months later, he delivered an acceptance lecture that is now memorialized in book form for generations to come. In The Nobel Lecture , Dylan reflects on his life and experience with literature, providing both a rare artistic statement and an intimate look at a uniquely American icon. From finding inspiration in the music of Buddy Holly and Leadbelly to the works of literature that helped shape his own approach to writing— The Odyssey , Moby-Dick , and All Quiet on the Western Front —this is Dylan like you’ve never seen him before.
On October 13, 2016, Bob Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, recognizing his countless contributions to music and letters over the last fifty years. Some months later, he delivered an acceptance lecture that is now memorialized in book form for generations to come. In The Nobel Lecture , Dylan reflects on his life and experience with literature, providing both a rare artistic statement and an intimate look at a uniquely American icon. From finding inspiration in the music of Buddy Holly and Leadbelly to the works of literature that helped shape his own approach to writing— The Odyssey , Moby-Dick , and All Quiet on the Western Front —this is Dylan like you’ve never seen him before.
23 pages, Hardcover
First published October 31, 2017
38 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Bob Dylan
613 books1,521 followersBob Dylan (born Robert Allen Zimmerman) is an American singer-songwriter, author, musician, poet, and, of late, disc jockey who has been a major figure in popular music for five decades. Much of Dylan's most celebrated work dates from the 1960s, when he became an informal chronicler and a reluctant figurehead of American unrest. A number of his songs, such as "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are a-Changin'", became anthems of the anti-war and civil rights movements. His most recent studio album, Modern Times, released on August 29, 2006, entered the U.S. album charts at #1, making him, at age sixty five, the oldest living person to top those charts.
Bob Dylan won the Nobel Prize in Literature (2016).
Bob Dylan won the Nobel Prize in Literature (2016).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
May 10, 2018
When I received the Nobe Prize for Literature, I got to wondering exactly how my songs related to literature. I wanted to reflect on it and see where the connection was. I’m going to try to articulate that to you.Thus starts the Nobel lecture delivered by the laureate. If you think Bob Dylan makes good on this promise, then you hardly know him. The self-proclaimed Song and Dance Man keeps everyone more or less in the dark. Nevertheless, it was instructive read, especially what he has to say about Moby Dick, All Quiet on the Western Front, and The Odyssey. At at the very end, the Jokerman comes forward and is mocking the Nobel Committee and the rest of the audience when he says:
Our songs are alive in the land of the living. But songs are unlike literature. They’re meant to be sung, not read.[…] I hope some of you get the chance to listen to these lyrics the way they were intended to be heard: in concert or on record or however people are listening to songs these days. I return once again to Homer, who says, »Sing in me, O Muse, and through me tell the story.«
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March 16, 2018
Still don't think it was best decision to award him Noble Prize and it is nothing but Dylan's defense for same but, still, this speech is good.
https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_priz...
https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_priz...
March 20, 2020
"Sing in me, O Muse, and through me tell the story."
June 20, 2018
Leave it to Bob to use a speech upon winning the Nobel Prize for Literature to duck the question entirely (that he himself raises) about his songs as literature. He chooses instead to discuss three classic works of literature whose imagery and themes not only influenced him but other musicians of his generation: Moby Dick, All Quiet on the Western Front, and the Odyssey.
It's a short speech, and very simply written. But it's filled with demanding imagery and is very classic Dylan in its multi-layered simplicity and its 'punch'. One can only wish he'd made a song out of it.
It's a short speech, and very simply written. But it's filled with demanding imagery and is very classic Dylan in its multi-layered simplicity and its 'punch'. One can only wish he'd made a song out of it.
February 6, 2022
he like??? doesn’t talk about himself or his music which is a bit funky but how and ever
January 10, 2018
Personal response: I thoroughly enjoyed "The Nobel Lecture" by Bob Dylan due to how thought provoking it was. To be honest, when I heard that Dylan won the 2016 Nobel Prize for Literature I was a bit skeptical, but his lecture really made me think about the intertwining of both literature and music. I loved how he spoke about specific books in his lecture that affected his songwriting such as Moby Dick, All Quiet on the Western Front, and The Odyssey. The very best part of the lecture was how beautifully Dylan compared and contrasted being an author to being a songwriter but still managed to prove that they are one and the same. This was the first lecture that I have ever read in its entirety, and I hope that this lecture is praised on a larger scale than it already is.
Plot description: "The Nobel Lecture" by Bob Dylan mostly revolves around his favorite novels such as Herman Melville's masterwork Moby Dick, All Quiet on the Western Front, and even Homer's The Odyssey. I personally love how Dylan lectures about how literature made him the great folksinger he is today because he could have just as easily delivered an egotistical lecture. Dylan also spoke about how Buddy Holly served as an inspiration when it came to his early career. When Moby Dick was mentioned, Dylan went into detail about how it has lots of knowledge crammed in about whaling, geography, classical philosophy, and even pseudo-scientific theories. After addressing his love of Moby Dick, Dylan decided to praise the novel All Quiet on the Western Front, yet he pointed out that it was the most disturbing book he has ever read. The last book that Dylan touched upon was The Oddysey by Homer and made it apparent that the story inspired many fantastic folk songs such as ¨Home on the Range, ¨Homeward Bound¨, and ¨Green, Green Grass of Home¨. Dylan beautifully concluded his speech by reciting the famous Homer quote ,¨Sing in me, oh Muse, and through me tell the story.¨
Recommendation: "The Nobel Lecture" by Bob Dylan is definitely a must read for any fan of his regardless of how hardcore your fandom is. This lecture is also worth a peek for anyone who thought that Bob Dylan did not deserve to win the Nobel Prize for Literature because he effectively bridges the gap between music and literature. I would not recommend this lecture to anyone who does not appreciate Dylan as a person because the lecture is given him. If you appreciated this lecture, you would more than likely enjoy Dylan's autobiography Chronicles, Volume One
Plot description: "The Nobel Lecture" by Bob Dylan mostly revolves around his favorite novels such as Herman Melville's masterwork Moby Dick, All Quiet on the Western Front, and even Homer's The Odyssey. I personally love how Dylan lectures about how literature made him the great folksinger he is today because he could have just as easily delivered an egotistical lecture. Dylan also spoke about how Buddy Holly served as an inspiration when it came to his early career. When Moby Dick was mentioned, Dylan went into detail about how it has lots of knowledge crammed in about whaling, geography, classical philosophy, and even pseudo-scientific theories. After addressing his love of Moby Dick, Dylan decided to praise the novel All Quiet on the Western Front, yet he pointed out that it was the most disturbing book he has ever read. The last book that Dylan touched upon was The Oddysey by Homer and made it apparent that the story inspired many fantastic folk songs such as ¨Home on the Range, ¨Homeward Bound¨, and ¨Green, Green Grass of Home¨. Dylan beautifully concluded his speech by reciting the famous Homer quote ,¨Sing in me, oh Muse, and through me tell the story.¨
Recommendation: "The Nobel Lecture" by Bob Dylan is definitely a must read for any fan of his regardless of how hardcore your fandom is. This lecture is also worth a peek for anyone who thought that Bob Dylan did not deserve to win the Nobel Prize for Literature because he effectively bridges the gap between music and literature. I would not recommend this lecture to anyone who does not appreciate Dylan as a person because the lecture is given him. If you appreciated this lecture, you would more than likely enjoy Dylan's autobiography Chronicles, Volume One
May 23, 2023
i've always been interested in veiled autobiographies, pieces of writing where traits of the author seep into the text sporadically but intentionally. love the sprawling, undirected flow of this lecture, and also how some parts were allegedly plagiarised (😰) from Sparknotes. "Love and Theft" i guess; very Dylanesque
On Buddy Holly:
"Something about him seemed permanent, and he filled me with conviction."
On listening to a Leadbelly record:
"And that record changed my life right then and there. Transported me into a world I’d never known. It was like an explosion went off. Like I’d been walking in darkness and all of the sudden the darkness was illuminated. It was like somebody laid hands on me. I must have played that record a hundred times."
On Homer's Odyssey:
"In a lot of ways, some of these same things have happened to you. You too have had drugs dropped into your wine. You too have shared a bed with the wrong woman. You too have been spellbound by magical voices, sweet voices with strange melodies. You too have come so far and have been so far blown back. And you’ve had close calls as well. You have angered people you should not have. And you too have rambled this country all around. And you’ve also felt that ill wind, the one that blows you no good. And that’s still not all of it."
On Odysseus:
"...his courage won’t save him, but his trickery will."
On the subjectivity of a meaning to his songs:
"If a song moves you, that’s all that’s important. I don’t have to know what a song means. I’ve written all kinds of things into my songs. And I’m not going to worry about it – what it all means. When Melville put all his old testament, biblical references, scientific theories, Protestant doctrines, and all that knowledge of the sea and sailing ships and whales into one story, I don’t think he would have worried about it either – what it all means.
John Donne as well, the poet-priest who lived in the time of Shakespeare, wrote these words, “The Sestos and Abydos of her breasts. Not of two lovers, but two loves, the nests.” I don’t know what it means, either. But it sounds good. And you want your songs to sound good."
On the importance of his work being sung rather than read:
"That’s what songs are too. Our songs are alive in the land of the living. But songs are unlike literature. They’re meant to be sung, not read. The words in Shakespeare’s plays were meant to be acted on the stage. Just as lyrics in songs are meant to be sung, not read on a page. And I hope some of you get the chance to listen to these lyrics the way they were intended to be heard: in concert or on record or however people are listening to songs these days. I return once again to Homer, who says, “Sing in me, oh Muse, and through me tell the story.”"
On Buddy Holly:
"Something about him seemed permanent, and he filled me with conviction."
On listening to a Leadbelly record:
"And that record changed my life right then and there. Transported me into a world I’d never known. It was like an explosion went off. Like I’d been walking in darkness and all of the sudden the darkness was illuminated. It was like somebody laid hands on me. I must have played that record a hundred times."
On Homer's Odyssey:
"In a lot of ways, some of these same things have happened to you. You too have had drugs dropped into your wine. You too have shared a bed with the wrong woman. You too have been spellbound by magical voices, sweet voices with strange melodies. You too have come so far and have been so far blown back. And you’ve had close calls as well. You have angered people you should not have. And you too have rambled this country all around. And you’ve also felt that ill wind, the one that blows you no good. And that’s still not all of it."
On Odysseus:
"...his courage won’t save him, but his trickery will."
On the subjectivity of a meaning to his songs:
"If a song moves you, that’s all that’s important. I don’t have to know what a song means. I’ve written all kinds of things into my songs. And I’m not going to worry about it – what it all means. When Melville put all his old testament, biblical references, scientific theories, Protestant doctrines, and all that knowledge of the sea and sailing ships and whales into one story, I don’t think he would have worried about it either – what it all means.
John Donne as well, the poet-priest who lived in the time of Shakespeare, wrote these words, “The Sestos and Abydos of her breasts. Not of two lovers, but two loves, the nests.” I don’t know what it means, either. But it sounds good. And you want your songs to sound good."
On the importance of his work being sung rather than read:
"That’s what songs are too. Our songs are alive in the land of the living. But songs are unlike literature. They’re meant to be sung, not read. The words in Shakespeare’s plays were meant to be acted on the stage. Just as lyrics in songs are meant to be sung, not read on a page. And I hope some of you get the chance to listen to these lyrics the way they were intended to be heard: in concert or on record or however people are listening to songs these days. I return once again to Homer, who says, “Sing in me, oh Muse, and through me tell the story.”"
May 22, 2020
"If a song moves you, that's all that's important. I don't have to know what a song means."
"But songs are unlike literature. They're meant to be sung, not read."
And for every song he completed, he left a hundred songs unfinished.
"But songs are unlike literature. They're meant to be sung, not read."
And for every song he completed, he left a hundred songs unfinished.
June 19, 2024
I wanted to see what Dylan had to say about his work. It was thoughtful, and gave me additional to music that greatly influenced me. It’s also music by a person with integrity, profound talent, and relentless energy. I enjoyed this very-brief reprint of the acceptance speech greatly. Read it if you’re interested in Dylan.
February 23, 2025
I felt like I could hear Bob’s voice (and see him, actually) as if he was right in front of me accepting his award.
Now I need to read the three books he cited that helped to develop the internal framework for his entire body of work.
Now I need to read the three books he cited that helped to develop the internal framework for his entire body of work.
August 18, 2018
his chicken kiev recipe is pretty bonkers
June 30, 2025
i love getting insights into how people create
Read
April 6, 2019if Bob Dylan could win the Nobel Prize for Literature despite penning a single, universally reviled book of poetry, and having issues of plagiarism with his autobiography 'Chronicles', then I would like to see Eminem win the Nobel Prize as well, if the only consideration is the strength of their lyrics and how much they encapsulate the social conditions of a nation
February 10, 2018
Our songs are alive in the land of the living. But songs are unlike literature. They’re meant to be sung, not read. I hope some of you get the chance to listen to these lyrics the way they were intended to be heard: in concert or on record or however people are listening to songs these days. I return once again to Homer, who says, »Sing in me, O Muse, and through me tell the story
December 24, 2017
A fascinating peek into Dylan’s creative process, including a reflection on three books that had a particular impact on him - The Odyssey, All Quiet on the Western Front, and Moby-Dick. It’s a short read, but compelling nonetheless. I particularly enjoyed the discussion of Moby-Dick, as I had just read that book for the first time earlier this year. Dylan speaks about the way that Melville’s approach of incorporating a wide variety of sources and viewpoints appealed to him and how he used that approach in his own work. It was particularly interesting to note the particular passages and turns of phrase that jumped out at him. Recommended for any Dylan fan and anyone interested in the act of written creation (including its echoes of earlier works), regardless of whether or not you think he should have received this award.
January 27, 2019
An odd, short and witty little read. Definitely Dylan-esque.... it’s very rambled, and yet has little nuggets of truth all throughout. Loved how at the end, while Dylan payed homage to the works of literature that have influenced his music, and songs, he reinforced the fact that music is different than literature, saying his songs are meant to be sung, not just read.
An interesting read if you have an interest in Dylan and his work.
An interesting read if you have an interest in Dylan and his work.
December 23, 2018
“Bob Dylan – The Nobel Lecture”
Wonderful 27 minute speech by the unexpected winner of the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature.
“When I received the Nobel Prize for Literature, I got to wondering exactly how my songs related to literature. I wanted to reflect on it and see where the connection was. I’m going to try to articulate that to you.”
“I had principles and sensibilities and an informed view of the world, and I had had that for a while. Learned it all in grammar school: 'Don Quixote,' 'Ivanhoe,' 'Robinson Crusoe,' 'Gulliver's Travels,' 'Tale of Two Cities,' all the rest, typical grammar school reading. They gave you a way of looking at life, an understanding of human nature, and a standard to measure things by. I took all that with me when I started composing lyrics, and the themes from those books worked their way into many of my songs, either knowingly or unintentionally.”
“'Moby Dick' is a fascinating book, a book that's filled with scenes of high drama and dramatic dialogue. The book makes demands on you. . . . This book tells how different men react in different ways to the same experience. . . . That theme, and all that it implies, would work its way into more than a few of my songs.”
“'All Quiet on the Western Front' is a horror story. This is a book where you lose your childhood, your faith in a meaningful world, and your concern for individuals. . . . Once you loved life, and the world. Now you're shooting it to pieces.”
“'The Odyssey' is a strange, adventurous tale of a grown man trying to get home after fighting in a war. He's on that long journey home, and it's filled with traps and pitfalls. He's cursed to wander.”
“So what does it all mean? . . . If a song moves you, that's all that's important.”
- - -
Wonderful 27 minute speech by the unexpected winner of the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature.
“When I received the Nobel Prize for Literature, I got to wondering exactly how my songs related to literature. I wanted to reflect on it and see where the connection was. I’m going to try to articulate that to you.”
“I had principles and sensibilities and an informed view of the world, and I had had that for a while. Learned it all in grammar school: 'Don Quixote,' 'Ivanhoe,' 'Robinson Crusoe,' 'Gulliver's Travels,' 'Tale of Two Cities,' all the rest, typical grammar school reading. They gave you a way of looking at life, an understanding of human nature, and a standard to measure things by. I took all that with me when I started composing lyrics, and the themes from those books worked their way into many of my songs, either knowingly or unintentionally.”
“'Moby Dick' is a fascinating book, a book that's filled with scenes of high drama and dramatic dialogue. The book makes demands on you. . . . This book tells how different men react in different ways to the same experience. . . . That theme, and all that it implies, would work its way into more than a few of my songs.”
“'All Quiet on the Western Front' is a horror story. This is a book where you lose your childhood, your faith in a meaningful world, and your concern for individuals. . . . Once you loved life, and the world. Now you're shooting it to pieces.”
“'The Odyssey' is a strange, adventurous tale of a grown man trying to get home after fighting in a war. He's on that long journey home, and it's filled with traps and pitfalls. He's cursed to wander.”
“So what does it all mean? . . . If a song moves you, that's all that's important.”
- - -
September 13, 2019
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Ooooops logo is up and ready for shenanigans x cool an we do next cracked actor notched I'm rich notch Chappell
Right mom 77878007 James bond assistant only best role Chappell and my only guest aprons love Benn to let's Muskegon in charge of the and only no star can appear at will make them p
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It's previous present owner not interested bout y me 0 my pace I I snowfall best pace get t take somewhere for lunch I know after where breakfast best I go when next you go I at 264 happy here both love aprons that some one thinks of funny but there way or kill them wondering speak strongest show ever acoustic app new wrk me collateral invader Benn and Alcon very diff for sure Ted heart scarlet notch arrived w crew instead not best of knowledge they held Bob hostage I become I know other Bob help e find no faster in jail hottie fail torture both thankful boys Alltel the deep story also Jordan peer they know who else me crazy horse captain residents owns him Shawnee for my greatest heroes are India's never tried biggest ar!I in Amarillo love it or leave you sick funking papa smut we will know may after antitrust personal enemy. Dad Dave pick John
Pick true oddity is righteously to sing first timeout joint vocal heard first overgrown fibers Smith .org powerful! Captain on here is what measly do see Bob first in best points of Alexandria book depository aprons gets 108 Benn 264 for Bob mutation stone bench in sanctuary instead most power I look inadequate to two ecologists oral like pod sc
December 9, 2018
I may be one of the few who truly believe this was a good choice for a literary Nobel prize as if you've ever sang or read his works you would too. I've done both. He sings of hate, hardship, love, well kind of and other political types of songs. Love him or hate him he's a writer and a poet. I read this in one go in Dymocks while waiting for our Bookclub to begin but still can't decide whether or not to buy it. It's an excellent speech and he calls on a couple of books and singers relating to his encouragement to be one a writer and also a singer. This is well worth a read to 'get' what he's on about and why he uses his style of writing. I feel he's a very intelligent and well read guy and I take my hat off to the lecturer in America who teaches his works like any good lecturer would teach Shakespeare and I love both. Not quite in Shakespeare's league but not far off either. I'd say Dylan has written quite a lot of stuff too. I also love Leonard Cohen and there again there is no other like Cohen so perhaps he will get a posthumous Nobel Prize on day if there is any such award? Read this and see what you think and don't take my ramblings as gospel. I saw him probably for the last time this year in Adelaide and he was, well just Dylan. He does Egan he wants and when he wants and he'll never be forgotten and his dings will be sung by all ages whether you enjoy his performances or not. I was glad I saw him as it was totally different from way back when I saw him before but I did enjoy his show. Another tick in my bucket list and many more to go 👍
June 8, 2025
The Nobel Lecture by Bob Dylan contains the speech Bob Dylan gave when, on October 13, 2016, he became the first American musician in history to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. In his speech, he reflects on his life, along with his literary influences that guided him along the way. He specifically discusses three books that had a profound influence on him ever since he read them as a kid: Moby-Dick, All Quiet on the Western Front, and The Odyssey. Dylan shares how the themes expressed in these books have influenced not only him, but also other songwriters. He says, like other authors and songwriters, he doesn’t always know what his songs mean, but he’s not going to worry about it, finally quoting Homer: “Sing in me, O Muse, and through me tell the story.”
I absolutely loved this little book. I am a huge fan of Bob Dylan, and I knew when I saw this book in Barnes & Noble that I had to buy it. I really enjoyed reading what the musician had to say about his winning a Nobel Prize in Literature and his overall love for literature. Books and songs are very similar in ways, with both artforms sharing unique stories and themes with their audiences. I also found it interesting to hear Dylan say that he doesn’t always know what his songs mean - and he is content that way. I could imagine this is true for a lot of artists (in every genre/form), and it tends to create even more raw, emotional, and powerful art because it isn’t overly calculated and forced. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this short book, and would recommend it to any Bob Dylan fan, like myself!
I absolutely loved this little book. I am a huge fan of Bob Dylan, and I knew when I saw this book in Barnes & Noble that I had to buy it. I really enjoyed reading what the musician had to say about his winning a Nobel Prize in Literature and his overall love for literature. Books and songs are very similar in ways, with both artforms sharing unique stories and themes with their audiences. I also found it interesting to hear Dylan say that he doesn’t always know what his songs mean - and he is content that way. I could imagine this is true for a lot of artists (in every genre/form), and it tends to create even more raw, emotional, and powerful art because it isn’t overly calculated and forced. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this short book, and would recommend it to any Bob Dylan fan, like myself!
March 10, 2019
This book is actually the acceptance speech that Bob Dylan gave when he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016.
I was talking with a friend about Bob Dylan and his Nobel Prize came up and he loaned me his Kindle and I read The Nobel Lecture by Bob Dylan. Later I found it on YouTube and you can listen to it here. I cannot call it inspiring but it is worth time reading or listening to just like other recipients of any Nobel Prize. Some people call it rambling, while others call it extraordinary, but it does reveal, at least according to Dylan why he became a songwriter and folk singer.
Dylan talks about four influences of his career, Buddy Holly, and the books Moby Dick, All Quiet on the Western Front, and The Oddessey and how they influenced his writings, either knowingly or not.
I guess I'm going to have to listen a little differently when I listen to Tombstone Blues and Maggie's Farm in the future, to see if I can hear some of these stories in his songs, but I've never found the interest to read Remarque, like a journey I don't want to travel. I guess I know what I'll be listening to on my commutes to work next week.
If you're a Bob Dylan fan take the time to read or listen to his speech. It does give you an insight into some of his influences.
I was talking with a friend about Bob Dylan and his Nobel Prize came up and he loaned me his Kindle and I read The Nobel Lecture by Bob Dylan. Later I found it on YouTube and you can listen to it here. I cannot call it inspiring but it is worth time reading or listening to just like other recipients of any Nobel Prize. Some people call it rambling, while others call it extraordinary, but it does reveal, at least according to Dylan why he became a songwriter and folk singer.
Dylan talks about four influences of his career, Buddy Holly, and the books Moby Dick, All Quiet on the Western Front, and The Oddessey and how they influenced his writings, either knowingly or not.
I guess I'm going to have to listen a little differently when I listen to Tombstone Blues and Maggie's Farm in the future, to see if I can hear some of these stories in his songs, but I've never found the interest to read Remarque, like a journey I don't want to travel. I guess I know what I'll be listening to on my commutes to work next week.
If you're a Bob Dylan fan take the time to read or listen to his speech. It does give you an insight into some of his influences.
October 14, 2020
The Nobel Lecture by Bob Dylan contains the speech Bob Dylan gave when, on October 13, 2016, he became the first American musician in history to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. In his speech, he reflects on his life, along with his literary influences that guided him along the way. He specifically discusses three books that had a profound influence on him ever since he read them as a kid: Moby-Dick, All Quiet on the Western Front, and The Odyssey. Dylan shares how the themes expressed in these books have influenced not only him, but also other songwriters. He says, like other authors and songwriters, he doesn’t always know what his songs mean, but he’s not going to worry about it, finally quoting Homer: “Sing in me, O Muse, and through me tell the story.”
I absolutely loved this little book. I am a huge fan of Bob Dylan, and I knew when I saw this book in Barnes & Noble that I had to buy it. I really enjoyed reading what the musician had to say about his winning a Nobel Prize in Literature and his overall love for literature. Books and songs are very similar in ways, with both artforms sharing unique stories and themes with their audiences. I also found it interesting to hear Dylan say that he doesn’t always know what his songs mean - and he is content that way. I could imagine this is true for a lot of artists (in every genre/form), and it tends to create even more raw, emotional, and powerful art because it isn’t overly calculated and forced. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this short book, and would recommend it to any Bob Dylan fan, like myself!
I absolutely loved this little book. I am a huge fan of Bob Dylan, and I knew when I saw this book in Barnes & Noble that I had to buy it. I really enjoyed reading what the musician had to say about his winning a Nobel Prize in Literature and his overall love for literature. Books and songs are very similar in ways, with both artforms sharing unique stories and themes with their audiences. I also found it interesting to hear Dylan say that he doesn’t always know what his songs mean - and he is content that way. I could imagine this is true for a lot of artists (in every genre/form), and it tends to create even more raw, emotional, and powerful art because it isn’t overly calculated and forced. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this short book, and would recommend it to any Bob Dylan fan, like myself!
July 6, 2023
Bob Dylan
Nobel Lecture
Read July 2023
Naaah, not much here.
”When I received the Nobe Prize for Literature, I got to wondering exactly how my songs related to literature. I wanted to reflect on it and see where the connection was.”…. but actually, he doesn't: He gives a sort of summery of Moby Dick, All Quiet on the Western Front, and The Odyssey. (with several mistakes, for instance how the main character of All Quiet on the Western Front ). Just summery, no refection. Nothing about what it means. Quite the opposite: “Melville ….. I don’t think he would have worried about it either – what it all means.”
The most interesting part is probably the end ”But songs are unlike literature. They’re meant to be sung, not read.”. Yes, he just said so in his Nobel Lecture for Literature.
The speech can be heard and read here:
https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/lit...
It is not an actual video, just audio.
Nobel Lecture
Read July 2023
Naaah, not much here.
”When I received the Nobe Prize for Literature, I got to wondering exactly how my songs related to literature. I wanted to reflect on it and see where the connection was.”…. but actually, he doesn't: He gives a sort of summery of Moby Dick, All Quiet on the Western Front, and The Odyssey. (with several mistakes, for instance how the main character of All Quiet on the Western Front ). Just summery, no refection. Nothing about what it means. Quite the opposite: “Melville ….. I don’t think he would have worried about it either – what it all means.”
The most interesting part is probably the end ”But songs are unlike literature. They’re meant to be sung, not read.”. Yes, he just said so in his Nobel Lecture for Literature.
The speech can be heard and read here:
https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/lit...
It is not an actual video, just audio.
November 20, 2024
I don't know much about Bob Dylan, apart from the fact that he's regarded as one of the best songwriters of all time, and that my brother loves him. This essay/lecture popped up on my kindle, and I thought, why not?
It's pretty short. There's not that much being illuminated/explored, but not everything needs that. I think what Dylan was trying to get at here, after winning a Nobel Prize for Literature, is that literature is so influential, so key to our figuring of ourselves and, in his case, his writing of songs and music. I thoroughly appreciate how down-to-earth this piece is. I would totally understand if, upon winning a literal Nobel prize, he constructed a highly philosophical, deep and sophisticated lecture to deliver, but that's not the approach he decided upon. It's simply a discussion of where his music comes from, the key literature that influenced it, and an ending statement that encourages you to remember that lyrics are to be listened to, not just read.
rating as of 20/11/2024: 3 stars
It's pretty short. There's not that much being illuminated/explored, but not everything needs that. I think what Dylan was trying to get at here, after winning a Nobel Prize for Literature, is that literature is so influential, so key to our figuring of ourselves and, in his case, his writing of songs and music. I thoroughly appreciate how down-to-earth this piece is. I would totally understand if, upon winning a literal Nobel prize, he constructed a highly philosophical, deep and sophisticated lecture to deliver, but that's not the approach he decided upon. It's simply a discussion of where his music comes from, the key literature that influenced it, and an ending statement that encourages you to remember that lyrics are to be listened to, not just read.
rating as of 20/11/2024: 3 stars
January 4, 2018
"By listening to all the early folk artists and singing the songs yourself, you pick up the vernacular. You internalize it. You sing it in the ragtime blues, work songs, Georgia sea shanties, Appalachian ballads, and cowboy songs. You hear all the finer points, and you learn the details.
"You know what it's all about. Takin' the pistol out and puttin' it back in your pocket. Whippin' your way through traffic, talkin' in the dark. You know that Stagger Lee was a bad man and that Frankie was a good girl. You know that Washington is a bourgeois town and you've heard the deep-pitched voice of John the Revelator and you saw the Titanic sink in a boggy creek. And you're pals with the wild Irish rover and the wild colonial boy. You heard the muffled drums and the fifes that played lowly. You've seen the lusty Lord Donald stick a knife in his wife, and a lot of your comrades have been wrapped in white linen" (4-5).
"You know what it's all about. Takin' the pistol out and puttin' it back in your pocket. Whippin' your way through traffic, talkin' in the dark. You know that Stagger Lee was a bad man and that Frankie was a good girl. You know that Washington is a bourgeois town and you've heard the deep-pitched voice of John the Revelator and you saw the Titanic sink in a boggy creek. And you're pals with the wild Irish rover and the wild colonial boy. You heard the muffled drums and the fifes that played lowly. You've seen the lusty Lord Donald stick a knife in his wife, and a lot of your comrades have been wrapped in white linen" (4-5).
December 19, 2017
Dylan's Nobel lecture is like a fragment of his Chronicles. He muses on why he's been given this prize and the nature of literature. He talks about the songs and three important books that have influenced him - Moby Dick, All Quiet on the Western Front and The Odyssey - and describes their contents from memory (with some of it cribbed, apparently, from textbook notes). He, as per the Biograph interview back in the mid-1980s, states his belief in the universality and constant applicability of the themes of the works which influenced him. He finally says that, unlike literature, his words are meant to be sung and that's how he hopes that the listener/reader will experience them. At the close, with a bravura knowing wink, he states that his work is no more literature than Shakespeare or Homer.
December 29, 2017
Dylan never delivered this speech in person. In it, he discusses three impactful literary texts: The Odyssey, Moby Dick, and All Quiet on the Western Front. He also shares some debate-worthy views relating to interpretation and lyrics: “If a song moves you, that’s all that’s important. I don’t have to know what a song means. I’ve written all kinds of things into my songs, and I’m not going to worry about it— what it all means. . . . Our songs are alive in the land of the living, but songs are unlike literature. They’re made to be sung, not read. . . . I hope some of you get a chance to listen to these lyrics the way they were intended to be heard— in concert or on record or however people are listening to songs these days.”
April 8, 2021
El primer Nobel de literatura a una obra (casi) enteramente musical. Uno de los premios más polémicos de los últimos tiempos.
En su discurso, Bob Dylan habla de tres obras literarias que dejaron huella en su música (Moby Dick, Sin novedad en el frente y La Odisea) y de cómo esas obras son tan cercanas y a la vez no, a sus canciones.
But songs are unlike literature. They’re meant to be sung, not read. The words in Shakespeare’s plays were meant to be acted on the stage. Just as lyrics in songs are meant to be sung, not read on a page. And I hope some of you get the chance to listen to these lyrics the way they were intented to be heard (...). I return once again to Homer, who says “Sing in me, O Muse, and through me, tell the story”
En su discurso, Bob Dylan habla de tres obras literarias que dejaron huella en su música (Moby Dick, Sin novedad en el frente y La Odisea) y de cómo esas obras son tan cercanas y a la vez no, a sus canciones.
But songs are unlike literature. They’re meant to be sung, not read. The words in Shakespeare’s plays were meant to be acted on the stage. Just as lyrics in songs are meant to be sung, not read on a page. And I hope some of you get the chance to listen to these lyrics the way they were intented to be heard (...). I return once again to Homer, who says “Sing in me, O Muse, and through me, tell the story”
December 31, 2024
“I’m not going to worry about it — what it all means.”
My final book of 2024! I’m glad Dylan has re-entered my consciousness, as with the larger culture’s.
I hear this was a controversial choice, awarding a songwriter a prize for literature. But I agree with Richard Thomas, who I got to see on his press run for Why Dylan Matters, that Dylan’s verses belong up there with the likes of Virgil’s.
But unlike most literary folk, Dylan shrugs off the meaning of his work or any great work. A song must only sound good.
This is a treasure on account of hearing Dylan’s impressions on Moby Dick, All Quiet on the Western Front, and the Odyssey, but fun also to see what character Dylan has chosen to play here, the cryptic, nonchalant servant of the Muse.
My final book of 2024! I’m glad Dylan has re-entered my consciousness, as with the larger culture’s.
I hear this was a controversial choice, awarding a songwriter a prize for literature. But I agree with Richard Thomas, who I got to see on his press run for Why Dylan Matters, that Dylan’s verses belong up there with the likes of Virgil’s.
But unlike most literary folk, Dylan shrugs off the meaning of his work or any great work. A song must only sound good.
This is a treasure on account of hearing Dylan’s impressions on Moby Dick, All Quiet on the Western Front, and the Odyssey, but fun also to see what character Dylan has chosen to play here, the cryptic, nonchalant servant of the Muse.
December 19, 2017
Dylan became the first American musician to be award the Nobel Prize in Literature. The award was announced on October 13, 2016. Dylan was unresponsive for several days and many believed that he was going to decline the award. Dylan rather was revisiting the literature that influenced his songwriting. In his lecture, Dylan relays themes from “Moby Dick,” “All Quiet on the Western Front,” And “The Odyssey” and how those have impacted him as well as others songwriters. Dylan also comments that his work is best experienced in concert or on record as opposed to on page. This book is the complete lecture written by Dylan that was ultimately delivered in person by Patti Smith.
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