Bob Dylan Political Voice Of A Generation Analysis

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Dylan hardly ever missed an opportunity to express his contempt for being labelled the ‘political voice of a generation’. However this did not prevent him from becoming one of the most influential figures in 1960’s counterculture.
1960’s America was characterised by political activism. Issues such as race, class and gender each came to the forefront of the public’s attention at various points throughout the decade. Acts of protest came to symbolise the generation’s desire for change, and no writer seemed to encompass the ideals of the counterculture movement better than young musician Bob Dylan.
This leads to my question which is “To what extent was Bob Dylan the ‘political voice of a generation’?” Closely evaluating his role as a social …show more content…

In contrast, fellow Freewheelin track ‘Masters of War’ is much more incriminating towards the government and their corrupt policies. It is known as one of Dylan’s ‘finger-pointing songs’ placing the blame on war-makers and the damage that they have caused. The lyrics express Dylan’s disgust that those in command are never forced to directly engage in the conflicts that they create, rather they sit back and profit from fear and violence. (marqusee). (Listen to first and second …show more content…

It’s a young man’s rage – outrage really”. Dylan’s tone throughout the song is contemptuous, there are no choruses and the guitar playing is unyielding. The entire song is an unrelenting attack upon the politicians who have used suffering and death to benefit the elite. By the end of the song Dylan directly interrogates the politicians: (Listen to verse 7)
Let me ask you one question
Is your money that good
Will it buy you forgiveness
Do you think that it could
I think you will find
When your death takes its toll
All the money you made
Will never buy back your

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