Meaning of “Blowin’ In The Wind” by Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is an artist who initially blew up during the 1960s. That moment in time, as you may already know, was a tumultuous era in American history. But he embraced the moment by confronting its pressing issues head on. And in that regard, it has been generally concluded that “Blowin’ in the Wind” is an anti-war song. Moreover Dylan takes a macrocosmic and philosophical approach to the matter wondering when, if ever, men will stop killing and subjugating each other en masse.
“How many years can some people exist
Before they’re allowed to be free?
Yes, and how many times can a man turn his head
And pretend that he just doesn’t see?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind”
Facts about “Blowin’ in the Wind”
“Blowin’ in the Wind” was exclusively composed by Bob Dylan, and its producers are Tom Wilson and John Hammond.
The song was officially released on 27th May 1963. It is the second single from Bob Dylan’s sophomore studio album, which is entitled “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan”.
The melody and general inspiration behind “Blowin’ in the Wind” was derived from an old African-American spiritual entitled “No More Auction Block”, which dates back to the mid-18th century.
This track has been enshrined in the Grammy Hall of Fame as of 1994, and Rolling Stone ranked it the 14th ‘Greatest Song of All Time’ in 2011.
A song of this magnitude has of course been covered by a plethora of famous artists throughout the years. And some names on the list include Peter, Paul & Mary (1963), Marianne Faithfull (1964) and Stevie Wonder (1966).
“Blowin’ in the Wind” is considered to be a folk song. And in addition to being a criticism of war, Bob Dylan described it as a song which, in a roundabout way, also takes a stab at know-it-alls.
