New Song Man

“Art is disagreement.” — Bob Dylan

There is a contradiction built into the work of any artist who achieves success, especially those who perform. The artist wishes, needs to keep changing, while those celebrating the art really just want to celebrate the known. They want to hear the same old songs.

Such is the reality of Bob Dylan and his never-ending experiment. He hasn’t stopped changing or following his instincts, but his audiences have often had trouble keeping up.

I admire Dylan the writer, the storyteller who can spin a good tale within the limited parameters of a song. Well, not so limited in some cases — among my many favorites are his impossibly long, soulful ballads that seem like they could go on and on forever.

Just like the man.

But I’m in awe of him as an artist and his unending commitment to his art. Not to mention his sheer life force — he has kept writing and singing into his eighties. And he never stops breaking new ground because that is what he’s always really been all about.

Recommended Reading: “Art is Disagreement — A Complete Unknown and the myths of Bob Dylan” (The Nation)

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