Blowin’ in the Wind by Bob Dylan
How many roads must a man walk down
Before you call him a man?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind
In his song “Blowin’ in the Wind,” Bob Dylan makes multiple obscured political statements during its release during the 1960s. In his line, “How many roads must a man walk down before you call him a man?” It can be inferred that Dylan alludes to the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Using the terms “how many roads,” he showcases how the fight for equal rights among African Americans, especially in the South, is a long and challenging battle. The “man” in the song represents the Black community, who, at the time, were demanding equal rights, very well knowing the arduous road it would take for them to achieve it. Furthermore, in the lyrics “The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind,” it can be implied that Dylan believes the solution is so obvious and apparent of what society must do to achieve equality that it is “blowin’ in the wind” and felt by everyone.
The song is slow, almost like a conversation, which I interpret as it is not meant to present his musical talent, which he undoubtedly has; it is more centered towards the meaning of the song and the message behind it. Dylan’s emphasis on a simple melody with powerful lyrics to highlight the Civil Rights Movement’s importance compel many to agree that the song works perfectly regarding lyrics and beat.
