Bob Dylan, the legendary singer-songwriter and Nobel Prize laureate, has long been celebrated for his poetic lyrics and profound musical contributions. Now, in his first book since 2004’s Chronicles: Volume One, Dylan delves into the heart of songwriting with The Philosophy of Modern Song.
Unveiling the Book
The Philosophy of Modern Song is a collection of over 60 essays that meticulously dissect and appreciate the works of other songwriters. The book, published by Simon & Schuster, has been 12 years in the making, with Dylan’s journey beginning back in 2010. In these essays, he offers his extraordinary insights into the nature of popular music, revealing the inner workings of timeless songs.
Dylan’s approach to song analysis is akin to a master class. He dissects what he calls the “trap of easy rhymes,” breaks down how a single syllable can impact a song, and even draws connections between seemingly disparate genres—such as bluegrass and heavy metal. But beyond the technical aspects, these essays are also meditations on the human condition, reflecting on life, love, and the universal emotions that music evokes.
The Songs Explored
The heart of The Philosophy of Modern Song lies in the 66 songs that Dylan writes about. These selections span decades and genres, showcasing the breadth of his musical appreciation.
Some highlights:
– Elvis Presley: Dylan explores four Presley classics, including “Money Honey,” “Blue Moon,” and “Viva Las Vegas.”
– Ray Charles: Three songs associated with Ray Charles—“Come Rain or Come Shine,” “I Got a Woman,” and “You Don’t Know Me”—receive Dylan’s thoughtful analysis.
– Frank Sinatra: From Sinatra’s catalog, Dylan delves into “Strangers in the Night” and “Without a Song.”
– Cher: Yes, even Cher’s “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves” gets its due attention.
– The Eagles: Surprisingly, “Witchy Woman” by the Eagles makes the list, alongside other Eagles favorites like “New Kid in Town” and “Life in the Fast Lane.”
Dylan’s choices span time and style, from blues and R&B to punk and new wave. He even includes songs from the early 1900s and more recent tracks like Warren Zevon’s “Dirty Life and Times” from his 2003 album The Wind.
A Literary Journey
The Philosophy of Modern Song promises to be a literary journey through the soul of music. Bob Dylan, ever the enigmatic troubadour, invites us to explore the magic and meaning behind the songs that have shaped our lives.
Whether you’re a die-hard Dylan fan or simply curious about the art of songwriting, this book is bound to resonate. As the Nobel laureate himself once sang, “The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.”
