When The New Republic magazine predicted who would win the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature on Oct. 6th, it said, “Not Bob Dylan. That's for sure.” However, the award came as a surprise to many. On Oct. 13th, the famous US musician was named the Nobel laureate (获奖者) by the Swedish Academy. He has created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition, according to the organization.
Although Dylan, 75, is not really thought to be a literary writer, he has given the world a lot of creative works over 50 years, especially when it comes to his folk songs.
In his 1985 album Biograph, Dylan wrote about the appeal of folk music to him. Rock songs weren't serious enough or didn't reflect life in a realistic way, according to Dylan. But folk was a more serious type of thing. The songs are filled with more sadness, more joy and much deeper feelings.
Dylan's music and lyrics spoke to many people during the 1960s. His lyrics were often about great political issues, such as the Civil Rights Movement. The 1960s was a time of change when the young were making sure that their voices were heard. The idea is most famously expressed in Dylan's The Times They Are aChangin' (1964), which warns the world, “You'd better start swimming or you'll sink like a stone, for the times they are achangin'！”
There were complaints that a literary prize had been given to a singer, but ancient Greek poets Homer and Sappho wrote poetic works that were meant to be listened to, that were meant to be performed, often with instruments, and it's the same way with Dylan, the Swedish Academy's permanent secretary Sara Danius told CNN.
It could even be said that giving the important prize to Dylan has brought back an old literary tradition. The millions whose lives Dylan's words and music have changed will surely welcome the award.
