About the Song
Bob Dylan’s Like a Rolling Stone. Now that’s a song that brings back memories, doesn’t it? It was 1965, a time of change and upheaval. The Vietnam War was raging on, the Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum, and young people were questioning everything. And then came Like a Rolling Stone, a song that seemed to capture the very spirit of that era.
Dylan wasn’t your typical pop singer. He came out of the folk scene with a scruffy beard, an acoustic guitar, and a voice that some folks considered an acquired taste. But his lyrics… his lyrics! They were like poetry, full of sharp observations, social commentary, and a touch of mystery. Like a Rolling Stone was different. It was louder, more electric, with a driving beat that spoke to the restless energy of the times.
The song starts with a simple question: “How does it feel?” It’s a question that hangs in the air, a challenge to the listener. How does it feel to lose everything you have? How does it feel to go from being on top of the world to being down on your luck? Like a Rolling Stone, the song tells us. Like someone who has no place to call home, who’s constantly on the move, never quite fitting in.
Like a Rolling Stone wasn’t just about some down-and-out character, though. It was a metaphor for anyone who felt like they were on the outside looking in, anyone who questioned the status quo. The lyrics paint a picture of a society full of hypocrisy and indifference, a place where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. It’s a scathing indictment, but it’s also a call to action. Like a Rolling Stone asks us to confront the realities of the world around us and to find our own way.
The song’s impact was undeniable. It became an anthem for a generation, a rallying cry for those who felt lost or disillusioned. But it’s more than just a relic of the past. Like a Rolling Stone is still relevant today. The questions it raises about wealth, poverty, and social justice are just as important now as they were in 1965. And the song’s raw energy and emotional power continue to resonate with listeners of all ages. So, put on your favorite record player, or crank it up on your streaming service, and let Bob Dylan’s Like a Rolling Stone take you back to a time of change, and maybe inspire you to make a change of your own.
Barbara Desetto