Bob Dylan as Composer, II

Abstract

This chapter explores the various musical forms employed by Bob Dylan to give his songs readily understandable and appropriate musical shapes. That the simple, repetitive strophic form can function effectively and even expressively is revealed through an examination of “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right.” Strophic songs featuring prominent choruses are exemplified by “A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall,” which also demonstrates Dylan’s innovative use of strophes that can vary in length, as does “Mr. Tambourine Man.” Dylan first utilized a bridge section in “Ballad of a Thin Man,” after which it became a frequent, prominent feature of his songs. The chapter concludes with a consideration of the many ways the blues has functioned as a formal point of reference for Dylan throughout his career.