Texted Version - Bob Dylan 2016 Nobel Lecture in Literature

[@Theimbennn]

hearing Dylan talk for an extended period of time is wonderful. His speech pattern and emphasis on certain words is unique as it comes. very well deserved Bob. May you stay forever young

[@briseboy]

Mitch Hedberg, a famous comedian, later used a rhetorical style so similar, that some would mistake Bob's speech here for Mitch. I always found it interesting that Bob did not obtain or retain the prosody of Northern Minnesota. Although I was also born in that area, I found his poetry and music unique. Even when Dylan denied deep or relevant meaning in his lyrics (and he did), analogous association and choice of words, phrases, images with multiple meaning - a quality most prominent in the brains of poets - created more than literal interpretation. He used to refuse to discuss the meanings in his lyrics, I believe precisely because he clearly chose images with the intent to comment. There are phrases and images in his work which seem to allude to experiences not known to any but those involved in lives and actions far distant from the lives of most. I felt it unfortunate when, after his motorcycle accident, and due to other personal experiences which are really not of interest, he descended into christian theism. But, even after, he still created some insightful language , wildly astute observations, rich visions..

[@Randsurfer]

"Prosody".. Nice to learn a new word today. thanks.

[@nissi.k]

Theimbennn So very true! Love his voice and his rhythm of delivery speaking and singing. He is a phrasing master! Love the content of what he says just as much!

[@nissi.k]

george mira Thank you I really enjoyed the meaningful things you have said! I can tell you appreciate Bob’s art as well as his person! You say it all with deep understanding! The only cannot agree that Bob’s Christian theism as you say is unfortunate at all. For me it further substantiates his credibility as a poet and writer! Just as Scripture has layers of meaning that depend upon an audience level of knowledge and spiritual depth, Bob’s writing is also layered.

[@nolongerthere]

@@briseboy The Mitch Hedberg comparison hit me too, and I wondered about it - both Minnesotans but they don't sound like others I've met. Where did that come from?

[@AnatolySmolyansky]

An old story about a kid growing up in the family. The kid haven't said a word in years and everyone thought that he was mute. Until one day when at lunch with his family he suddenly exclaimed: "Mum the toast is burned!". His mum then said: "Why were you quiet all that time?" on which he replied: "Nothing of extraordinary had happened before. All was normal". I guess it took the Nobel Prize to make Dylan speak :) Thank you. Its priceless!!!

[@Paisley194]

this lecture is art.

[@brianpoetart]

I agree

[@moresteve]

He's been my friend for over 50 years in my heart. 'down the streets the dogs are barkin and the day is getting dark'.

[@Code9]

". . . one too many mornings and a thousand miles behind". How many times I've wished I'd written those lines.

[@sandybradshaw1879]

I like the contrast of his voice against the backdrop of that piano. He speaks like he sings with emphasis on certain words in a kind of undulating pattern. He simplifies life’s themes in a complex and profound manner.

[@SerhatBeyenir]

I’m really happy that Dylan delivered this lecture, a lecture that future generations can learn from. It’s also a pleasure to listen to this recording, his discourse is lyrical.

[@nissi.k]

Serhat Beyenir, I agree such beautiful lyrical cadence in a smokey resonant voice!

[@frankpenzo9173]

I love Dylan, he literally saved me with his music. This man is a genius, and to be able to still be here and express his thoughts on his Nobel Prize, is gratifying to me, because you dont see living legends around for as long as he has, and I wish this man can stay forever young, God bless you Dylan!

[@leefchapman]

This is magical. Beatniks would also be proud but right now, it is all about Bob.

[@susiefrees745]

Wow! Bob Dylan's Nobel Lecture was so worth waiting for. Amazingly eloquent, giving reference to three of the books he had read in school and giving tribute to the rocker who lit him. You have to appreciate the art of literature, though, to fully follow him. The 28 minute video that goes with this article is Dylan's recitation of his Nobel Lecture, in a voice that is clear, with a softly orchestrated piano playing in the background, and a single photo of him on the screen the whole time. Such class, such intelligence, a man who truly deserves the honor bestowed on him by the Nobel Foundation. Definitely not your average "long hair, hippie type". Bravo, Mr. Dylan, Bravo.

[@shakespearouac]

speaks for me; thanx.

[@nissi.k]

Susie Frees, so very true and well said! Bob Dylan is so diverse and brilliant! A shining light exposing the darkest of places.

[@mahamadoukante9463]

Didn't really get all but it was So worthy and satisfying listening to this speech I just love the guy ...when he talks your entire body feels it thanks dear Bob for sharing your"view" on life through ur songs because I do believe that we youth have much to learn from you

[@BrianOnNutHill]

A visit from a great teacher. Wonderful! Thank you.

[@dr.elizabethmartin7118]

Bob was REQUIRED to give this Diplomate Lecture within six months of being nominated, so he went to Sweden for his Medal, his Diploma, and his $900,000.US - Not bad! I'm so glad he explained to the Nobel Academy that plays (Shakespeare) were written to be PERFORMED, and that songs are NOT just the lyrics, they are meant to be be PERFORMED. I consider myself blessed to have seen him perform in both large and small venues in the 90s, 2000s........he's always been a genius to me, and a great musician with other musicians. cheers

[@jaysewall1]

Thank you for sharing this wonderfully interesting side of your life Bob Dylan.

[@1.Debrajean]

I first listened to this in the morning. it's getting late here in CA. US. I want to listen once or twice more before making a full reply ~ maybe i will be selfish and keep the story in my mind. I also one of millions who appreciate and feel blessed to enjoy this genius in our own life time. Not what someone told us was, had been, no. We are here in the midst of greatness in the midst of his changes, his changes as he has grown, changed, waxed, waned. He shares his own story in his own words, emotions, like Theimbennn mentioned, we are the pattern of his voice and more. Everything only the best of the excellent storytellers can tell their stories. I didn't hang onto his every word, I fell into his story, I suppose you could say I found myself mesmerized. The next time I listen, I want a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate. Well I did reply without planning to. Hello Mr. Dylan, I'm Debz Lanterno

[@nissi.k]

Love the way you have presented this with the transcript and nice photo of Bob! Thank you!✨🤍✨🤍✨

[@jerryjacque]

Beautiful - true bob dylan. My favorite. jacque from arizona

[@ewaldspanner8815]

Thank you, Bob ! There is so much depth in what you are expressing, just the same as it is within your song-lyrics ! Nobel-prize for literature is well deserved !

[@robertharper5047]

I thought his choice to have Patti Smith sing at the Sweden event was imaginative, and very moving. His choice in this lecture to reach into his own past - as well as the past of literature itself - was a creative way of articulating the very elements of literature ---word, narrative, point of view, that informs his own work.

[@grixit]

Intense! Inspiring and tear wringing at the same time.

[@robbietulip1542]

His comments about Moby Dick remind me of When the Ship Comes In. All Quiet on the Western Front he picked up in Masters of War. The Odyssey makes me think of Mr Tambourine Man. Our greatest troubadour.

[@alanhodara1329]

His comments on The Odyssey also make me think of Hard Rain Is Gonna Fall.

[@alanhodara1329]

And Shelter From the Storm.

[@nolongerthere]

Not to mention Tangled Up in Blue!

[@crystalbelle2349]

Thank you Bob Dylan. Especially for the trip back to the end of the Vietnam war, and the beginning of the war for my big brothers coming home. Welcome home to any reading this. You are still appreciated and not forgotten..~

[@karinjaroschka1407]

eine wirklich beeindruckende und so persönliche rede! der richtige hat den preis gewonnen, danke...

[@patricioestebancamacho4954]

Escuchar a Bob cambió mi forma de ver la vida, la articulación y uso de frases en sus canciones son tan poderosas, así cono su imaginería, que te hacen pensar sobre tu perspectiva de vida. Larga vida Bob!

[@ricksippel8975]

Very profound..and enjoyable! Expounds on a great many topics in a short, compact (27 minute) treatise. And, in the voice of the great Bob Dylan! Wow! Well-deserved title: Nobel Laureate! What a perfect illustration of a great mind-a great man! Thank you for posting....

[@marjasun]

Thank you, Bob

[@artalmanach]

Deeply impressing. I'm really grateful to have had the chance listening to it.

[@Vaisin]

I can't believe I'm listening to the real Bob Dylan, SO AMAZING!!

[@rickhind1720]

Wisdom delivered with poetic humility.

[@alibobo2009]

I wish he would talk all day and forever and never come to the end. I would listen to every word.

[@jansagelind5328]

BRILLIANT , FROM THE MASTER ! THANCKS .

[@JLori-dt4gz]

Dylan even thinks poetically ... lit prize couldn't have been more deserved.

[@nissi.k]

I understand this perfectly! I find it so refreshing to listen to a person that sees big picture and has high sensibilities, well read, and knows how to observe and process things that very few even see. So many people horde against anyone who talks the way you do Bob! People are selfish, apathetic, and smug unless they actively seek to grow and adopt a better mentality! Glory seekers and unkind to anyone different!Forever mocking love and replacing it with fakery and flattery! I am so thankful for all your songs they present us with the triumphs and follies of the human condition and deliver the choice to us directly or indirectly! I just can’t thank you enough Bob I feel very kindred with you! God Bless you always!✨🤍✨🤍✨🤍✨🤍✨🤍✨🤍✨🤍✨🤍✨🤍✨🤍✨

[@alanhodara1329]

So interesting and so Bob. He's tricky, though. He ends with, "What does it all mean...I'm not going to worry about it." Yes, we love so many lines in songs and poems because they "sound good" and we are not sure exactly what they "mean." And yet his wonderful synopses of the three works of literature are filled with appreciation of their meaning. The key, I believe, is that meaning is all about personal experience and association. "If a song moves you..." I am moved by Dylan's songs in part because the lyrics have meaning for me. I don't know or care whether it was his intended meaning. At the same time, he talks of "themes." Stories that draw on these timeless motifs (Jung would call them archetypes) have universal meaning. They join us as humans. As dismal and depressing as they can be at times, the stories are a celebration of life, reminding us that we are in "the land of the living." Bob always challenged those who want to reduce his songs to a particular, formulaic meaning. But I believe his lecture redeems the concept of meaning itself. This is the connection he is seeking: Literature and songs, though different mediums, are both forms of storytelling. And, if we listen and read with honest, open heart, both remind us of what it means to be human.

[@brianpoetart]

well said

[@nolongerthere]

Beautifully put

[@helenebossuyt9179]

Un bien grand poète de notre époque et justement récompensé par ce prix Nobel.Bravo Bob.

[@shagwell28]

Yes art, completely.

[@edwardb7811]

This is a great speech. It convinced me that Bob Dylan had the gravitas to earn the Nobel Prize for Literature.

[@randytolen9531]

Reminds me of a modern "Last Thoughts On Woody Guthrie".....this man gets to the essence of life.

[@christophermizyk6157]

It's as honest and real as it gets. Bravo Bobby.

[@nikkitaroo4854]

Dear Bob Dylan, now, THAT SOUNDED BEAUTIFUL...your speaking voice is as distinct and mesmerizing as your singing. A Master Orator!! You have overcome quite naturally what dooms others to failure...You know how to BREATHE!! Well doneWellDone.... I do believe I have fallen in love with you!! Thank you, you are a good man! Affection and Respect, yours now! Sacha Littlefeather

[@rickmumma]

The voice and cadence of this lecture reminded me so much of his voice reading "Last Thoughts on Woody Guthrie" recorded at Town Hall in 1963. It's the last track on "The Bootleg Series, Volume 1," which I just had to put on my CD player; it was more brilliant than I remembered.

[@shivashrivastava4437]

Legend is too short a word for him!!

[@nissi.k]

I love also what Bob says about meanings of songs, literature and plays. I think of art in general as something unleashed like a bird leaving the nest and flying. Where and how it flies will vary from bird to bird. Where it lights will al SF o vary and impact the world it enters in unique ways and to varying degrees. So many meanings and interpretations are possible and even personal One thing for certain is once a bird leaves the nest it never returns to that nest; likewise with art! 🤍✨🤍✨🤍✨🤍

[@bestbeloved2704]

That's a beautiful image and wonderful metaphor - thank you, it made my day to know there are still people who can write beautiful things out there

[@ROBINdulce]

Finalmente #BobDylan entrega sus palabras para aceptar el #NobelPrize2016 Vaya que ha valido la espera! Es un texto conmovedor. A mi juicio son l@s jóvenes quienes mejor encontrarán el sentido de este lenguaje tan fresco Tres libros leídos en la juventud que impresionaron a Bob Dylan, le dieron clave para comprender lo que realmente es importante. No se necesita entender un poema, un cuento, una novela, un ensayo. Hace falta vibrar con una canción.

[@marakaretsos5204]

Excellent 📚📗🖍🖌🏅

[@douglasdahlstrom949]

A writer on one of Sweden's biggest daily paper's wrote called this a "school-work" and went on and on about why he didn't mention any woman's, that the books he chooses to talk about were boring, and that he is an old boring white man. That was most certainly the funniest review I have ever read - "There's something happening but you don't know what it is? - Do you, Mr. Jones" is all I can think of! ;)

[@danielmartinsson1635]

Douglas Dahlström Which paper? What writer? Mustve missed that one.

[@NobelPrize]

+Daniel Martinsson I believe that's the column in Svenska Dagbladet that Douglas is referring to.

[@douglasdahlstrom949]

Erika Hallgren, SvD

[@shagwell28]

Haha Dylan said songs r bout me. Jones but was gonna reveal his frist name. Lol

[@mario7frankielee]

i know that article she’s a nightmare come true the one voice we all fear to be out there coming to destroy what we find to be truthful and valuable! there is always someone playing that part if you ask them what they find worthwhile the answer will mostly be veeery disappointing,dull & even laughable 🙏 and then you have the revelation that these people have their nightmares too or as hank williams has said it plain and simple: if you think you’re really smart theres something smarter than you

[@kostas1253]

Wonderful, moving melody, immense thanks to Bob.

[@marytorres4843]

Outstanding mr. Dylan! Bravo👏👏

[@shakespearouac]

Nailed it, dude - faithfully and with honor - at least for this hammer. Namaste.

[@annadonald4821]

superb man.

[@plumhunter9158]

Our world would be a different place without this guy. He must have written all this down first - at least an outline of his thoughts, agree? Or did he completely wing this? That would be pretty amazing.

[@Tyrese1701]

He is the most significant artist of country music in 20

[@davidhowland7620]

We can all wonder what Dylan is saying and why he is saying it but in the end it is Dylan speaking to Dylan. It all flows as part of the music. The words become part of the melody, the intonation, the catchy and delirious phraseology, the state of his mind and consciousness at the time all lend themselves to the melody and the sound. The words which linger, which haunt and stay with us are only those which we alone associate with our own lives. My interpretation. Can you dig it?

[@alanhodara1329]

Yes. See my comment above.

[@davidhowland7620]

Alan, Yes, we are on the same page aren't we?

[@alanhodara1329]

Most definitely, Ginny. I am an English teacher of several decades. I've had to wrestle with the students' iconic question: Why does there always have to be a hidden meaning? My answer: because everything real and true in life is hidden. The irony? It's hidden inside you. The book/song shines a light on your own mind and heart. Dylan is great because, like all great artists, in being absolutely true to himself, he touches others.

[@stevelk1329]

Excellent. The other intoxicant of the song, Melody. He had both. The melodic master who with others saved me was McCartney. I give her all my love. That's all I do..

[@superfuzzymomma]

I hear Kerouac and the other Beats as well.

[@docedkin]

From Google: Punk rock artist Patti Smith accepted Bob Dylan's Nobel Prize in Literature on his behalf at the 2016 Nobel Prize ceremony in Stockholm: Dylan was unable to attend the ceremony due to "pre-existing commitments". Instead, he sent an acceptance speech, in which he thanked the Swedish Academy for considering his work as literature and for giving him the award. He also compared himself to Shakespeare, saying that he thought of his work as songs, not literature.

[@evaputzoli7243]

¡Magistral, bravo, Bob Dylan!

[@opensecret4451]

Quite the contrary. If another name had been attached to it, my thought would have been,"Sounds like Dylan." An artist, if nothing else is marked by an unseen inspiration of vision and imagination. Someone once told me,"If Not For You was a prayer." King David wrote in the Psalm ," O LORD, enlarge my tent."

[@gamenrnunez0100]

At 5:31 "principals" should be "principles"

[@cbmcbm5625]

Mr. D, I. Young's folklore center in the village was more than a while back...good man...steelwond silk strings..."el paso city" by marty robins is worth a reliston...carry on champ...white buffalo. .out

[@wiltonhall]

Testimony of a priest, shaman, magician, transmitting something from beyond himself to reach who we truly are.

[@crystalbelle2349]

My favorite Poets: Robert Frost, Edgar Allen Poe and Bob Dylan (Ordered by era)

[@gorporpio]

He had better teachers in high school than I did.

[@Ericbryanmr]

An insight into one of the most enigmatic artist out there, and it only took a $1 million prize fund to get it.

[@ArtTube333]

As Bowie said "Seeing more and feeling less Saying no but meaning yes This is all I ever meant That's the message that I sent"

[@cathalbui2]

Yes indeed the master speaks again but me and Bob parted company around the mid seventies when he brought out Blood On The Tracks. Some said it was great but did nothing for me because Bob had just become 'another person crying'. Still he is the master no doubt but the magic was gone. Listen to the stuff he wrote prior to 1970 - now that was majestic and magical.

[@alanhodara1329]

Shelter From the Storm?

[@ziegunerweiser]

I don't know what it means either, but it sounded good !

[@piamarianaolterman2804]

Tack för att du lever med oss. Jag älskar dig. Jag har börjat läsa Moby Dick

[@hal7ter]

Great men give honor to the great.

[@karmarinkingchameleon6582]

It sounds like "Theme Time Radio Hour"'s longer ending. Episode XX (Nobel Prize for ) Literature

[@bobxcski]

Send it ... Bob

[@briseboy]

The word he meant, dear Nobel Foundation, is spelled Principles.

[@NobelPrize]

Hello. We worked from the official text provided by the Laureate for this video. It contained this, and indeed, other divergences from accepted usage or the recorded speech itself. In this way, we're all living through the history of this moment. We're working with the Laureate and the Academy to nail down the final version for the records, but this shall be part of the story of this award.

[@briseboy]

Thank you for your complete attention to ALL aspects of Laureates' contributions!

[@mrpf47]

Excellent

[@jorgennorrman4023]

Han är rätt man för detta pris. priseless !!

[@ntinetaspi]

Blessed be!

[@termikesmike]

Don Quixote, Invanhoe, Robinson Crusoe, Gulliver’s Travels, Tale of Two Cities - typical grammar school reading - Moby Dick, All Quiet on the Western Front and The Odyssey !

[@leonch305]

Dylan... Just Dylan, your life is stunning

[@kiokogaming2924]

Perfect.

[@Michael69]

Bob Dylan ASMR. I can now die happily.

[@pappycab1]

Goooood stuff.

[@jazzmanchgo]

Sorry about the stupid question, but is that Bob playing piano behind his own narration, or was the piano added by someone else later on?

[@thesocialspleen]

Somebody else is playing the piano here. Dylan's piano playing is quite unique and identifiable.

[@7777brownie]

牛！You earned it man!

[@mogol_gr3876]

It's like asking Korsakov to evade the violin and to Chopin the piano.

[@mba221933]

Wow!

[@JasonCunliffe]

This is really wonderful. Thank you for posting it.. But: PLEASE please please post a version of the same {vox+text} *WITHOUT* that piano jazz lounge noodling in background. Dylan's voice timbre thought have such a distinctive flow and rhythm already.. always #Here the context is of a great story teller telling the story of stories within and beyond his own. It is public and personal. It does not need the piano or any other ambient effect. In my opinion the piano just distracts from what he has written and how he is telling it. Others may feel differently. If so, they can listen to this one. thank you very much it is great less is morebetterblues

[@NobelPrize]

Hello! Do note that this audio recording was received from Mr. Dylan, and is the only version that exists -- it's exactly as he intended it. In the comments for the non-texted version there was some lively discussion about the pianist, the process behind the music, and the associations people are making to earlier recordings in this style.

[@JasonCunliffe]

aha interesting thanks ok +will read the thread i had wondered if he had constructed it deliberately.. the piano part is good but still I would love to hear just his voice

[@JasonCunliffe]

‘A Really Cool Gig’: Playing Piano for Bob Dylan’s Nobel Lecture www.nytimes.com/2017/06/07/arts/music/bob-dylan-nobel-prize-lecture-alan-pasqua-piano.html

[@geekay1349]

It all sounds like a great bed time story.

[@Voloud]

Nobel price (not prize but price, about $900,000 ) to Robert Zimmerman. He took his last name from the first name of a great poet, Dylan Thomas, an he has not a single word to say for him. But the Greek Poet George Voloudakis wrote for his brother in poetry, Dylan Thomas a small poem by changing the famous Joan Baez' Lyrics from her's song "Here's to You" Here's to you, Dylan Thomas Rest forever in the light of rhymes The final glory of poetry is yours That Nobel prize denial is your triumph! This Nobel price to Robert Zimmerman., its a shame for Literature!

[@janjansen7983]

14:25 Bob knows it all. Where others scream that the illuminati is bullshit, he knows it. He knows we know it.

[@stonesdude154]

Do we know if he really saw Buddy Holly just before Buddy died?

[@jmbooth02]

No spoiler alert, huh?

[@pulp1fiction13]

This sounded like a Mitch Hedberg set without the jokes

[@susanxjx]

there are so much pain in some of his lyrics. guess nobel prize doesnt exempt you from misery

[@pattycleveland9534]

genius

[@doniphanlindsayblair]

Incredible how he centered his work on the classics, in his playful hipster fashion, but one obvious influence he left out: the Bible.

[@MsRockett88]

Our 21st Century Mark Twain...

[@MP-td8fh]

Harriet Alexander @ The Daily Telegraph (UK); Really, this is the path to further your career ..... ??? More like buried

[@frydafrida31]

That's all about the truth, it would just sound good!! Genius Bob! In other words a rose should be put in guns instead av plumb!! Be sane and safe where ever you are! 🌅 🌹🙏

[@saskiakroonsberg]

Why the “music” at the background, it’s terrible, unnecessary and distractive.

[@marakaretsos5204]

🏅🏅🏅🌹

[@TheDakimaho69]

mistake 2017

[@zapatistaNYC]

What a hack job. Superficial plot summaries with very little connection made to his own art or anyone else's, capped with a denial that any of it means anything. If Dylan's name were not attached to this speech, no one would be impressed by it.

[@johnwatson8427]

By Jove. . . . I think he's got it!

[@gravygravyjosh]

It was honest, he wanted to talk about some literature that stuck with him. He didn't say it didn't mean anything, he said he's just not gonna worry about "what it all means" because the feeling is whats important in songs

[@Theimbennn]

If you really know Dylan's lyrics the impressions those books left in his lyrics are clear to see. I guess he's expecting everyone to see the connections. Clearly you didn't and that's a shame

[@opensecret4451]

Quite the contrary - If anyone else's name were attached I'd think. ,"Sounds like Dylan. The true artist, if nothing else has unlimited vision - imagination.Someone once told me,"If Not For You was a prayer. David in the Psalm said,"O LORD, enlarge my tent.

[@opensecret4451]

Quite the contrary. If another name were attached to it, my thought would have been,"Sounds like Dylan."A true artist, if nothing else, is marked by unlimited vision and imagination. Someone once told me, "If Not For You" was a prayer. King David wrote in the Psalm, O LORD, enlarge my tent.