☝️ Key Points
- The song is an anthem for the change and reform movements of the 1960s
- The lyrics of the song urge various social groups (the general public, writers and critics, political leaders, and parents) to accept constant change and not oppose it
- It is emphasized that resisting change leads to suffering
- Parents are urged to accept their children's decisions and not try to control them
- The final verse emphasizes the inevitability of change and the reversal of traditional hierarchies
Interpretation
"The Times They Are A-Changin'" is a protest song by
Bob Dylan that is considered a kind of anthem for the change and reform movements of the 1960s. The song's lyrics convey a clear message of change and the inevitability of progress.
In the first verse, Dylan urges people to recognize and accept the changes around them, because, as he says, 'If your time to you is worth savin', then you better start swimmin' or you'll sink like a stone, for the times they are a-changin''.
The second verse is addressed to writers and critics. Dylan warns them to choose their words carefully, as 'the wheel's still in spin' - the situation is constantly evolving.
In the third verse, Dylan addresses political leaders and urges them to accept change and not hinder it, because 'he that gets hurt will be he who has stalled', meaning that those who resist change will ultimately suffer.
The fourth verse is addressed to parents and urges them to accept the changes and decisions of their children, as 'your sons and your daughters are beyond your command'.
The final verse sums up the entire song and emphasizes once again the inevitability of change: 'The order is rapidly fadin'. And the first one now will later be last, for the times they are a-changin''."