Lyrics. Lyrics are the words of a song. Many similarities exist between song lyrics and poetry. In fact, poetry can be defined as language used in special ways so that its sound reflects its meaning more powerfully than in ordinary speech and writing. Lyric poetry is verse that tells the emotions of a speaker, much like song lyrics do. How do the lyrics of “Forever Young” compare to a poem?
Metaphor. A metaphor is a figure of speech in which one thing is spoken or written about as if it were another. This figure of speech invites the reader to make a comparison between the two things. As you read the selection find two examples of metaphor the speaker uses.
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• Music Connection. Bob Dylan is one of the most influential figures in the history of popular music. He is the writer of scores of classic songs and is generally regarded as the artist who brought a poetic quality to rock lyrics. Dylan has released over 45 albums since his 1962 debut and remains as vital an artist today as he was in his ‘60s heyday. Bands from the Beatles to Pearl Jam have cited Bob Dylan as a vital influence on their artistic development. His songs have been covered by some of the most important figures in music, including Peter, Paul, and Mary; The Byrds; The Rolling Stones; Eric Clapton; Joan Baez; and Bob Marley. In 1988, Dylan was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 1998, he was named one of the most influential artists of the 20th century by Time magazine. He has won a number of awards throughout his career, including a 1991 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
• “Forever Young” is a song from Bob Dylan’s 1974 album, Planet Waves. It is a simple folk song, representative of Dylan’s early career, when he captivated New York audiences with his acoustic guitar in the coffeehouses of Greenwich Village.
What ideas does Bob Dylan associate with being “forever young”?
Can you imagine a world where no one got old and everyone stayed young forever?
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