Robert Allen Zimmerman, most commonly known as Bob Dylan, is a singer-songwriter, author, painter, and visual artist who has been a significant figure in popular culture for sixty years. His lyrics are known for incorporating a wide range of social, political, philosophical, and literary influences that defied the conventions of popular music.
Dylan is known as the “voice of a generation” and sold over 100 million records, and has also received numerous awards including 10 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, as well as a Golden Globe Award. In 2016, he was also granted the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Aside from his music, Dylan has also published eight books of drawings and paintings, and his work has been displayed and exhibited in major art galleries.
Below are some of the best Bob Dylan quotes and sayings about music, time, life & death, and so much more.
Fun Fact: Beyond music, Dylan is also a prolific painter—his artwork has been exhibited in major galleries around the world.
Table of Contents
Famous Bob Dylan Quotes
Start here for the most well-known and widely shared lines from Dylan—words that have inspired millions.
The times they are a-changin’.
— Sung by Bob Dylan in “The Times They Are a-Changin’,” 1964
This iconic lyric became an anthem for social change, urging listeners to embrace transformation.
A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between, he does what he wants to do.
— Interview with Studs Terkel, 1963
Dylan sums up his philosophy of happiness—doing what matters most to you, not what society expects.
A reminder to approach the unfamiliar with openness rather than judgment.
Don’t criticize what you can’t understand.
— Sung in “The Times They Are a-Changin’,” 1964
A reminder to approach the unfamiliar with openness rather than judgment.
Bob Dylan Quotes on Life & Change
Dylan’s thoughts on growth, transformation, and the journey of life are as resonant now as they were decades ago.
He not busy being born is busy dying.
— Sung in “It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding),” 1965
A powerful reminder that change and reinvention are essential to truly living.
There is nothing so stable as change.
— Interview, 1978
Dylan sees change not as an enemy, but as a constant companion.
People seldom do what they believe in. They do what is convenient, then repent.
— From “Brownsville Girl,” 1986
A reflection on human nature and the struggle between conviction and comfort.
Bob Dylan Quotes on Love & Relationships
Bob Dylan’s love songs and musings on relationships are filled with raw emotion and honesty.
I gave her my heart but she wanted my soul.
— Sung in “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” 1963
A bittersweet acknowledgment of love’s complexities and expectations.
Love is all there is, it makes the world go ’round.
— Sung in “Love Minus Zero/No Limit,” 1965
Dylan distills the power of love in a simple, universal truth.
I’ll let you be in my dreams if I can be in yours.
— Sung in “Talking World War III Blues,” 1963
A playful, poetic offer of connection.
Bob Dylan Quotes on Music & Art
Dylan’s creative journey has produced some of the world’s greatest songs. Here are his thoughts on the artist’s life.
An artist has got to be careful never to really arrive at a place where he thinks he’s at somewhere. You always have to realize you’re constantly in a state of becoming.
— Interview, 1978
Dylan values the process of creation over any final destination.
A song is anything that can walk by itself.
— Interview, 1965
He believes that a true song has a life and spirit all its own.
Inspiration is hard to come by. You have to take it where you find it.
— Interview, 1978
Dylan recognizes that creativity is fleeting and must be embraced when it appears.
Bob Dylan Quotes on Society & Protest
Dylan’s lyrics and quotes have shaped generations of protest and social awareness.
All I can do is be me, whoever that is.
— Interview, 1964
An anthem for authenticity, this quote urges us to embrace our true selves.
Democracy don’t rule the world, you’d better get that in your head. This world is ruled by violence, but I guess that’s better left unsaid.
— Sung in “Union Sundown,” 1983
A sobering look at the realities behind social structures.
You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.
— Sung in “Subterranean Homesick Blues,” 1965
Dylan champions clear-eyed awareness and personal responsibility.
Song Lyrics: Bob Dylan’s Most Memorable Lines
Some of Dylan’s most profound words appear in his songs. Here are a few lines that continue to inspire:
May you stay forever young.
— Sung in “Forever Young,” 1974
A blessing for hope and innocence that transcends generations.
How does it feel, to be on your own, with no direction home?
— Sung in “Like a Rolling Stone,” 1965
A question that has echoed through decades of listeners.
I’ll remember you, when I’ve forgotten all the rest.
— Sung in “I’ll Remember You,” 1985
A tender reflection on memory and love.
Bob Dylan on Creativity & Writing
Peek behind Dylan’s process and the mindset that has shaped his legendary output.
You can never be wise and be in love at the same time.
— From “Idiot Wind,” 1975
A wry take on the irrational nature of love.
Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.
— Attributed to Bob Dylan; featured in interviews, 2000s
A poetic reminder to fully experience life, not just endure it.
Chaos is a friend of mine.
— Interview, 1965
Dylan sees opportunity in unpredictability—a key to his enduring relevance.
The Lasting Impact of Dylan’s Words
Bob Dylan’s quotes—whether sung on stage, shared in interviews, or woven through his poetry—continue to inspire, provoke, and comfort people all over the world. His words challenge us to think deeper, feel more, and never stop changing. Let these quotes guide you as you navigate your own journey.
