'The Philosophy of Modern Song' by Bob Dylan

Book Review

Title: The Philosophy of Modern Song

Author: Bob Dylan

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: November 1, 2022

Where to Purchase: Buy on Amazon (affiliate link)

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Few artists in modern music have wielded language as powerfully as Bob Dylan. For over six decades, his lyrics have shaped popular music, borrowing from folk traditions, surrealist imagery, and the raw emotions of the human condition. Given this, it’s no surprise that Dylan’s The Philosophy of Modern Song isn’t merely a collection of essays about music—it’s an exploration, a deconstruction, and at times, an unpredictable detour through the labyrinth of songcraft.

This book is not a dry analysis of songs or their historical impact. Instead, Dylan approaches each track with the same poetic sensibility that defines his songwriting. He covers a vast and seemingly chaotic range of artists and genres, from the raw blues of Big Joe Turner to the polished pop of Perry Como, from Johnny Cash’s outlaw country to Elvis Costello’s punk-inflected energy. Each chapter is dedicated to a song, but rather than offering a straightforward interpretation, Dylan delivers freewheeling, stream-of-consciousness meditations, personal reflections, and occasionally, sharp critiques of the world surrounding the music.

Dylan as Critic, Storyteller, and Observer

Dylan’s approach to the songs is often unexpected. He doesn’t simply dissect lyrics or melodies—he expands upon them, weaving them into narratives that sometimes feel only loosely connected to the actual song. Take, for instance, his chapter on Bobby Bare’s “Detroit City.” Rather than methodically breaking down the track’s structure or history, Dylan builds an immersive world, a tale of disillusionment, longing, and the harsh truths of urban life. The song serves as a jumping-off point for Dylan’s own storytelling, mirroring the way he has often bent reality in his lyrics.