Critical Analysis of the poem, The Times They Are A-Changein'

Introduction to the poem, 'The Times They Are A-Changin'

'The time they are A-changin' is a poem written in the 1960s. The 1960s was the time of transition in American history. The youth didn't believe in the existing system, and they were not happy with the existing government and religion. They were exhausted by the participation of America in the Vietnam War and discrimination based on colour. It led to the emergence of the youth movement, civil rights movement, generation gap and counter culture.  They demanded changes in every aspect of life.  The demand for change led to the emergence of the movement like The Civil Rights Movement and The Hippie Movement.  Artists also took a significant role in such a movement. Bob Dylan's work was also a product of social movements. 'The Time They are A-changin is one among them.

About the Author- Bob Dylan.

Bob Dylan is a folk singer, stage performer, songwriter, film actor, who won the prestigious Nobel Prize for literature in 2016.  He was a strong supporter of the Civil Rights Movement and The Hippie moment. He used poems and songs as a weapon against all forms of discrimination.  The majority of his poems are written in the form of a protest. His songs were written for ordinary people, whites and blacks.

Critical analysis of the poem, 'The Times They Are A-Changin'

As discussed in the introduction, the 1960s was the time of The Civil Rights Movement and The Hippie Movement in America. There are many artists associated with those movements. In the poem, Dylan Thomas gives a call to the people to stand united and turn against all forms of injustice.  What he says that this is the right time to gather and that they have to stop racial discrimination and bring freedom for everyone including the blacks and whites.  Never say no to change and never show indifference to change. He also gives an optimistic assurance to those who stood up.

It is written as an anthem for change. This anthem addresses everyone in the society like Parents, daughters, fathers, sons and congressmen, and he demands to contribute to change.

In the first stanza, he addresses the common people, and he asks them to gather from where ever they are roaming. "Then you better start swimmin or you will sink like a stone". He says that this is the right time to fight against all forms of injustice, otherwise, you will sink like a stone. This is the right time to protest against the flaws of the government and racism. Never wait for tomorrow.

In the second stanza, he addresses the writers and critics and asks them to open their eyes and start writing against injustice.  Writers and critics were not interested to join in the civil rights movement and the Hippie movement. Never wait for tomorrow to start writing, chances won't come again, start today itself. The time never waits for anyone we have to utilize it. Today we may fail in our fight, but we will be the winner in the future. Here Bob Dylan tries to inspire writers and critics to take part in the civil rights movement.

In the third stanza, he addresses senators and congressmen by saying that you should never ignore the social movement.  The majority of politicians are, unfortunately, only working for their interests.  Therefore, Bob Dylan says that you have to consider and answer the questions of the protesting people.  There is a strong protest on the outside. You are not supposed to ignore their demand. If you block the hall or if you ignore the demand, they will break your walls.  He urges the politicians not to block those people who fight for freedom.

In the fourth stanza, he addresses parents by saying that you should not criticize your children. They are working for a bright future whereas no discrimination based on colour, gender and creed. He tries to say that you cannot understand your children because you live with traditional beliefs. Never stop your children. They work for a bright future whereas everyone is treated equally. If you cannot help them, please get out of their world. In the stanza, he expresses his strong longing for a new world.

In the last stanza, he talks about the power of time.  Those who are fighting for freedom and rights are the minority now, and they are not powerful. But very soon they will be the rulers and decision-makers of the country. The poem ends with a quote from the Bible  "the first one now will later be last". This is one of the best protest poems written by Bob Dylan.

Short Summary of the poem, The Times They Are A-Changein'

First Stanza

• In this stanza, he addresses the common people
• He asks them to unite and fight against all forms of injustice.
• This is the right time to stop racism and to establish freedom.

Second Stanza.

• In the stanza, he addresses writers and critics.
• Open your eyes and start writing against all forms of discrimination.

• Never wait for tomorrow to start writing, chances won't come again, start today itself.
• Today we may fail in our fight, but we will be the winner of the future

Third Stanza

• In the third stanza, he addresses senators and congressmen
• You never ignore  the social movement
• You have to consider and answer the questions of the protesting people.  
• You are not supposed to ignore their demand. 
• If you block the hall or if you ignore the demand, they will break your wall.

Fourth Stanza

•  In the fourth stanza, he addresses parents.
•  You do not criticize your children. 
•  They are working for a bright future whereas no discrimination based on colour, gender and creed.
• You cannot understand your children because you live with traditional beliefs. 
• If you cannot help your children, please get out of their world.

Fifth Stanza

• In the last stanza, he talks about the power of time.  
• Those who are fighting for freedom and rights are a minority now.
• But very soon they will be the rulers and decision-makers. 

This is a poem that was written in the context of the American Civil Rights Movement and the Hippie Movement and it demands changes in every aspect of the social life.