Though it may seem long-passed, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s has not stopped. Though it may seem distant, violence against people of color has not stopped, because the systems that hold it up are still in place. Though it may seem outdated, the relevance of Bob Dylan’s 1964 classic “The Times They Are A-Changin’” has not stopped.
The lyrics speak of accepting the inevitability of change and the impending sense of the not-quite, saying, “Things might seem different today, but just wait until you see tomorrow.” 56 years later, that tomorrow has still yet to dawn.
It is disheartening that lyrics written in 1964 can be applied to 2020 with little effort. People of so many walks of life are still beaten down and oppressed. And yet, the spirit of resilience burns brightly in their hearts, dedicated to justice.
Although it is a common feature of his music, Dylan’s harmonica feels especially biting here and cuts just as deep as his harsh lyrics. The raspy voice unbecoming of a 22-year-old denounces all who would stand in the way of progress: first writers, then politicians and parents. The verse about politicians contains a slightly dated allusion but, all in all, unfortunately, can still be sung today.
“Come senators, congressmen, please heed the call
Don’t stand in the doorway, don’t block up the hall
For he that gets hurt will be he who has stalled
The battle outside ragin’
Will soon shake your windows and rattle your walls
For the times, they are a-changin’”
Now more than ever, it seems that Congress is made up of self-interested dirtbags that care more about keeping their seats in the endless slugfest than they do about their constituents. While they bicker like children in their golden rotunda, minority groups are dying at statistically higher rates than the rest of the population.
Whether they believe the proposals for the next COVID-19 relief bill are too costly or too frugal is irrelevant. It’s not “both sides want to improve America but slightly disagree on how,” but rather “my side is right and your side is ruining this country.” Because of this diametrical divide, Americans are suffering.
Our government is so entrapped by the deafening roar of partisanship that it actively impedes the progression of life for the average American and contributes to the systemic oppression of minorities. This verse calls for these politicians to take a step back and listen. The aching masses have had enough and cannot be ignored forever. Dylan then says, “Act now before things start affecting you personally.”
Pulling out a guitar and singing some catchy verses isn’t everything. As this nation approaches another election, make your voice heard not just in song but with a ballot. Maybe, just maybe, the times will be a-changin’ for real this time.
