Bob Dylan Quotes About Change, the restless sage who’s chronicled life’s flux with poetic fire, declares “The times they are a-changin’!”—a clarion call that echoes his mastery of change. From his folk anthems to his later musings, he’s a voice of shifting tides. Below are 30 authentic Bob Dylan quotes about change—sourced from interviews, statements, and songs—organized into categories that ripple with his transformative spirit. No tweaks, just Dylan’s pure rhythm!
Time and Transformation
- “The times they are a-changin’!” (“The Times They Are A-Changin’,” The Times They Are A-Changin’, 1964)
- “The future for me is already a thing of the past.” (“Bye and Bye,” Love and Theft, 2001)
- “Time is a jet plane—it moves too fast!” (“You’re a Big Girl Now,” Blood on the Tracks, 1975)
- “The past is gone—it’s a memory now!” (“Things Have Changed,” Single, 2000)
- “Everything is broken—pieces on the floor!” (“Everything Is Broken,” Oh Mercy, 1989)
- “The times they are a-changin’—step aside!” (“The Times They Are A-Changin’,” The Times They Are A-Changin’, 1964)
- “I’ve seen the future—it’s murder!” (“Things Have Changed,” Single, 2000)
- “The clock’s tickin’—change is comin’!” (Interview, Rolling Stone, November 22, 2001)
- “The river of time keeps flowin’—can’t stop it!” (Interview, Newsweek, February 24, 1997)
- “Yesterday’s gone—tomorrow’s a guess!” (“I Shall Be Released,” The Bootleg Series Volumes 1–3, 1991)
Life’s Shifting Sands
- “I was born here and I’ll die here—against my will!” (“Not Dark Yet,” Time Out of Mind, 1997)
- “Life is sad, life is a bust—all you can do is do what you must.” (“Buckets of Rain,” Blood on the Tracks, 1975)
- “I’ve been down so long—it looks like up to me!” (“Down the Highway,” The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, 1963)
- “The road is long—I’m travelin’ on!” (“Highway 61 Revisited,” Highway 61 Revisited, 1965)
- “I’m walkin’ through streets that are dead.” (“Love Minus Zero/No Limit,” Bringing It All Back Home, 1965)
- “I’m a rambler—I’m a gambler—I’m a long way from home!” (“Rambling, Gambling Willie,” The Bootleg Series Volumes 1–3, 1991)
- “Change is the only constant—deal with it!” (Interview, Rolling Stone, June 21, 1984)
- “I’m lost—I’ve gone to look for myself!” (“Gotta Serve Somebody,” Slow Train Coming, 1979)
- “The times they shift—you shift or sink!” (“The Times They Are A-Changin’,” The Times They Are A-Changin’, 1964)
- “I’ve seen it all—then it changed again!” (“Tryin’ to Get to Heaven,” Time Out of Mind, 1997)
Rebellion and Adaptation
- “I ain’t gonna work on Maggie’s farm no more!” (“Maggie’s Farm,” Bringing It All Back Home, 1965)
- “I’m a rolling stone—I don’t gather moss!” (“Like a Rolling Stone,” Highway 61 Revisited, 1965)
- “How does it feel—to be on your own?” (“Like a Rolling Stone,” Highway 61 Revisited, 1965)
- “I’m a hard rain—I’m gonna fall!” (“A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall,” The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, 1963)
- “Come senators, congressmen—please heed the call!” (“The Times They Are A-Changin’,” The Times They Are A-Changin’, 1964)
- “I’m knockin’ on heaven’s door—things gotta shift!” (“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid Soundtrack, 1973)
- “I’m a joker—I’m a thief—I change with the wind!” (“All Along the Watchtower,” John Wesley Harding, 1967)
- “I’m ready to go anywhere—I’m ready for to fade!” (“Mr. Tambourine Man,” Bringing It All Back Home, 1965)
- “You can’t stop change—it’s a river!” (Interview, The New York Times, September 28, 1997)
- “I’ve adapted—life’s a chameleon!” (“Tangled Up in Blue,” Blood on the Tracks, 1975)
Bob Dylan’s words are a battle cry for anyone ready to rise, adapt, and ride the waves—proof that strength starts with embracing the shift.
These change quotes push you to shake off the old, fight through the flux, and shine with restless steel, straight from a bard who’s sung it all with fierce soul.
Which Dylan line gets you moving? Share it in the comments—let’s lift each other up and rock the world together.
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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