The Philosophy of Modern Song

Ruminations on Songs Bob Dylan Likes would have been a more accurate title for this book. The songs chosen are "modern" in the sense that they match what we would consider a song today. Many are from the 50s and 60s. There was a song from the 1800s, though there are few songs past the 1970s. As for philosophy, there are some attempts at deeper meaning. However, Dylan is just as likely to go off on tangents as he is to detail the philosophy.

There is an interesting mix of "song" vs. "performer". Some songs are very connected to a performer. The meaning is best understood through the person that performed it. Others are more "pure songs". The song is important regardless of who performs.

Some insights are directly related to the songs. "My Generation" talks about the younger generation not being understood. Today you could view it as the Boomer generation not understanding modern society. We are still talking about the generation, but the result is switched.

In another case he looks at polygamy as being the neglected marriage relationship. We have advocated many other than it. Yet, polygamy has many advantages. Divorce lawyers are also villainized as people working with "contract breakers". 

He also observes that the best way to shut people up is not to take away the forum, but instead to give them their own pulpit. They then get a steady diet of what they want to hear without being challenged. This is similar to letting an 8 year old pick their own diet. 

At times he looks at the circumstances. Was War written out of deep feeling, or just following along with the current popular culture of the day? He similarly discusses old movies. People may tend to avoid classics because they are in black and white or not politically correct. This leads to missing out on great insights due to "modern prejudice".

It would be nice if the songs were included in the audiobook. However, it is easy to find a Spotify playlist with the music. 

Though not really philosophy, it is a great book.