Times They Are A-Changin'

The Byrds

About Times They Are A-Changin'

"The Times They Are a-Changin'" is a song written by Bob Dylan and released as the title track of his 1964 album of the same name. Dylan wrote the song as a deliberate attempt to create an anthem of change for the time, influenced by Irish and Scottish ballads. Released as a 45-rpm single in Britain in 1965, it reached number 9 on the UK Singles Chart. Ever since its release the song has been influential to people's views on society, with critics noting the general yet universal lyrics as contributing to the song's lasting message of change. Dylan has occasionally performed it in concert. The song has been covered by many different artists, including Nina Simone, the Byrds, the Seekers, Peter, Paul and Mary, Simon & Garfunkel, Runrig, the Beach Boys, Joan Baez, Phil Collins, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, and Burl Ives. The song was ranked number 59 on Rolling Stone's 2004 list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time". 


Year:
1965
108 

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Come gather 'round people
Wherever you roam
Admit that the waters
Around you have grown
Accept it that soon
You'll be drenched to the bone.
If your time to you is worth savin'
Then you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin'

Come writers and critics
Prophesize with your pen
Keep your eyes open
The chance won't come again
And watch what you say
Or the wheel's still in spin
There's no tellin' who
That it's namin'
For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin'

Come senators, congressmen
Please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway
Don't block up the hall
For he who gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
The battle outside ragin'
It rattle your windows
And shake down your walls
For the times they are a-changin'

Come mothers and fathers
Throughout the land
And don't criticize
What you can't understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command
Your old road is rapidly agin'
Get out of the new one
If you can't lend your hand
For the times they are a-changin'

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The Byrds

The Byrds ( /ˈbɜrdz/) were an American rock band, formed in Los Angeles, California in 1964. The band underwent multiple line-up changes throughout its existence, with frontman Roger McGuinn (aka Jim McGuinn) remaining the sole consistent member, until the group disbanded in 1973. Although they only managed to attain the huge commercial success of contemporaries like The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and The Rolling Stones for a short period of time (1965–66), The Byrds are today considered by critics to be one of the most influential bands of the 1960s. Initially, they pioneered the musical genre of folk rock, melding the influence of The Beatles and other British Invasion bands with contemporary and traditional folk music. As the 1960s progressed, the band was a… more »

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Written by: Bob Dylan

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


6 facts about this song

Original Writer & First Recording
• "The Times They Are A-Changin" is a song written by Bob Dylan and released as the title track of his 1964 album.
Nina Simone’s Version
• Nina Simone covered "The Times They Are A-Changin" in 1969 on her album "To Love Somebody". • Unlike Dylan's more known version, Simone's cover is stripped back and she uses only piano on the track, highlighting her powerful and soulful voice. • Simone was an American singer, songwriter, musician and civil rights activist, often infusing her music with messages of social change.
Simon & Garfunkel's Version
• Simon & Garfunkel included "The Times They Are A-Changin" in their album “Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.”, released in 1964. • Famous for their close vocal harmonies, the duo managed to bring a new life to the song with their unique sound. • Simon & Garfunkel often covered traditional folk songs and modern numbers from contemporaries like Dylan.
The Byrds' Version
• The Byrds released their cover of "The Times They Are A-Changin" on their 1965 album "Turn! Turn! Turn!". • The Byrds were pioneers of folk-rock, a genre that fused traditional folk and rock music, making them an excellent choice for covering music from Bob Dylan. • Bob Dylan himself has praised The Byrds’ adaptation of his music.
Influence on Social Movements
• The song has been closely associated with several social movements from the '60s, including civil rights and anti-war protests. It has become an anthem that symbolizes the spirit of change.
Timeless Impact
• "The Times They Are A-Changin" continues to be covered by numerous artists across the globe, highlighting the timeless message of the song.

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