“Songs found, not written.” These four words perfectly describe the early journey of Bob Dylan — one of the greatest songwriters in history. Before he became a legend, Dylan was a young man searching for meaning through music. He didn’t start by writing his own songs; instead, he found comfort in singing the songs of others, especially those of his hero, Woody Guthrie.
The Beginning
Bob Dylan was born in 1941 in Minnesota. As a teenager, he loved rock, blues, and country music. But when he discovered folk music, everything changed. In 1961, he moved to New York City, dreaming of becoming part of the folk scene in Greenwich Village.
At first, Dylan didn’t have many original songs. He played covers of the tunes that inspired him — songs filled with stories about everyday people. Music became his escape, his way to understand the world.
His Hero: Woody Guthrie
Woody Guthrie was the man Dylan admired most. Guthrie’s songs talked about real life — the struggles of workers, wanderers, and the poor. Dylan once said he had been “travelin’ the country, followin’ in Woody Guthrie’s footsteps.”
When Dylan arrived in New York, one of the first things he did was visit Guthrie, who was sick in a hospital. Dylan played Guthrie’s songs in small clubs and even wrote his own song for him, called “Song to Woody.” It was his way of saying thank you to the man who showed him what a song could mean.
Finding His Own Voice
In his early years, Dylan mostly performed songs written by others. But soon, he started writing his own. That’s when everything changed. His words were honest, poetic, and filled with emotion.
Dylan didn’t just sing love songs or simple stories. He wrote about the world around him — politics, change, heartbreak, and hope. His songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are A-Changin’” became anthems for a generation searching for meaning.
People connected to his music because it felt real. His rough, unique voice made his songs even more powerful.
A Perfectionist at Work
Dylan was never fully satisfied with his work. He often rewrote songs again and again until they felt right. Sometimes, he gave up on songs altogether. One of these was “Caribbean Wind.”
He said about it:
“Sometimes you write something when you’re very inspired… but later, the inspiration is gone, and you can’t remember why you started it.”
That honesty shows how deeply Dylan cared about his music. He didn’t want to release anything that didn’t feel true to him.
Why People Loved Him
Bob Dylan changed music because he wrote songs that mattered. His lyrics were poetic but easy to relate to. He sang about things people felt but couldn’t put into words. His honesty and courage inspired musicians all over the world — including the Beatles, who once called him their biggest influence.
During the 1960s, Dylan helped bring folk and rock together, creating something entirely new: folk rock. He made people realize that songs could be more than entertainment — they could tell truths, express pain, and inspire change.
Songs That Found Him
When we say “songs found, not written,” it means Dylan didn’t force his music. The songs came to him through life, experiences, and emotions. In his early years, he found songs that spoke to him — and later, he wrote songs that spoke to everyone.
Conclusion
Bob Dylan’s story is about growth and discovery. He started as a young man singing the words of others but ended up writing words that changed the world. His journey shows that sometimes, you don’t find your voice right away — it finds you.