Thread: Dylan wins Nobel Prize for Literature

I have no problem with him getting this but what I dont understand is why it takes 40 years. While he is still performing and writing, his "best" work and the work that I believe the award is based on was done back in the 60s and 70s.

That's true.

Maybe some things are hard to appreciate at the time because of prevailing attitudes, politics or any number of things.

Sometimes it is only after the passage of time that we realise something's true value.

At least Bob Dylan I still alive. Sometimes it is only after people are dead that they are fully appreciated.

For example, I don't remember Mohammed Ali being praised much for having the courage of his convictions while he was alive. After his death people seemed much more conscious of the significance of the stand he took.

Originally Posted by garrycol

I have no problem with him getting this but what I dont understand is why it takes 40 years. While he is still performing and writing, his "best" work and the work that I believe the award is based on was done back in the 60s and 70s.

I thought Noble for literature tends to be awarded for a lifetimes work rather than any individual piece of work

Originally Posted by garrycol

I have no problem with him getting this but what I dont understand is why it takes 40 years.

The times they are a'changing......

I find it difficult to understand a singer who has spent a lifetime thumbing his nose at the establishment, can accept an award, one of the highest the establishment could give him. I've yet to read one of his books, and I believe he didn't write all his songs. I tend to agree with the Irish writer Irvine Welsh.

"Irvine Welsh ✔ @IrvineWelsh
I'm a Dylan fan, but this is an ill conceived nostalgia award wrenched from the rancid prostates of senile, gibbering hippies."


EDIT. Heard on the grape vine Keith Richards is in line for the next Nobel prize for chemistry.


'Ill-conceived nostalgia': Bob Dylan's Nobel Prize met with anger

Originally Posted by bob10

I find it difficult to understand a singer who has spent a lifetime thumbing his nose at the establishment, can accept an award, one of the highest the establishment could give him.

Selling out to the establishment? Not the first time he has been accused of being a 'Judas'.

Which of 'his' songs didn't he write?

His more recent albums are not so bad, if you like his style of music. His lyrics can be excellent. He's a storyteller, not an entertainer.