Bob Dylan is an iconic singer-songwriter whose career spans over six decades, and he is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of all time. His music, which blends elements of folk, rock, blues, and country, has resonated with generations of fans, and his lyrics have been praised for their depth, social commentary, and poetic sensibility. With a catalog of over 500 songs, it’s not easy to pick just a few favorites, but we’ve compiled a list of the 20 best Bob Dylan songs of all time.
From his early acoustic classics like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are A-Changin'” to his electric rock masterpieces like “Like a Rolling Stone” and “Tangled Up in Blue,” this list covers some of Dylan’s most iconic and enduring works. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering his music for the first time, these songs offer a glimpse into the mind and artistry of one of the greatest songwriters of our time. Join us as we explore the best of Bob Dylan’s vast and influential catalog.
1. ‘Murder Most Foul’
“Murder Most Foul” is a haunting ballad by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. The song, released in 2020, is over 16 minutes long and references the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Dylan’s poignant lyrics reflect on the tragedy and its lasting impact on American society and culture. The song weaves together historical events and cultural touchstones, referencing everything from The Beatles to Marilyn Monroe. Dylan’s voice is weathered and soulful, conveying the weight of the tragedy he sings about. “Murder Most Foul” is a masterful example of Dylan’s ability to capture the essence of a moment and create a timeless piece of music.
2. ‘Tangled Up In Blue’
“Tangled Up In Blue” is a song by the legendary American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. Released in 1975, the song features Dylan’s signature storytelling style, with lyrics that paint a vivid picture of a past relationship. The song’s melody is driven by Dylan’s distinctive acoustic guitar work and harmonica playing. The lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and regret, with a sense of melancholy that is characteristic of Dylan’s music. “Tangled Up In Blue” is widely regarded as one of Dylan’s greatest songs and is a testament to his enduring influence as a songwriter and musician.
3. ‘The Man In Me’
“The Man In Me” is a classic song by the American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. Released in 1970, the song features a laid-back, bluesy groove, with Dylan’s distinctive voice at the forefront. The lyrics are introspective and soulful, reflecting on the narrator’s search for meaning and purpose in life. The song’s melody is catchy and memorable, with a chorus that is easy to sing along to. “The Man In Me” has been covered by a number of artists over the years and has become one of Dylan’s most beloved songs. It is a testament to his enduring legacy as a songwriter and musician.
4. ‘All Along the Watchtower’
“All Along the Watchtower” is a classic song by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. Released in 1967, the song was later covered by legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix, who took the song to new heights with his explosive, virtuosic guitar playing. The song’s lyrics are enigmatic and poetic, featuring cryptic references to biblical stories and political unrest. The guitar work on the Hendrix version is iconic, with searing solos that showcase his unparalleled skill as a musician. “All Along the Watchtower” is widely regarded as one of Dylan’s greatest songs and is a testament to his enduring influence on popular music.
5. ‘Sign On The Window’
“Sign On The Window” is a charming and upbeat song by the legendary American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. Released in 1970, the song features a playful melody and Dylan’s distinctive vocal style. The lyrics are whimsical and poetic, painting a picture of a world filled with beauty and wonder. The song’s instrumentation is sparse, with acoustic guitar, piano, and harmonica providing a simple yet effective backing to Dylan’s vocals. “Sign On The Window” is a testament to Dylan’s versatility as a songwriter and his ability to create music that is both introspective and lighthearted. It is a beloved song among Dylan fans and a testament to his enduring legacy as a musician.
6. ‘Idiot Wind’
“Idiot Wind” is a powerful and emotive song by the legendary American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. Released in 1975, the song features a driving beat and Dylan’s distinctive vocal style, which ranges from a gentle croon to a harsh, raw scream. The lyrics are biting and poetic, with Dylan lashing out at those who have wronged him and reflecting on the pain and turmoil of his own life. The song’s instrumentation is sparse, with electric guitar and piano providing a driving backing to Dylan’s vocals. “Idiot Wind” is a raw and honest portrayal of human emotion and a testament to Dylan’s ability to create music that resonates deeply with listeners.
7. ‘Lay Lady Lay
“Lay Lady Lay” is a classic song by the legendary American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. Released in 1969, the song features a laid-back, soulful groove, with Dylan’s distinctive voice at the forefront. The lyrics are romantic and poetic, with Dylan crooning about a woman he loves and his desire to be close to her. The song’s melody is catchy and memorable, with a chorus that is easy to sing along to. “Lay Lady Lay” has been covered by a number of artists over the years and has become one of Dylan’s most beloved songs. It is a testament to his enduring legacy as a songwriter and musician.
8. ‘It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue’
“It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue” is a classic song by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. Originally released in 1965, the song features Dylan's distinctive voice and poetic lyrics, which speak to themes of change, loss, and the passage of time. The song's instrumentation is sparse, with acoustic guitar and harmonica providing a haunting and atmospheric backing to Dylan's vocals. "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" has been covered by a number of artists over the years, including Van Morrison and Them, and has become one of Dylan's most enduring and beloved songs. It is a testament to his influence on popular music and his status as a true icon of the industry.
9. ‘I Threw It All Away’
“I Threw It All Away” is a poignant and emotive song by the legendary American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. Originally released in 1969, the song features Dylan’s trademark crooning voice and sparse acoustic guitar, with subtle touches of piano and strings. The lyrics are reflective and melancholic, with Dylan lamenting the loss of a love that he took for granted. The song’s melody is simple and memorable, with a chorus that is easy to sing along to. “I Threw It All Away” is a classic example of Dylan’s ability to capture complex emotions and themes in a deceptively simple song, and is a testament to his status as one of the greatest songwriters of all time.
10. ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’
“Subterranean Homesick Blues” is a classic song by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. Originally released in 1965, the song features a driving beat and Dylan’s signature nasal voice, with lyrics that are both playful and politically charged. The song’s melody is catchy and memorable, with a chorus that is easy to sing along to. The song’s influence on popular music cannot be overstated, with its fast-paced delivery and poetic lyrics paving the way for the emergence of punk and other countercultural movements. “Subterranean Homesick Blues” is a testament to Dylan’s artistic vision and his ability to capture the spirit of a generation in a few short verses.
11. ‘A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall’
“A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” is a masterpiece by legendary American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. Released in 1963, the song features Dylan’s distinctive voice and intricate acoustic guitar playing, with lyrics that are both cryptic and profound. The song’s melody is haunting and melancholic, with a chorus that is both ominous and hopeful. The song’s influence on popular music cannot be overstated, with its vivid imagery and powerful message inspiring countless artists in the decades since its release. “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” is a testament to Dylan’s unparalleled skill as a songwriter and his ability to capture the zeitgeist of a tumultuous era in American history.
12. ‘It’s Alright Ma, (I’m Only Bleeding)’
“It’s Alright Ma” is a classic protest song by Bob Dylan, released in 1965. The song is characterized by Dylan's distinctive voice and intricate acoustic guitar playing, with lyrics that are biting and socially conscious. The song's lyrics tackle themes such as consumerism, war, and the corrupting influence of power. The song's structure is complex and unconventional, with several verses that build in intensity before culminating in a powerful chorus. "It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)" is widely regarded as one of Dylan's greatest works and a seminal example of protest music that continues to resonate with audiences today.
13. ‘Mr Tambourine Man’
“Mr. Tambourine Man” is a folk rock song written by Bob Dylan and released in 1965. The song became a hit for The Byrds and is considered one of Dylan's most iconic compositions. The lyrics describe a desire to escape the mundane world and enter a dreamlike state of being, with the help of a mystical figure, the "Mr. Tambourine Man" of the title. The song features Dylan's signature poetic lyrics and a melodic, jangly guitar riff that has become instantly recognizable. "Mr. Tambourine Man" is widely regarded as a masterpiece of the 1960s counterculture and a defining moment in Dylan's career.
14. ‘Just Like A Woman’
“Just Like a Woman” is a song written by Bob Dylan in 1966. It was released on his album “Blonde on Blonde” and has since become a classic. The song features Dylan’s signature poetic and enigmatic lyrics, which describe the complexity and mystery of a woman’s character. Its melancholic melody and rich instrumentation, including a prominent bass guitar and harmonica, create a dreamy and nostalgic atmosphere. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Nina Simone, Jeff Buckley, and Van Morrison, and is considered a masterpiece of Dylan’s songwriting and a quintessential representation of the 1960s folk-rock era.
15. ‘Positively 4th Street’
“Positively 4th Street” is a 1965 song by Bob Dylan. This song is widely regarded as one of Dylan’s greatest compositions and a classic of 1960s music. The song is a scathing indictment of a former friend or lover who has become selfish and callous, with Dylan delivering his biting lyrics with a mix of anger and sarcasm. The song features a catchy melody and driving beat that complements the cutting lyrics, making it a quintessential Dylan song. “Positively 4th Street” was a top ten hit in the United States and has since become a beloved and enduring song in Dylan’s catalog.
16. ‘Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright’
“Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” is a classic folk song written by Bob Dylan, which was released in 1963. The song features Dylan’s distinctive finger-picking style and poignant lyrics about heartbreak and moving on. The song speaks of a lover who is leaving, and the singer’s decision to not dwell on the situation, but instead look forward to new opportunities. The song has been covered by many artists and has become a staple of Dylan’s live performances. It remains one of his most popular and enduring songs, known for its simple yet powerful melody and its universal message of resilience and hope in the face of heartbreak.
17. ‘It Ain’t Me Babe’
“It Ain’t Me Babe” is a song written and performed by Bob Dylan, released in 1964. The lyrics describe a man rejecting the advances of a woman who wants him to settle down and make a commitment to her. Dylan’s vocal performance is accompanied by an acoustic guitar, harmonica, and backing vocals. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Johnny Cash and June Carter, Joan Baez, and The Turtles. The song’s straightforward message and catchy melody made it a hit with audiences, and it has since become a staple of Dylan’s live performances and a classic of the folk-rock genre.
18. ‘Hurricane’
“Hurricane” is a protest song by Bob Dylan, chronicling the conviction of boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter for murder. Dylan’s lyrics express his outrage at Carter’s wrongful conviction and the racial discrimination that led to it. The song features a driving rhythm, with electric guitars, drums, and horns. Dylan sings with a sense of urgency, passionately advocating for Carter’s release. The song’s lyrics and melody are both powerful and memorable, making it a standout track in Dylan’s vast catalog. “Hurricane” remains a potent example of how music can be used to raise awareness of social and political issues.
19. ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’
“Blowin’ in the Wind” is one of Bob Dylan’s most famous and widely-covered songs. Released in 1963, it quickly became an anthem for the civil rights movement and other social justice causes of the time. The song’s simple yet powerful lyrics ask a series of rhetorical questions about war, freedom, and equality, all leading to the conclusion that the answers are “blowin’ in the wind.” The song’s melody is based on an old spiritual, giving it a timeless quality that has made it a classic of folk music. It remains a staple of Dylan’s live performances and an enduring symbol of protest music.
20. ‘Like A Rolling Stone’
“Like a Rolling Stone” is a landmark song in Bob Dylan’s career, considered one of the greatest rock songs ever. It was released in 1965, and its lyrics are a scathing critique of high society and its values. The song features a driving beat, electric guitars, and Dylan’s unique vocal delivery, which perfectly captures the frustration and disillusionment of a generation. The song’s six-minute length was unheard of for a single at the time and signaled a significant departure from Dylan’s earlier acoustic folk material. “Like a Rolling Stone” became a hit and established Dylan as a revolutionary voice in popular music.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
