The Times They Are A-Changing Songs Ranked

The Times They Are a-Changin’ is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released on January 13, 1964 by Columbia Records. Whereas his previous albums Bob Dylan and The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan consisted of original material among cover songs, Dylan’s third album was the first to feature only original compositions. The album consists mostly of stark, sparsely arranged ballads concerning issues such as racism, poverty, and social change. The title track is one of Dylan’s most famous; many feel that it captures the spirit of social and political upheaval that characterized the 1960s. Some critics and fans were not quite as taken with the album as a whole, relative to his previous work, for its lack of humor or musical diversity. Still, The Times They Are a-Changin’ peaked at No. 20 on the US chart, eventually going gold, and belatedly reaching No. 4 in the UK in 1965. Here are all of The Times They Are A-Changing songs ranked.

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10. One Too Many Mornings

“This is a good one. Sometimes, I can’t help but long for the explosive version on Live 66, but this sparse folk version is how it was intended. This is a very wise, humble song about ego, and the pain it causes. I wouldn’t pretend to have the whole song figured out though.”

9. Boots of Spanish Leather

“This is a nice breath of fresh air. Some people criticize this for having the same melody as “Girl From North Country”, but who really gives a shit? That song’s great, this song’s great, the melody’s perfect for both, and I wouldn’t want to lose either song. In fact, I think I might prefer this song to “North”

8. The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll

“Another good one. Bob didn’t usually sing songs about topics taken right out of the newspaper, and that makes this sort of unique (even though the non- Bob fan might assume he wrote songs like this all the time). The validity of Bob’s facts of the story can be debated, but it doesn’t really matter. It’s a powerful song either way. This is Tom Wait’s favorite Dylan song. William Zanzinger died not too long ago. He really hated Dylan.”

See more: Bob Dylan Albums Ranked

7. Restless Farewell

“This is a great album closer. It’s one of my favorite on the album. Very contemplative with really great lyrics. It’s one of those songs you don’t notice on first listen, but’ll grab you down the road when you really need it’s words to heal you.”

6. North Country Blues

“Another story song like Hollis Brown. Haunting vocal delivery, of a great sparse tragic folk song. Bob wrote it, but it’s from a female’s perspective which is always hip in my book.”

5. When the Ship Comes In

“Much like the title track. This song could relate to the topical problems of the day, or it could be just taken as a song about hope, and good conquering evil. I dig it.”

See more: Bob Dylan Songs Ranked

4. Only a Pawn In Their Game

“An example of how even Dylan’s topical songs were more complex than other artist’s topical songs from the same era. It’s about Medgar Evers, a black man who was shot by a KKK member. The song doesn’t seek to condemn the KKK, but to show that the man who shot him was taught to be hateful and violent all his life. Of course the song is probably not completely excusing him either. Bob’s songs are never as easy as you think, even when you think you have them figured out.”

3. With God on Our Side

” I have mixed feelings about this one. It definitely has what could be considered “flaws”. It’s very long and slow and, the message could be seen as preachy or simplistic. It may come across a little too much like a coffeehouse liberal anthem compared to most of Bob’s stuff, but the message is actually more objective than it might first appear.”

2. Ballad of Hollis Brown

“Great song. It’s dark and uncompromising and sparse to the bone. People criticize this album for being dated and too “protesty”, but I think the album is just too dark for people. It’s a little too depressing for me too sometimes. Maybe the combination of light and heavy made Freewheelin a more well rounded album, but personally, I’m glad we have both.”

1. The Times They Are a-Changin’

“This song is the most famous here by far, and it’s a rebellious little sucker. “Your Son’s and Your Daughter’s are beyond your command”. That’s more punk than anything the Sex Pistols wrote. It was about social change at the time, but more than that, it’s about change itself. That’s what’s great about Dylan. His stuff wasn’t just relevant to his time, because most of what he wrote was based on earthly truths rather than contemporary hipness. Every line in this song is timeless. It has nothing to do with the 60’s. It’s just life.”