Author Archives: Tony Attwood

By Larry Fyffe Singer, songwriter, musician Bob Dylan makes many literary allusions. For example:  & she say ok, but where will you be & i say I don’t know, mother, but I’m not tom joad (Bob Dylan: Tarantula) In John … Continue reading →

This article is part of our series looking at Dylan’s book “The Philosophy of Modern Song”. By Tony Attwood “A certain girl is a song” by Ernie K-Doe who recorded “Mother in Law” was the song I looked at in … Continue reading →

Discover Dylan’s Broken Record Philosophy. See how looping lyrics, evolving performances, and stacked studio takes create depth, inspire modern artists, and offer practical lessons for everyday learning. The “Broken Record” Philosophy: Dylan’s Architecture of the Infinite Loop Listening to music … Continue reading →

Explore useful student lessons from Bob Dylan songs about change, pressure, voice, doubt, focus, and learning to think for yourself. You never really “finish” Bob Dylan. Hearing one of his songs at the age of sixteen and hearing the same … Continue reading →

  By Tony Attwood Previously in this series about Dylan songs that have changed my life, I wrote about Restless Farewell Long and Wasted Years  Mississippi Foot of Pride If you want to send me a new article or you … Continue reading →

By Tony Attwood Editorial note: I regret to say I have had a major problem with the computers that run Untold Dylan, which means that, among other things, I am not receiving or able to send emails at the moment.  … Continue reading →

  Continuing our look at the songs Bob chose in his book, The Philosophy of Modern Song. By Tony Attwood Ernest Kador Jr.  was born in 1933 and died in 2001, aged 68, and was primarily known for the song … Continue reading →

Important note: A technical event has meant that for the past few days I have not been able to receive emails, and thus not been able to post up articles written by anyone other than myself.   If you are waiting … Continue reading →

  by Jochen Markhorst XXII      The Big-Lipped Alligator Twelve years old and they put me in a suit Forced me to marry a prostitute There were gold fringes on her wedding dress That’s my story but not where it ends … Continue reading →

  By Tony Attwood Editorial note: I regret to say I have had a major problem with the computers that run Untold Dylan, which means that, among other things, I am not receiving or able to send emails at the … Continue reading →

By Tony Attwood One of the many great things about Bob’s book, “The Philosophy of Modern Song,” is the astonishing variety of the songs that he chose, and the fact that so many of them have utterly amazing and fascinating … Continue reading →

  Previously in the “Song of the Year” series 1961.  I was young when I left home 1962:  Tomorrow is a long time 1963: Seven Curses 1964: Gates of Eden 1965: Visions of Johnanna 1966: One of Us Must Know (Sooner or Later) 1967 part 1: “Drifter’s … Continue reading →

by Jochen Markhorst XXI      My motto is Treat ‘Em Like a Prostitute Wherever I travel – wherever I roam I’m not that far from the convent home I do what I think is right – what I think is best … Continue reading →

  By Tony Attwood Last week I wrote the article ” Can a Dylan song actually be a life-changing experience? which focused on “Restless Farewell”. That article came entirely out of listening once again to the song and my recognition … Continue reading →

  By Tony Attwood I am not at all sure if Bob included “Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves” – the 1971 hit from Cher (her first number 1) because he likes the song or because it is indeed one of the … Continue reading →

By Larry Fyffe And he carries a reminder Of every glove that laid him down (Simon & Garfunkel: The Boxer) The above song about a boxer gets changed a bit by Bob Dylan: And he carries a reminder Of every … Continue reading →

    By Tony Attwood Details of all our current series and recent articles can be found on the home page A list of the songs we have chosen as the best of the year, starting with 1961, is given at … Continue reading →