Literature, or just lyrics?

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Are song lyrics literature? Are they poetry? These are questions that have been posed for quite a while, and everyone has something to say. More so now, than before, with the announcement that Bob Dylan has just been conferred with the Nobel prize for Literature.

For those who grew up on Dylan, or even got introduced to him in their later years, this may perhaps come as no surprise. To limit the scope of literature to the written word in books would perhaps be unjust. This is a man who has recorded over 35 albums, written books and inspired not just musicians but writers and poets as well. Singer-songwriters and others the world over will be rejoicing in this new age of the Nobel, especially if they continue to include songwriters on the shortlist for the prize in the future. Art is relative and open to interpretation. Pick up a copy of Highway 61 Revisited, John Wesley Harding or Blood on the Tracks and listen to the words that come out of Dylan’s mouth. That is poetry. Set to music.

Bob Dylan may be a controversial character for some part of his life, but take away the music and his lyrics can be turned into a massive tome that would look good sitting next to the works of Nobel prize winners in the past. This is also a big win for pop culture and there’s every chance (and hope) that the Nobel committee may start to view art, be it music, dance, fashion or other forms of expression, as one unifying medium that deserves a Nobel category in the future.

Until then, revel in Bob Dylan’s win. It’s not over yet, baby blue!

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Dylan's body of work through his lifetime could be synonymous with the magnitude of an ocean. Largely indescribable. The purist could argue that what he wrote was mostly lyric and not poetry but then his ardent fans would counter argue otherwise. I feel the Nobel Prize is a gesture in principal to honour his life and writing, to dissect its literary relevance from an academic point of view would take away the undefinable value that Dylan's songs brought to our lives. To most of us it will be poetry.

Vince Costa, singer-songwriter

Dylan's lyrics have never been more true in any given generation. He has moved people, made people question the world and themselves and the establishments they follow. Dylan's words go beyond art and songwriting. It's great that people finally recognise his writing as English literature. Now all that's left is to introduce it into schools, perhaps

Kristian Bent, singer-songwriter

For me, Dylan has been a major part of my growing years and even to date, his lyric and music manages to bring a smile to my face. Poetry is an important aspect of literature. We had to study the work of various poets through our school years and given the choice, I'd have gladly opted for Bob's poetry. Had his lyrics not been vocalised, in my opinion, it would be considered literature. There are many other songwriters out there who go under the radar but are actually fantastic when it comes to writing lyric poetry. More than just his unconventional style of delivery, it's his songwriting ability that needed to be hailed and I'm glad that this has finally happened.

Sullivan Noronha, media professional

Until they start giving Nobel prizes for songwriting, I think it's perfectly fair and appropriate to honour Bon Dylan in the category of literature. Are lyrics literature? Absolutely. Literature with a soundtrack.

Ranjit Arapurakal, musician

There's a ton of mixed reactions about Dylan winning the Nobel Prize for a literature. But if you think about it, the prize is for, in the field of literature, "the most outstanding work in an ideal direction". We're Dylan's lyrics outstanding? Yes. Was his work in an ideal direction? Most of it!

Andre Velho, musician

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"Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" (The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan, 1963)

I ain't a-saying you treated me unkind

You could have done better but I don't mind

You just kinda wasted my precious time

But don't think twice, it's all right

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"Like a Rolling Stone" (Highway 61 Revisited, 1965)

You say you never compromise

With the mystery tramp, but now you realize

He's not selling any alibis

As you stare into the vacuum of his eyes

And say "Do you want to make a deal?"

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"I Want You" (Blonde on Blonde, 1966)

The guilty undertaker sighs

The lonesome organ grinder cries

The silver saxophones say I should refuse you

The cracked bells and washed-out horns

Blow into my face with scorn

But it's not that way, I wasn't born to lose you

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Every Grain of Sand (Shot of Love, 1981)

Oh, the flowers of indulgence and the weeds of yesteryear

Like criminals, they have choked the breath of conscience and good cheer

The sun beat down upon the steps of time to light the way

To ease the pain of idleness and the memory of decay

I gaze into the doorway of temptation’s angry flame

And every time I pass that way I always hear my name

Then onward in my journey I come to understand

That every hair is numbered like every grain of sand