Bob Dylan Protest Music

Bob Dylan was both a lyrical genius and an amazing performer. His ability to play both the guitar and harmonica at the same time was brilliant; he would even switch between the harmonica and singing in the middle of a song. The lyrics to the songs that Dylan played where not only meaningful and moving, but also deep and rich. In his songs he uses many poetic devices, notably alliteration. Dylan’s protest song “Masters of War” portrays the use of alliteration in his lyrics.

that build the big bombs
Build, big and bombs

You that never done nothin'
Never and nothing’

When the fast bullets fly
Fast and fly

A world war can be won
World, war and won

That runs down my drain
Down and drain

Unborn and unnamed
Unborn and unnamed

To talk out of turn
Talk and turn

When your death takes its toll
Takes and toll

All the money you made
Money and made

Will never buy back your soul
Buy, and back

And I'll watch while you're lowered
Watch and while

Down to your deathbed
Down and deathbed.