Bob Dylan

Singer-songwriter, Nobel laureate

Contemporary influential 128 sayings

Sayings by Bob Dylan

I just write what I feel.

1960s-present — Interview, explaining his songwriting process
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't really have any particular philosophy.

1960s-present — Interview, often in response to questions about his worldview
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm just trying to make it from day to day.

1960s-present — Interview, downplaying his grand ambitions
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not a religious person, but I'm deeply spiritual.

1997 — Interview with Robert Hilburn, Los Angeles Times
Controversial Unverifiable

I didn't steal any songs. I just borrowed them.

1960s-1970s — Interview, addressing accusations of plagiarism or borrowing melodies/lyrics from traditional source…
Controversial Unverifiable

I ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more.

1965 — Lyrics from 'Maggie's Farm,' often interpreted as a statement against commercialism or expectations.
Controversial Unverifiable

I've never been a folk singer. I've been a singer who sings folk songs.

1960s-1970s — Interview, clarifying his relationship with the folk genre.
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't think I'm a folksinger. I'm a song and dance man.

1966 — Interview with Nat Hentoff, 'The Playboy Interview: Bob Dylan'.
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm not gonna say anything that I don't feel. And I can't feel anything that's not real. So I can't say anything.

1965 — Press conference, San Francisco.
Humorous Unverifiable

I really don't have anything to say. I just sing the songs.

c. 1960s-1970s — Interview, various occasions.
Humorous Unverifiable

Some people are just born with a good sense of timing. I'm one of 'em.

2004 — Interview with Ed Bradley on '60 Minutes'.
Humorous Unverifiable

I just write them. I don't know what they mean.

c. 1960s-1970s — Common response to questions about the meaning of his lyrics.
Humorous Unverifiable

I don't want to be a star. I just want to play my music.

c. 1960s — Early interviews.
Humorous Unverifiable

I don't want to be Mr. Folk-Rock. I don't want to be Mr. Anything.

c. 1960s — Interview, expressing aversion to labels.
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm not a prophet or a savior; I just happen to be a guy who writes songs.

c. 1960s-1970s — Interview, often attributed.
Humorous Unverifiable

I could've been a farmer, but I chose to be a musician. I made my bed.

c. 1970s — Interview.
Humorous Unverifiable

I think of myself more as a song-and-dance man than anything else.

c. 1960s-2000s — Similar to the 1966 quote, a recurring self-description.
Humorous Unverifiable

I change my mind a lot.

c. 1960s — Interview, explaining his evolving musical styles.
Humorous Unverifiable

I don't carry a wallet. I don't have a driver's license. I don't have credit cards. I don't have a phone. I don't have a computer. I don't have anything.

2012 — Interview with Mikal Gilmore for Rolling Stone.
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm just like a billboard. I'm standing there, and the wind blows, and the rain comes down, and I'm still standing there.

c. 1990s — Interview.
Humorous Unverifiable