About the song
Ah, yes, Blowin’ in the Wind. A song that has transcended generations and continues to resonate with profound questions about humanity’s struggles. While many might associate the song with the iconic voice of Bob Dylan, it was actually Peter, Paul and Mary who brought it to the mainstream in 1962.
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This folk trio, already established for their beautiful harmonies and socially conscious lyrics, found the perfect vehicle in Blowin’ in the War. The song, composed by a young and then relatively unknown Bob Dylan, perfectly captured the zeitgeist of the early 1960s. The Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum, the Cold War loomed large, and a sense of disillusionment with war and societal inequalities was brewing amongst the youth.
Blowin’ in the Wind became an anthem for this generation. Peter, Paul and Mary’s rendition, with its gentle yet powerful vocals, stripped-down instrumentation, and Dylan’s poetic lyrics, struck a chord with millions. The song’s structure is deceptively simple. Each verse poses a series of poignant questions about war, peace, freedom, and justice. Lines like “How many deaths will it take ’til he knows that too many people have died?” and “How many years can a mountain exist / Before it’s washed out to sea?” became rallying cries for a generation yearning for change.
The beauty of the song lies in its ambiguity. The answer, as the refrain goes, is “blowin’ in the wind”. Is this a statement of despair, suggesting the answers are elusive and out of reach? Or is it a call to action, urging us to actively seek the answers that are swirling around us? The song doesn’t provide easy solutions, but rather compels the listener to confront the uncomfortable realities of the world and to search for their own understanding.
Blowin’ in the Wind transcended its time. Its message of seeking answers to fundamental human struggles continues to resonate today. From the anti-war movements of the Vietnam era to the ongoing fights for racial and social justice, the song has served as a powerful tool for those seeking change. Peter, Paul and Mary’s masterful rendition cemented the song’s place in music history, making it a timeless classic that continues to inspire and challenge listeners to this very day.
Video
Lyrics
“Blowin’ In The Wind”
Before you call him a man?
How many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?
Yes, and how many times must the cannonballs fly
Before they’re forever banned?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind
Yes, and how many years can a mountain exist
Before it’s washed to the sea?
Yes, and how many years can some people exist
Before they’re allowed to be free?
Yes, and how many times can a man turn his head
And pretend that he just doesn’t see?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind
Yes, and how many times must a man look up
Before he can see the sky?
Yes, and how many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry?
Yes, and how many deaths will it take ’til he knows
That too many people have died?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind