About the song
In the rich tapestry of American music, few songs capture the spirit of transformation and social change quite like “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” Originally penned by the legendary Bob Dylan, this iconic anthem has resonated through the decades as a powerful call for progress and reflection. When Carly Simon and James Taylor took on this classic, their rendition brought a fresh yet respectful interpretation to Dylan’s timeless message.
Released in 1970 on Carly Simon’s self-titled album, their version of “The Times They Are A-Changin'” offers a captivating blend of their distinctive styles. Carly Simon’s evocative voice and James Taylor’s soothing tones come together to breathe new life into Dylan’s poignant lyrics. Their duet stands as a testament to their musical chemistry and their ability to convey deep emotion through song.
The song itself, a hallmark of the 1960s folk revival, speaks to the inevitability of change and the need for adaptability in a rapidly evolving world. Dylan’s words, marked by a sense of urgency and optimism, capture the spirit of a generation grappling with social and cultural upheaval. Simon and Taylor’s interpretation maintains the essence of Dylan’s message while adding a layer of reflective warmth.
What makes this rendition particularly memorable is the way Simon and Taylor’s voices blend harmoniously, creating a dialogue that feels both intimate and expansive. Their performance invites listeners to ponder the changes that shape our lives, offering both a sense of nostalgia and a hopeful outlook for the future.
Carly Simon and James Taylor’s version of “The Times They Are A-Changin'” is more than just a cover; it is a reverent homage to a song that has become an anthem for change and a reflection of the times. Their rendition captures the spirit of the era while infusing it with their unique artistic touch, making it a poignant reminder of the continuous evolution of our world.
In summary, this version of “The Times They Are A-Changin'” by Carly Simon and James Taylor remains a powerful musical statement, celebrating the enduring relevance of Dylan’s message. Their heartfelt performance resonates with audiences, reaffirming the song’s place in the pantheon of great American music and its ongoing reflection of our collective journey through time.
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Lyrics
Come gather ’round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You’ll be drenched to the bone
If your time to you is worth savin’
And you better start swimmin’
Or you’ll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin’
Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won’t come again
And don’t speak too soon
For the wheel’s still in spin
And there’s no tellin’ who
That it’s namin’
For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin’
Come senators, congressmen
Please heed the call
Don’t stand in the doorway
Don’t block up the hall
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
The battle outside ragin’
Will soon shake your windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin’
Come mothers and fathers
Throughout the land
And don’t criticize
What you can’t understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command
Your old road is rapidly agin’
Please get out of the new one
If you can’t lend your hand
For the times they are a-changin’
The line it is drawn
The curse it is cast
The slow one now
Will later be fast
As the present now
Will later be past
The order is rapidly fadin’
And the first one now
Will later be last
For the times they are a-changin’