The book of Bob Dylan’s spiritual journey was on hold for me through the library app for quite a while, it only recently became available. And I almost didn’t check it out because I was like, “It’s personal, and who was this author to know something that intimate about another person, least of all the very private and legendary Bob Dylan.” But instincts told me to read it. So, I did and I am happily learning more about the man, his music, and that he, like me, don’t buy into labels.
While discovering his music I recognized biblical references and just thought it was coincidence that he knew of the same people and stories that I did, and he was just being creative. After learning more about his spiritual adventure, albeit through interviews and references from others, it’s much more than shared common scriptural knowledge.
His lyrics are subtle, poetic, deeply meaningful and personal reflections of who he is, and what he believes. He was born and raised in the Jewish faith, then became “Christian,” some say, “Born Again” or “Fundamentalist.” But I don’t agree that he abandoned his Jewish roots, nor does he fit the confinement of the “Born Again Chrisitan.” He is clearly not a Jewish hating Christian. Bob is what he is and his relationship with God is personal and never ending. He is a believer, without a label. He is a lover of the Lord, without being contained. He is tuned into the source of creativity with deep respect and gratitude. And thank God for Jesus for his lyrical and musical genius.
After listening to this audio book, I downloaded the albums mentioned that most reflect a post spiritual experience that led him to speak and sing boldly for following Jesus. It is said, that a few of his most favorite songs come from these albums, “In the Garden” from the album “Saved” and “You Gotta Serve Somebody” from the album “Slow Train Coming.” I am enthralled with these albums and sincerely and fully sense the presence of God while singing along.
One of the songs, “Pressing On” from the “Saved” album is my new theme song, for many reasons. One because it reminds me of a woman who is 94 years old and her theme song throughout her whole life has been “Keep on Pushing” by the Impressions. She sings it frequently and with her state of dementia, they are words that center and comfort her when frustrated.
Dylan’s “spiritual” albums have phenomenal Gospel singers in the background holding Bob’s voice to a higher ground. My friend with whom I just spoke of, was a gospel singer her whole life, traveling the country from Alabama to Chicago and places everywhere in between. It’s unfortunate that she can’t share the details about her life, but when I turn on a gospel CD, she knows every word from the first note. I don’t need to know the details of her life when I can see her soul so deeply satisfied.
There is a mystery to the power of music, and it’s influence on our memory and minds. It’s my soul’s love language. And the more I learn about Bob Dylan, Zimmy, the more I believe my daughter when she calls him my spirit guide.
