Born and raised a Zimmerman,
this boy from Jewish kin,
from early years his muse would span
and stir his art within.
For Guthrie* would inspire, it seems,
his love to sing and play.
Though Blowin' in the Wind, his dreams,
they would come true one day.
This poet sensed that Folk was real,
reflected life much more.
In Chimes of Freedom, he'd reveal
the fervour at his core.
And Heading for the Light he'd go
to NYC with zeal
to see his idol and to grow
those skills that would appeal.
A Shooting Star whose verse would start
a cult that swept the stage,
infusing songs with blazing heart -
A Shakespeare of his age.
For, in those times of woe and war,
this rebel with a cause -
in Rough and Rowdy Ways, he saw
the pain that gave folk pause.
A Hurricane, a wake-up call,
a prophesy of doom -
he'd rage A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall,
intone his song with gloom.
His fans would crave his truthful spin,
his honest Tears of Rage.
In Changin' Times they sought within
a prophet and a sage.
But fame would be a curse as well,
confine this rising star
and Desolation Row would swell
when he dared change guitar.*
For though Desire in him would burn,
the rat race left him torn
and Like a Rolling Stone, he'd yearn
for Shelter from the Storm.
On Heaven's Door, he'd knock anew,
to seek the promised land,
to serve and find a life more true
in Ev'ry Grain of Sand.
Forever Young, he'd blend his style
with tender romance too.
He'd urge his Lady Lay awhile,
in praise: If Not for You.
His art would rock with driven beat,*
would never be defined;
a generation at his feet,
with truth he strove to find.
Impassioned by his carr'on call
that Things have Changed so fast,
this seer forever standing tall
was Born in Time to last!
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