Bob Dylan - It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)

Bob Dylan shows us that he actually invented rap music. I would bet that if he were asked, he would prefer to be remembered to posterity as a poet more than as a musician.

The lyrics of this piece are a bit complex. It might help to open this link at Dylan's website to follow the lyrics.

That he not busy being born
Is busy dying...

While others say don't hate nothing at all
Except hatred...

To flesh-colored Christs that glow in the dark
It's easy to see without looking too far
That not much
Is really sacred.

While preachers preach of evil fates
Teachers teach that knowledge waits
Can lead to hundred-dollar plates
Goodness hides behind its gates
But even the president of the United States
Sometimes must have
To stand naked...

Old lady judges watch people in pairs
Limited in sex, they dare
To push fake morals, insult and stare
While money doesn't talk, it swears
Obscenity, who really cares
Propaganda, all is phony...

I won't offer interpretation or opinion, except to note that 1965 - when this was released - was a time of war and protest. If you don't care for the music, the lyrics, or the sentiment, be impressed by this at least - he does the whole thing without a teleprompter.

A tip of the hat to The Centered Librarian.