Bob Quote by Kazuo Ishiguro
“My friends and I took songwriting very, very seriously. My hero was and still is Bob Dylan, but also people like Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell and that whole generation.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Guardian, 2015
The author treats songwriting as a serious art, inspired by legendary lyricists like Dylan, Cohen, and Mitchell.
In simple terms: Songwriting is a disciplined craft inspired by great poets.
Key Takeaway
Study the masters to hone your own voice.
Themes
art
creativity
legacy
inspiration
Mood
thoughtful
inspired
Type
literary
musical
When to use this quote
- music workshops
- creative writing classes
- collaborative sessions
- personal practice
Key Concepts
lyative songwriting
poetic lyricism
musical heritage
artistic mentorship
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you blend influence with personal expression?
- What makes a lyric timeless?
A Different Perspective
Even great influences can limit originality if not balanced.
![“[I have] my own view about [Bob] Dylan's Nobel prize. Which is, I'm firmly in the Nay camp. I do think the award is a category error, but that's not why. Not in itself. What bothers me is the perceived status of the categories. If pop lyricists were routinely considered for the prize as are…” quote by David Bennun](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/874/david-bennun-25818_awards_i-have-my-own-view-about-bob-dylan-s-nob_2927909.jpg)
![“Except in these latter-day songs, [Bob] Dylan is a grizzled old prophet who's already been to hell and back.” quote by Jay Michaelson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fcd/jay-michaelson-15590_bob_except-in-these-latter-day-songs-bob-dyl_3830.jpg)
![“The most recent incarnation of [Bob] Dylan has been the traveling journeyman/ charlatan who sings roots music, snarls dark lyrics that make "All Along the Watchtower" sound like a Disney tune, hosts an old-school radio show, and turns up in some unusual places, like ads for Chrysler and Victoria's…” quote by Jay Michaelson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/734/jay-michaelson-15590_ads_the-most-recent-incarnation-of-bob-dylan_17700.jpg)
