Image above: “Reflections” by Lee Teter
This song was written the year I was born – 54 years ago in 1962, during the Vietnam conflict. Read the words and realize how very little has changed in half of a century.
I almost cry when I read or hear it. I grew up praying my brother wouldn’t be drafted. My dad played Dylan all the time.
The sad thing is – it IS still relevant.
How many roads must a man walk down
Before you call him a man ?
How many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand ?
Yes, how many times must the cannonballs fly
Before they’re forever banned ?
The answer my friend is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.
Yes, how many years can a mountain exist
Before it’s washed to the sea ?
Yes, how many years can some people exist
Before they’re allowed to be free ?
Yes, how many times can a man turn his head
Pretending he just doesn’t see ?
The answer my friend is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.
Yes, how many times must a man look up
Before he can see the sky ?
Yes, how many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry ?
Yes, how many deaths will it take till he knows
That too many people have died ?
The answer my friend is blowin’ in the wind
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.
Songwriters: BOB DYLAN
Blowin’ In The Wind lyrics © BOB DYLAN MUSIC CO
Professor Diane Litynski is the director of the Entrepreneurial Business Studies Program at Paul Smith’s College.