Like a Rolling Stone

Bob Dylan's 'Like a Rolling Stone' is a seminal track in the history of rock music, often hailed as one of the greatest songs ever written. Released in 1965, it marked a significant shift in Dylan's musical direction from folk to rock. The song's lyrics are a scathing critique of a once-privileged individual who has fallen from grace and is now experiencing life from the perspective of the downtrodden.

The song opens with a depiction of the subject's past opulence, mocking their former arrogance and detachment from the struggles of the less fortunate. As the narrative progresses, the lyrics strip away the layers of the subject's former life, revealing the harsh reality of their new existence. The repeated refrain 'How does it feel?' serves as a biting rhetorical question, emphasizing the subject's newfound vulnerability and isolation. The imagery of being 'like a rolling stone' suggests a life of aimless wandering without purpose or connection, a stark contrast to the subject's previous status.

Dylan's use of vivid characters and scenarios throughout the song paints a broader picture of societal hypocrisy and the superficial nature of social status. The transformation of the protagonist from a person of influence to one of insignificance is a powerful commentary on the transient nature of wealth and prestige. The song's enduring appeal lies in its universal theme of change and the human experience of adapting to new realities, making it as relevant today as it was in the 1960s.