As Bob Dylan marks his own milestone birthday – though not yet 80, at 85 he's still going strong! – the legendary musician has shared a thought-provoking take on growing older. In an essay penned for the New York Times, Dylan's words are as incisive and poetic as ever, offering a glimpse into the mind of a man who's seen it all.
In his typically enigmatic style, Dylan writes about finding liberation in leaving the clocks that have been chasing him behind. He notes that reaching octogenarian status means “you outlive the clocks that have been chasing you,” and that this translates to freedom from the delusion of control – a concept he likens to being an "old king from some vanished country". This sense of detachment is both liberating and unsettling, as Dylan acknowledges.
Yet Dylan also acknowledges the less glamorous aspects of advancing years. He laments the disconnect between youthful energy and physical limitations, saying “the old fire in your heart still tells you to do this and that, but your body says we already did it.” He also touches on the loss of surprise and illusions that come with age: “nothing surprises you. It sounds like a luxury but it’s not, and also you’ve run out of illusions.”
But perhaps the most poignant insight comes when Dylan reflects on the belated arrival of profound understanding – a realisation that can feel both bittersweet and profoundly sad. He notes that “you find, at last, you’ve got an understanding of something that might have altered everything in the past, had it come at a time when something could still be altered.” It's a thought that underscores the passage of time and our finite grasp on life.
Despite reaching milestone birthdays, Dylan remains as prolific as ever. His 'Rough And Rowdy Ways' tour continues to enthral audiences around the world, with recent dates in North America featuring deep cuts from his back catalogue and even new material in the works. Whether he's paying tribute to Shane MacGowan or delivering a traditional folk ballad for the first time in decades, Dylan shows no signs of slowing down.
Of course, not everyone was celebrating with Dylan-style nostalgia – other contributors to the New York Times piece offered sharp political commentary and advice. But as we mark our own passing years, it's Dylan's words that offer a more profound reflection on life, time, and what truly matters.