Bob Dylan

Singer-songwriter, Nobel laureate

Contemporary influential 128 sayings

Sayings by Bob Dylan

I don't have any messages.

1960s (various) — Press conference, often in response to questions about the meaning of his songs
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't sing for money and I don't sing for fame. I sing because I like to sing.

1960s-present — Attributed, general sentiment
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm just a song and dance man.

2017 — Press conference, Stockholm, after receiving Nobel Prize for Literature
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not trying to say anything for anybody else.

1960s-present — Interview, often in response to political interpretations of his work
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't have to be a spokesman for anything.

1960s (recalled) — Interview, 'No Direction Home' documentary
Controversial Unverifiable

A lot of people are like, 'Why are you doing this?' And I'm like, 'I don't know.'

1985 — Interview with Bill Flanagan, 'Written in My Soul'
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't carry any banners, I don't wave any flags. I don't belong to any organization.

1960s-present — Interview, often stated in response to political labels
Controversial Unverifiable

I never have been and never will be a political songwriter.

1960s-present — Interview, explicitly rejecting the label
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't think about 'em. I just write 'em.

1960s-present — Interview, referring to his songs
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't like to be categorized. I don't like to be put in boxes.

1960s-present — Interview, general sentiment
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm just a man, you know. I'm not a prophet.

1960s-present — Interview, often stated to downplay his public image
Controversial Unverifiable

I never did set out to be anybody's anything.

1997 — Interview with Robert Hilburn, Los Angeles Times
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't really know what my songs are about. I just write them.

1960s-present — Interview, often feigning ignorance about the meaning of his lyrics
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not trying to make any grand statements with my music.

1960s-present — Interview, downplaying the philosophical interpretations of his work
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't have any answers for anybody.

1960s-present — Interview, often in response to questions about social or political issues
Controversial Unverifiable

I just consider myself a working musician.

2001 — Interview with Jon Pareles, The New York Times
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't think about my legacy. I just think about what I'm doing now.

2012 — Interview with Mikal Gilmore, Rolling Stone
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't care what people think about me.

1960s-present — Interview, often stated in response to criticism
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't have any profound wisdom to impart.

1960s-present — Interview, downplaying his role as a guru or philosopher
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not interested in being a spokesman for anything.

1960s-present — Interview, consistently rejecting the role of spokesperson
Controversial Unverifiable