Bob Dylan, American singer, songwriter, artist and writer, recently won the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature. Known mainly for the exceptional lyrics in his folk and rock songs, Dylan’s accomplishments differ from the typical prize winners. Many have expressed concern with his recognition for the prize due to his career as a musician rather than a poet or novelist, causing debate about whether music is considered as literature and the legitimacy of his win.

Does a musician deserve the same honor under the Nobel Prize in Literature as an established author or poet?

In the words of Alfred Nobel, prize winners must have produced “in the field of literature the most outstanding work in an ideal direction.” Dylan, a global chart-topper throughout the sixties and seventies, has assured listeners of his thorough writing process, writing lyrics that refer to major issues, resulting in awareness and discussion of topics with greater depth than most other popular music. WashingtonPost.com recounts a speech in which Dylan notes he did not come up with songs “out of thin air,” and to really absorb the essence of folk music, he listened to the style so often that he would go to sleep with it playing.

Folkmusic.about.com defines a folk song as “one that uses traditional melodies and/or modes to speak on a particular topic. Often, topical folk songs address social and political issues such as work, war, and popular opinion.” This denotation represents the depth of folk music, for it seeks to capture listeners by relaying a story and focusing on the importance of a subject to possibly invoke change. Dylan used his influence in his folk music to shed light on massive issues such as the Civil Rights movement, singing about remaining brave in times of difficulty and consequently creating a positive message for activist groups to absorb. As such a popular artist of the time, Dylan helped create massive strides in bringing important sentiments and stories to the musical world and, therefore, much of the world. During the time in which Dylan’s music began to heavily influence the masses, his positive messages were widely and easily relayed, affecting many.

Slate.com voices the opinions of those who feel dissatisfied with Dylan’s award, stating that the objection “hinges in the definition of the word literature,” remarking that an “economist” or “political saint” would not win the prize, so Bob Dylan should not either. Dictionary.cambridge.org defines literature, however, as “writing that has lasting value as art.” Noting the still-present popularity and praise of Dylan’s lyrics, which he also has published in various books, many would argue that his music can be considered as literature. Some may argue he does not deserve an award over those who have intensely studied the typical forms of literature, yet the committee who votes on the winner of the prize has also been educated in literature, attributing merit to Dylan’s award.

Dylan’s lyrics do not resemble those of a typical pop song, and he has greatly influenced many through his music that speaks on a variety of important topics. By using his musical platform he brought to light many issues that may not have otherwise reached the masses, which shows his lasting effect on people. If any musician were to win a prize for literature, his words best represent the combination of music and literature to tell a story.