John Lennon had a complex and evolving relationship with Bob Dylan’s music, moving from admiration and influence to a more critical stance later in his life
Songs Lennon was clearly influenced by or admired:
“Positively 4th Street”: This 1965 single by Dylan had a significant impact on Lennon. It was reportedly the only Dylan song he included on his personal jukebox (a Discomatic). The Beatles even rehearsed it during their Let It Be sessions. source
“The Times They Are A-Changin'”
Lennon admired Dylan’s ability to write socially conscious lyrics, and this song in particular was often cited by many in the ’60s as deeply influential.
Early Dylan folk songs: Lennon acknowledged that Dylan’s early folk material, particularly from albums like The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, was a revelation. It showed him and McCartney that pop music could have greater lyrical depth and address personal feelings.
Lennon’s later, more critical views:
“Gotta Serve Somebody”: Lennon was quite critical of Dylan’s turn to Christian-themed music in the late 1970s, particularly the song “Gotta Serve Somebody.” He even recorded his own unreleased satirical response called “Serve Yourself,” with lyrics mocking Dylan’s newfound evangelism.
General commentary on Dylan’s lyrics: Later in his career, Lennon sometimes downplayed the meaning in Dylan’s lyrics, suggesting they were often random images strung together. This could be interpreted as a way for Lennon to dismiss his own past insecurities about being influenced by Dylan, or simply a change in his personal taste.
