Bringing It All Back Home: Bob Dylan's Transfiguration of Musical and Literary Traditions and The Scottish Folk Heritage

This thesis explores Bob Dylan's artistic evolution through the lens of his engagement with pre-existing traditions, including his early studies in classical literature, as well as his exposure to diverse cultural influences from the Bible to American folk and blues. The research will focus on the Scottish folk heritage, and how Bob Dylan transforms these sources into a unique body of work. The title Bringing It All Back Home refers to Dylan's ability to revisit different cultural traditions, imbuing them with fresh meaning and relevance for contemporary audiences. Dylan’s approach is not one of plagiarism but allusion, as he reworks fragments from various sources to create entirely new narratives. This process of "transfiguration" is central to his poetic genius, as seen in his evolving linguistic styles, ranging from the "hobo voice" to the "archaic voice," which enrich his work’s complexity. The thesis traces Dylan’s relationship with pre-existing texts, paralleling his methods with those of Renaissance and Baroque musicians who adapted literary and sacred works into musical compositions. A significant focus is placed on the Scottish musical tradition, which has deeply influenced the development of American music, especially through Scottish immigrants who brought with them ballads, religious songs, and melodies that shaped the American folk, blues, and country genres. Dylan’s music reflects this heritage, blending the traditional Scottish storytelling style with American musical innovation. His encounter with Jean Redpath combined with his discovery of Scottish ballads through sources like the Alan Lomax recordings in Carla Rotolo's library, shaped his approach to narrative folk music.