The Times They Are A-Changin' – English Lyrics

• By: Bob Dylan

Lyrics & Translation

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
gather /ˈɡæðər/ B1	verb - to come together; to assemble
admit /ədˈmɪt/ B1	verb - to confess to be true or to allow entry
waters /ˈwɔːtərz/ B2	noun - the liquid that forms the seas, lakes, rivers, and rain
drenched /drɛnʧt/ B2	adjective - completely wet
swim /swɪm/ A1	verb - to move through water by moving the body or limbs
sink /sɪŋk/ B1	verb - to go down below the surface of a liquid
change /ʧeɪndʒ/ A2	verb - to make or become different
critics /ˈkrɪtɪks/ B2	noun - people who express an unfavorable opinion of something
wheel /wiːl/ A2	noun - a circular object that revolves on an axle
battle /ˈbætəl/ B1	noun - a fight between armed forces
shake /ʃeɪk/ B1	verb - to move back and forth or up and down with quick movements
understand /ˌʌndərˈstænd/ A2	verb - to grasp the meaning of something
road /roʊd/ A1	noun - a wide way leading from one place to another
fast /fæst/ A2	adjective - moving or capable of moving at high speed

Key Grammar Structures

• Come gather 'round, people

  ➔ Imperative verb with a command and an indirect object

  ➔ The phrase uses the imperative "Come" to instruct or invite people to gather.

• and admit that the waters around you have grown

  ➔ Use of the verb "admit" in present tense with a subordinate clause

  ➔ The verb "admit" introduces a confession or acknowledgment of a situation.

• For the times they are a-changin'

  ➔ Use of simple present tense in a poetic, general statement

  ➔ The phrase signifies an ongoing, persistent change occurring over time.

• The order is rapidly fadin'

  ➔ Present continuous tense indicating a gradual fading or decline

  ➔ This construction emphasizes an ongoing process of fading or diminishing.

• who prophesize with your pen

  ➔ Use of the verb "prophesize" in present tense with a prepositional phrase

  ➔ The verb "prophesize" is used in the present tense, indicating prediction or vision conveyed through writing.

• Your sons and your daughters are beyond your command

  ➔ Use of the phrase "beyond your command" indicating surpassing control

  ➔ This phrase emphasizes that the younger generation is no longer under the authority of the older one.

• The slow one now will later be last

  ➔ Future simple tense with "will" to indicate a change over time

  ➔ The phrase uses "will" to predict a reversal of status or outcome in the future.