The songwriter whose lyrics earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature is Bob Dylan. He was awarded the prize in 2016 for "having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition". Dylan's songs are deeply rooted in American folk music traditions and influenced by modernist and beatnik poets. His lyrics often incorporate themes of social struggle, political protest, love, and religion, characterized by refined rhymes and sometimes surreal imagery.
Some of the notable lyrics that contributed to his Nobel Prize recognition come from songs like "Blowin' in the Wind," "The Times They Are A-Changin'," and "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall" among others. These works have had a significant cultural impact and have been widely influential in literature and music.