Would you like to tell someone that times have changed and that things don't always work the way they expect (or are used to)? The phrase 'the times they are a changin'' is a common saying that is used to mean that a change or revolution could be on the way. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this common pop culture saying.
Meaning
The phrase 'the times they are a changin' is often used as a statement or observation sentence.
When someone says 'the times they are a changin', the phrase is used to imply that things don't work in the same, old ways as they used to.
The phrase 'the times they are a changin' can also be used to colloquially say that change is about to happen, or something different is on the way.
While the most common use of the phrase is a straight statement or observation, the phrase can also be used as an ironic term when it is obvious that the meaning would make no sense.
The phrase 'the times they are a changin' can also carry humorous or sarcastic means when it is being said, although this context is made obvious from what is being said.
Common, popular use of the phrase leaves the saying unchanged and it is not common use to shorten the phrase.
There are, however, several different ways to punctuate the same saying, including to say 'the times they are-a-changing'.
Regardless of its punctuation, the meaning of the phrase remains the same.
Example Usage
“It took me three hours to explain to my grandmother that gender and sex were no longer the same thing, but that hers was probably set in stone back in the stone ages. The times they are a changing.”
“These days you can find an Uber to anywhere you want to go, at any time you want to go there. It's not like thirty years ago where you had to hope someone with a car could take you. The times they are a changing.”
“Phones are getting so small now that you can fit them straight up your behind. Back in my day, if you wanted to make a phone call in a prison cell you had to smuggle in a whole handset. The times they sure are a changing.”
“My favorite Bob Dylan song used to be Mr Tamborine Man, but now it's this new song that I've heard. I guess the times they are a changing, right? Right?”
Origin
The phrase 'the times they are a changing' is credited to writer, singer and poet Bob Dylan. A song and album that contained the saying was first released in 1965 in the USA, and use of the phrase would quickly take root as an anthem against the political climate at the time.
The phrase would be ingrained in popular use, and still remains a phrase that is used in its entiriety today.
Use of the phrase appears to be equally popular in most forms of English, including Australia, the UK and the United States.
Bob Dylan is given as the official, original origin of the phrase that was later adopted as a pop culture reference. Some languages have translated the phrase, though some have not: direct translation of the phrase might not always make sense for this reason.
Phrases Similar to The Times They Are A Changin'
- N/a
Phrases Opposite to The Times They Are A Changin'
- The more things change, the more they stay the same
What is the Correct Saying?
- The times they are a changin'
- The times they are-a changing
- The times they are a changing
Ways People May Say The Times They Are A Changin' Incorrectly
There are several ways in which someone might misunderstand the meaning of the phrase, or use the term 'the times they are a changing' in the wrong way.
The phrase has been translated into some languages, but might make no sense to someone if a direct translation does not exist. Understanding of the phrase relies on understanding of the situation, especially with ironic or sarcastic use of the phrase.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase The Times They Are A Changin'
The acceptable way to use 'the times they are a changing' is to use it as a reference for changing times, or an ironic reference for things that do not change.