Bob Dylan at 80: Revisiting his memorable songs

Few artistes have been significant for as long as Bob Dylan. Throughout the years, he has remained one of rock music's most influential and striking figures. Although his importance in the world of music can be talked about for days on end, we take a look at some of his most memorable songs, marking his 80th birthday.

Clocking in at more than six minutes, "Like a Rolling Stone" from Dylan's Highway 61 Revisited, is a lyrical take down of a mysterious woman making a scene. The song has influenced generations of singers and songwriters.

Considered to be Dylan's breakthrough song as a songwriter, "Blowin' in the Wind" addresses early 60s anxieties: civil rights, the Cold War and general annihilation. Three months after the song's release, President Kennedy was assassinated, giving "Blowin' in the Wind" a new level of significance.

Like "Blowin' in the Wind", "The Times They Are a-Changin'" chronicles early 60s turbulence by offering flip-side perspectives to sociopolitical issues. This song became an anthem for change upon its release.

"Visions of Johanna" is one of the highlights of Dylan's Blonde on Blonde. It is a cryptic epic that comes close to poetry at times, with winding lyrics.

"Desolation Row", the 11-minute song by the Nobel laureate, paints a portrait of post-apocalyptic dread, as Dylan runs down a list of characters who have given up on any sort of salvation. It is one of his most celebrated songs, in a career filled with them.