Dylan also dressed the controversy around his being chosen for the literary prize.
Referencing Shakespeare, he says, the thought that he was writing literature couldnt have entered his head.
His words were written for the stage.
Credit: Michael Kovac/WireImage
Meant to be spoken not read.
However, the performer ultimately composed his words to be read at the banquet.
Read the entire speech below.
Good evening, everyone.
Being awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature is something I never could have imagined or seen coming.
That I now join the names on such a list is truly beyond words.
Its probably buried so deep that they dont even know its there.
So, I recognize that I am in very rare company, to say the least.
I began to think about William Shakespeare, the great literary figure.
I would reckon he thought of himself as a dramatist.
The thought that he was writing literature couldnt have entered his head.
His words were written for the stage.
Meant to be spoken not read.
How should this be staged?
Do I really want to set this in Denmark?
Is the financing in place?
Are there enough good seats for my patrons?
Where am I going to get a human skull?
I would bet that the farthest thing from Shakespeares mind was the question Is this literature?
That was really the big prize in my mind.
Well, Ive been doing what I set out to do for a long time, now.
Ive made dozens of records and played thousands of concerts all around the world.
But its my songs that are at the vital center of almost everything I do.
But theres one thing I must say.
50,000 people have a singular persona, not so with 50.
Each person has an individual, separate identity, a world unto themselves.
They can perceive things more clearly.
Your honesty and how it relates to the depth of your talent is tried.
The fact that the Nobel committee is so small is not lost on me.
Who are the best musicians for these songs?
Am I recording in the right studio?
Is this song in the right key?
Some things never change, even in 400 years.
Not once have I ever had the time to ask myself, Are my songs literature?
My best wishes to you all,
Bob Dylan
