Audio Example 1.1:

"The Times They Are a-Changin'," verse 1

In the first verse of the well-known studio recording of October 1963, we can hear both the young Dylan's poise as well as his use of strategic imperfection. Note the quality of his voice—dusty and weathered, prematurely aged—as well as his timing, which is at once casual and stately, striding the tune with folksy nonchalance.