With a catalog spanning folk, rock, and beyond, Bob Dylan has crafted a career that captivated older generations and still continues to resonate with listeners across the globe today.
From the anthems of social change to deeply personal reflections, and from vinyl records to the digital age, Dylan’s songs have earned millions of streams and made him an icon of his time.
Here, we’ll take a look at the top 10 most-streamed Bob Dylan songs on Spotify as of March 2025.
10. ‘Tangled Up in Blue’ – 104,392,073 Streams
Often hailed as one of Dylan’s finest songs, ‘Tangled Up in Blue’ holds the tenth spot in the rankings with over 104 million streams. Originally featured on his 1975 album Blood on the Tracks, this song is an essential example of Dylan’s storytelling prowess. The track’s vivid lyrics detail a complicated love story marked by confusion, longing, and nostalgia, and offers shifting perspectives and poetic imagery.
Many fans of Dylan’s later work argue that ‘Tangled Up in Blue’ represents a return to form after his more experimental and electric years. The melancholic yet poignant atmosphere has resonated with people from all walks of life, making it a beloved classic in the Dylan catalog.
9. ‘Lay, Lady, Lay’ – 111,816,865 Streams
Released in 1969 on his Nashville Skyline album, ‘Lay, Lady, Lay’ is often remembered for its gentle, country-inflected style and its unmistakable, smooth sound.
The song was an instant hit upon release and became one of Dylan’s most commercially successful songs. Featuring one of Dylan’s most seductive and intimate vocal performances, ‘Lay, Lady, Lay’ is a sultry ballad that marked a departure from his folk roots, diving deeper into country and Americana. Interestingly, the song has been interpreted as a love letter, though its ambiguities leave room for deeper analysis.
8. ‘Mr. Tambourine Man’ – 124,980,525 Streams
With over 124 million streams, ‘Mr. Tambourine Man’ holds a special place in Dylan’s catalog, not just for its enchanting melody but for its cultural impact. Released in 1965 as part of Bringing It All Back Home, this song marked a significant shift in Dylan’s songwriting style, incorporating surrealistic imagery and vivid language that would define much of his later work.
Mr. Tambourine Man is often seen as a precursor to the psychedelic rock movement, and its influence can be heard in countless songs from the era. In fact, the Byrds’ 1965 cover of the song became a massive hit, cementing Dylan’s place as a key figure in the 60s counterculture.
7. ‘Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right’ – 165,152,519 Streams
‘Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right’ is one of Bob Dylan’s most beloved and frequently covered songs, ranking at number seven with over 165 million streams. Originally appearing on his 1963 album The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, the song is often seen as a definitive example of Dylan’s folk music mastery.
The track’s lyrics are candid and explore heartbreak, loss, and the end of a relationship – paired with a contrasting breezy melody.
6. ‘Girl from the North Country’ – 179,708,097 Streams
‘Girl from the North Country’ takes the sixth spot with over 179 million streams. Originally released in 1963 on The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, the song has an intimate and wistful quality, reflecting a longing for a lost love and a yearning to return to simpler times.
With its nostalgic lyrics and gentle acoustic melody, ‘Girl from the North Country’ was later famously re-recorded as a duet with Johnny Cash for the 1969 album Nashville Skyline, further solidifying its place as an icon of his catalog.
5. ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ – 233,831,191 Streams
One of the most iconic protest songs in history, ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ has amassed over 233 million streams. Written in 1962, the track became an anthem for the civil rights movement and is often considered one of the greatest songs of the 20th century.
Appearing on The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan album, ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ asks profound questions about peace, freedom, and justice. The track was a major catalyst in catapulting Dylan from folk singer to political icon. Though it’s been covered by countless artists, Dylan’s original remains the definitive version.
4. ‘Hurricane’ – 236,803,676 Streams
‘Hurricane’, which boasts over 236 million streams, is a song that has sparked conversation for decades due to its controversial subject matter. Released in 1975 as part of Desire, the song is an passionate retelling of the wrongful imprisonment of boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter.
Dylan’s lyrics condemn the racial injustice that led to Carter’s conviction and focus on the corruption within the legal system. ‘Hurricane’ combines a moving narrative with a dramatic musical arrangement, and though it was never a major commercial hit at the time, its message and emotional depth still are relevant today.
3. ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’’ – 243,433,609 Streams
With over 243 million streams, ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’’ captures the essence of the 1960s’ turbulent social and political climate. Released in 1963, the song became an anthem for change, reflecting a generation eager for social and cultural transformation.
The song’s rallying cry for progress and its vivid portrayal of a changing world made it a timeless classic, and its message is just as applicable today as it was in the 1960s.
2. ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ – 384,924,854 Streams
Widely regarded as one of the greatest songs of all time, ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ stands in the third spot with nearly 385 million streams. Released in 1965, this song marked a pivotal moment in Dylan’s career, as it signified his complete break from folk music and his embrace of rock ‘n’ roll.
The track’s angry and sharp critique of societal norms, coupled with its turbulent production – that saw Dylan struggle to find the essence of the song, and the recording being leaked after being disapproved by tits label – made it an instant classic and changed the direction of popular music.
1. ‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door’ – 591,873,005 Streams
With over 591 million streams, ‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door’ ranks as Bob Dylan’s most-streamed song. Released in 1973 as part of the soundtrack for the film Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, the track – which directly comments on a scene of the movie – has become a staple in popular culture.
Its widespread appeal has made it one of the most frequently covered songs in history. Guns n’ Roses’s version of it was released in 1987 and reached first place in multiple countries’ hit charts.