Bob Dylan. The name conjures images of a harmonica, poetic lyrics, and a gravelly voice that’s been the soundtrack to countless road trips and singalongs. But how many of his iconic songs have you belted out without realizing they were his handiwork?

We’re talking about songs so ingrained in popular culture, they transcend their original artist. Even publications like Rolling Stone, which famously placed Dylan at number one on their “100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time” list, might not have prepared you for just how many Dylan tunes you already know.

Here are a few Dylan gems you might not have known were his:

Classics You Know by Heart

• The Graduation Anthem: “Blowin’ in the Wind” (1963): This quintessential protest song, immortalized by Peter, Paul and Mary, has been a graduation staple for decades. Its timeless questions about war, peace, and freedom resonate with every generation.
• The Haunting Ballad: “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” (1973): This enigmatic song, from the soundtrack of “Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid,” has transcended the film. Its simple lyrics and sparse arrangement leave room for interpretation, making it a favorite for covers by artists across genres, from Guns N’ Roses to Bruce Springsteen.

Surprise Covers

• It’s Not You, It’s Me: “It Ain’t Me Babe” (1964): This sassy ballad with its catchy melody explores themes of independence and rejecting unrealistic expectations in a relationship. You might have heard it covered by artists like Joan Baez, Johnny Cash, or the Turtles, but it was originally a Dylan song!
• The Surprise Cover: “Make You Feel My Love” (1976): This soulful ballad might sound like a modern Adele hit, but it’s a Dylan deep cut! Adele’s powerhouse vocals brought new life to the song, but Dylan’s original version packs its own emotional punch.
• The Foot-Stomping Singalong: “Wagon Wheel” (1973): This toe-tapping tune might sound like a modern country bar staple, but it actually started as a fragment of a Dylan song! Ketch Secor of the band Old Crow Medicine Show added his own verses to Dylan’s chorus to create the mega-hit we know today.
• The Enigma with a Nickname: “The Mighty Quinn” (1968): a song shrouded in playful mystery, might be more familiar to you in its chart-topping rendition by Manfred Mann. This energetic folk-rock anthem, with its singalong chorus about a cryptic “Quinn the Eskimo,” leaves listeners wondering about the character’s true identity. While Dylan himself has remained tight-lipped on the subject,interpretations range from a powerful political figure to a symbolic representation of change. 

Genre-Bending Gems

• The Country Classic (That Isn’t Country): “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” (1963): Dolly Parton’s sweet rendition of this heartbreak ballad cemented its place in country music. However, Dylan’s original folk version is just as raw and moving, proving his talent transcended genre.
• The Folk-Rock Pioneer: “Mr. Tambourine Man” (1965): The Byrds took Dylan’s folk song and electrified it, igniting the folk-rock movement. This catchy tune, with its jangly guitars and soaring vocals, is a testament to Dylan’s influence on popular music.
• Perfected by Hendrix (Originally an Acoustic Ballad): “All Along the Watchtower” (1967): Jimi Hendrix’s psychedelic reimagining of Dylan’s song might be the most famous version. But Dylan’s original, with its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, deserves a listen too.

This is just a taste of Dylan’s vast and influential catalog. The next time you hear a song that moves you, take a moment to see who wrote it. You might be surprised to find yourself singing along to another Bob Dylan masterpiece, and adding another verse to his legacy as the greatest songwriter you’ve probably heard of, even if you didn’t know it!