This poem poses a series of rhetorical questions about social and political issues, suggesting that the answers to these difficult questions are uncertain and out of our direct control, "blowing in the wind." The repeating refrain reinforces that the solutions depend on forces beyond our grasp. Through metaphor and rhythm, the poem reflects on themes of freedom, oppression, war, and human suffering.

1. Blowin’ in the Wind

2. How many roads must a man walk down Before they call him a man?

3. How many seas must a white dove sail Before she sleeps in the sand?

4. How many times must the cannonballs fly Before they are forever banned?

5. The answer my friend, is blowing in the wind... The answer is blowing in the wind.

6. How many years must a mountain exist Before it is washed to the sea?

7. Before they’re allowed to be free? How many years can some people exist

8. How many times can a man turn his head And pretend that he just doesn’t see ?

9. The answer my friend is blowing in the wind... The answer is blowing in the wind.

10. How many times must a man look up Before he can see the sky?

11. How many ears must one man have Before he can hear people cry?

12. How many deaths will it take ‘ till he knows That too many people are dying?

13. The answer my friend is blowing in the wind... The answer is blowing in the wind.

14. ...The answer is blowing in the wind...