The Handwritten Note Bob Dylan Gave To Allen Ginsberg After A Show: “Keep Screaming”

April 1, 2025

After a night filled with magic and melodies, Bob Dylan stood offstage, the hum of the audience’s applause still ringing in his ears. It was 1976, a year that marked the culmination of his relentless journey as an artist. The concert had been electrifying, filled with songs that seemed to pour straight from his heart. Among the crowd was Allen Ginsberg, a poet known for his fierce passion for social change and a voice that echoed the struggles of his time. The two men, each a beacon of creativity, had crossed paths in a world that often felt chaotic and dark.

As the last notes of “Forever Young” faded into the evening air, Dylan caught a glimpse of Ginsberg standing at the edge of the stage, his eyes shining with admiration. The poet had long been one of Dylan’s biggest supporters, believing in the transformative power of music and words. After the show, in a moment as spontaneous as the songs they both loved, Dylan walked over to Ginsberg, his fingers brushing against the strings of his guitar one last time. With a gentle smile, he handed Ginsberg a small, crumpled piece of paper. On it, in his unmistakable handwriting, were just two words: “Keep screaming.”

Those words carried a weight that resonated deeply within Ginsberg’s spirit. He understood the meaning behind Dylan’s note; it was a call to action, a reminder to stand up and voice one’s truth, no matter how daunting the world might seem. Ginsberg had spent much of his life championing the rights of the oppressed and voicing the struggles of the marginalized. Dylan’s encouragement felt like a lifeline, a belief that even in times of despair, one could still shout for change and speak out against injustice.

As Ginsberg held the note tightly in his hand, he felt a surge of inspiration. He thought of the countless moments when he had doubted the impact of his own words. This simple note was more than just a piece of paper; it was an affirmation that the battle for justice and truth was worthwhile. The connection he shared with Dylan that night fueled his passion. Just as Dylan’s music stirred emotions in countless souls, Ginsberg’s poetry could awaken a fight within those who read it. The two artists, though different in their crafts, shared a fundamental belief in the power of their voices.

In the days that followed, Ginsberg carried that note with him, often taking it out to remind himself of the promise it held. He began to write more fervently, channeling the energy of the note into his poetry. His work became bolder, filled with rich imagery and passionate calls for change. Dylan’s encouragement had reignited a fire in him, compelling him to not only speak out but to scream out, to shout from rooftops and remind others of their own power. The world needed more voices, more cries for justice, and Ginsberg was determined to contribute to that chorus.

Months later, the words “Keep screaming” became a mantra among their circle of artists and activists. It echoed in coffee shops, during protests, and in the quiet of night as they reflected on their purpose. Bob Dylan’s act of kindness and inspiration had transformed not just Ginsberg’s career but also his very essence as an artist and activist. In a world where silence can often feel like the easiest choice, Ginsberg learned that there is strength in vulnerability, resilience in truth, and power in the act of simply screaming out for what is right. And in that moment, he felt a renewed sense of hope for the future—a belief that every scream could inspire change.