Bob Dylan His honorary degree citation read "As one of the most creative popular musicians of the last decade, he has based his techniques in the arts of the common people of our past and torn his appeals for human compassion from the experience of the dispossessed. Paradoxically, though known to millions, he shuns publicity and organizations, preferring the solidarity of his family and isolation from the world. Although he is now approaching the perilous age of thirty, his music remains the authentic expression of the disturbed and concerned conscience of young America." June 9, 1970 Day of the Locusts © from the album: New Morning Oh, the benches were stained with tears and perspiration, The birdies were flying from tree to tree There was little to say, there was no conversation As I stepped to the stage to pick up my degree. And the locusts sang off in the distance, Yeah the locusts sang, such a sweet melody. Oh the locusts sang off in the distance, Yeah the locusts sang, and they were singing for me. I glanced into the chamber where the judges were talking Darkness was everywhere, it smelled like a tomb. I was ready to leave, I was already walkin' But the next time I looked there was light in the room. And the locusts sang, yeah, it gave me a chill, Oh the locusts sang, such a sweet melody. Oh the locusts sang their high whining trill, Yeah the locusts sang, and they were singing for me. Outside the gates the trucks were unloadin', The weather was hot, nearly ninety degrees The man standing next to me, his head was exploding, Well, I was prayin' the pieces wouldn't fall on me. Yeah the locusts sang, off in the distance, Yeah the locusts sang, such a sweet melody. Oh the locusts sang off in the distance, And the locusts sang and they were singing for me. I put down my robe, picked up my diploma, Took hold of my sweetheart, and away we did drive, Straight for the hills, the black hills of Dakota Sure was glad to get out of there alive. And the locusts sang, well, it give me a chill, Yeah the locusts sang, such a sweet melody, And the locusts sang with a high whinin' trill, Yeah, the locusts sang and they were singing for me, Singing for me, well, singing for me.