How did Bob Dylan create many of his songs?

Bob Dylan is recognized for his unique songwriting style, which often involves taking traditional melodies or folk tunes and adding his own original lyrics. This practice of borrowing or adapting existing melodies, while infusing them with new themes and ideas, has been a hallmark of his creative process. By using familiar musical forms, he made his songs accessible while simultaneously contributing profound and innovative lyrics that resonated with listeners.

The option of writing original melodies only doesn't capture the essence of Dylan's method, as he frequently drew inspiration from a wide array of musical traditions. Collaborating with other musicians is part of the creative landscape in music but does not specifically describe Dylan's primary approach to songwriting. Similarly, while chord progressions are important, focusing exclusively on unique chord progressions overlooks his use of well-established melodies that he revitalized with new lyrics and concepts. Thus, the method of copying old melodies and creating new lyrics is distinctly representative of Dylan's impactful body of work.