I find this story silly. What Dylan "stole" ar about six two-word phrases that weren't original when Timrod wrote them. He added them to hundreds and hundreds of his own words. If any of us were that famous, an exegesis could be made to prove that we "stole" from others as well.
Of course the folk tradition permits writers to use certain community melodies, as it were, that are part of the canon. It's almost like a form. I don't steal from others who wrote sonnets before me if I choose to write a sonnet.
It's worth pointing out that many of Dylan's best melodies are entirely original, of course. I've not yet had a chance with the new album, but Time Out Of Mind was a stunning work of genius, as good as his best work. To pick just one personal favorite, "Trying To Get To Heaven" is breathtaking and moving both musically and lyrically.
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