Andrew, Dylan isn't exactly "popular song" if that phrase is meant to conjure up the likes of Beyonce or even Cole Porter. There's a distinctly literary sensibility that comes through his lyrics that distinguishes so much of his work from that of other songwriters. While I truly love the way he sings, I think that many people are put off his songs by the vocals. Here is a song done by someone else with a more conventional (though lovely) voice. It's not his greatest song, but it would be the greatest song of just about any other songwriter, and tell me if you don't agree that it is as "literary" and serious as most poems you know:
Ring Them Bells