One of the music industry's most legendary stars was at the White House this week to receive the US's highest civilian honor, the Medal of Freedom.

Bob Dylan's lyrics helped to form the consciousness of an entire generation and his music continues to inspire people of all ages. He turned 71 last week.

Here are a few of his best loved songs:

The Times They Are A-Changin', released in 1964, is a message of inspiration and a call to action, warning about being ignorant of changing forces in the political and social environment.

In Blowin' in the wind, released in 1963, Dylan asks profound political questions and then gives a repeated ambiguous response.

Mr Tamborine Man, released in 1965, is ambiguous. Some say it is a paean to drugs, others think it is a call to the singer's lover, a dedication to inspiration, or a religious allusion.

Like a Rolling Stone, released in 1965, is, on the surface, about a relationship with a woman, but more universally about hypocrisy, changing fortunes and the shattering of life's illusions.

Shelter from the Storm, released in 1975, is about the redemptive power of women and relationships: "Come in, she said I'll give ya' / shelter from the storm."