Bob Dylan was recently awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in literature. As reported by Hillel Italie  and Karl Ritter in the Associated Press, Nobel judges looked beyond the music to see Dylan as an esteemed poet.

President Barack Obama tweeted to congratulate the musician, whose pieces many college courses are based off of. The article also cited authors who were dismayed at the idea of the award being given to an author of anything but books.

Other authors venerated the singer for his lifetime of work, saying it was a recognition of literature’s oral tradition.

The article illuminated Dylan’s allusions throughout texts. He has referenced Chekhov, the Bible, Herman Melville and Civil War poetry. Dylan’s life, Italie and Ritter wrote, has “been a hybrid of popular and literary influences.”

The Spectator editorial board discussed the idea of whether or not the award should be renamed to “texts” in order to be more inclusive.

The board discussed the definition of text and literature within the context of language arts. However, more members agreed that changing the word would create confusion and wouldn’t add depth in the process.

“Music can also be a literature award,” one member said, saying that all songs are written works.

Another member agreed, saying that it would “detract from the prestigious award that it is.”

All in all, the board voted unanimously 5-0 that the award should retain the word “literature.”