All along The Watchtower
[2x12] The Jimi Hendrix Experience Lyrics
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Said the joker to the thief.
"There's too much confusion,
I can't get no relief.
Businessmen, they, they drink my wine.
Plowmen dig my earth.
None will level on the line,
Nobody of it is worth".
The thief, he kindly spoke.
"There are many here among us
Who feel that life is but a joke, but, uh
But you and I, we've been through that
And this is not our fate.
So let us not talk falsely now,
The hour's getting late".
All along the watchtower
Princess kept the view,
While all the women came and went,
Barefoot servants, too, but, uh
Outside in the cold distance
A wildcat did growl,
Two riders were approaching
And the wind began to howl.
All along the watchtower.
Gotta beware, gotta beware, I will.
All along the watchtower...
There have been numerous theories on the meaning behind the lyrics of The Jimi Hendrix Experience's song "All Along the Watchtower", but one interpretation suggests that it is an allegory for the current state of society. The first verse features two characters, the joker and the thief, who are seeking a way out of a confusing and oppressive world. The joker represents those who make light of the significant events and struggles of life, while the thief symbolizes those who rob and exploit others for their own gain. The next verse introduces businessmen and plowmen, who seem to be taking advantage of the singer’s labor and personal resources.
The line "there are many here among us who feel that life is but a joke" suggests that there are people who believe that life has no meaning and are therefore lost in confusion. The singer and the thief both acknowledge this statement, but they have overcome this feeling of despair and found purpose. They urge others not to talk "falsely" but instead to recognize the urgency of the situation before it's too late. The watchtower represents a position of power or authority, and the final verse implies that the characters are awaiting some ominous event, possibly even the end of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
There must be some kind of way out of here
The singer is expressing a desire for escape from whatever situation they are in.
Said the joker to the thief.
These are the two characters in the conversation, with the joker being the one seeking escape and the thief being the one the joker is addressing.
"There's too much confusion,
I can't get no relief.
The singer is feeling overwhelmed and unable to find any respite from their troubles.
Businessmen, they, they drink my wine.
Plowmen dig my earth.
None will level on the line,
Nobody of it is worth".
The artist is frustrated that people from different walks of life are benefiting from their hard work, but no one is willing to treat them fairly or give them the respect they deserve.
"No reason to get excited"
The thief, he kindly spoke.
The thief is trying to calm the joker down and reassure them that there is no need to panic.
"There are many here among us
Who feel that life is but a joke, but, uh
But you and I, we've been through that
And this is not our fate.
So let us not talk falsely now,
The hour's getting late".
The thief is acknowledging that many people don't take life seriously, but he and the joker have experienced real hardship and are determined to make the most of their time. He implores the joker to be truthful with himself and take action before it's too late.
All along the watchtower
Princess kept the view,
While all the women came and went,
Barefoot servants, too, but, uh
This describes a scene where a princess is watching over something while other women and servants come and go. The repetition of the phrase 'but, uh' implies that there is more going on than meets the eye.
Outside in the cold distance
A wildcat did growl,
Two riders were approaching
And the wind began to howl.
This sets the scene for something ominous, with the howling wind and wildcat contributing to a sense of foreboding. The two riders coming closer may represent a threat or danger.
All along the watchtower.
Gotta beware, gotta beware, I will.
All along the watchtower...
This concludes the song with the repeated refrain of 'gotta beware', suggesting that the artist is on high alert for danger and ready to take action if necessary.
Contributed by Grayson M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.