All Along The Watchtower
Bob Dylan / The Band Lyrics
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Said the joker to the thief
There's too much confusion, I can't get no relief
Businessmen, they drink my wine
Plowmen dig my earth
None of them along the line know what any of it is worth
No reason to get excited,the thief, he kindly spoke
But you and I, we've been through that, and this is not our fate
So let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late
All along the watchtower, princes kept the view
While all the women came and went, barefoot servants, too
Outside in the distance a wildcat did growl
Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl
The lyrics of Bob Dylan's song All Along the Watchtower seem to describe a state of confusion and a desire to find a way out of it. The joker and the thief appear to be in a difficult situation and the joker is asking for help. There is a sense of unease, with the joker feeling overwhelmed by the confusion and not being able to get any relief. The "businessmen" and "plowmen" are also mentioned and they seem to be oblivious to the value of what they are doing.
The thief responds with a sense of calm and understanding, suggesting that life is a joke to some but to others like them it is serious business. They have both been through difficult times and have emerged stronger, and they should not waste time with false talk. The hour is getting late and they should focus on what is important.
The last stanza seems to describe a powerful scene with princes keeping watch over the land while women come and go as servants. There is an ominous growl in the distance and two riders are approaching accompanied by the howling wind. The imagery is vivid and suggests a sense of impending danger.
Line by Line Meaning
There must be some way out of here
The situation is unbearable and the joker cannot find a solution.
Said the joker to the thief
The joker is speaking to the thief, but the thief's response is not mentioned.
There's too much confusion, I can't get no relief
The joker is overwhelmed by the confusion around him and can't find any peace.
Businessmen, they drink my wine
The joker is bitter about the businessmen who are benefiting from his work.
Plowmen dig my earth
Even the lowest workers are still using the joker's land for their benefit.
None of them along the line know what any of it is worth
The people who are using the joker's resources don't understand their true value.
No reason to get excited, the thief, he kindly spoke
The thief is trying to calm the joker down and remind him there's no need to panic.
There are many here among us who feel that life is but a joke
A lot of people around the joker believe life is meaningless and don't take it seriously.
But you and I, we've been through that, and this is not our fate
The joker and the thief have experienced a tough life, but they believe they can change their future.
So let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late
They need to speak honestly and directly, without wasting any time.
All along the watchtower, princes kept the view
The princes are overlooking everything from their privileged position.
While all the women came and went, barefoot servants, too
The women and servants are just going about their business unnoticed.
Outside in the distance a wildcat did growl
Something dangerous is approaching in the distance.
Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl
The two riders might be able to bring change, but it's accompanied by some chaos.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind