I Shall Be Released
Bob Dylan Neil Young Joni Mitchell And The Band Lyrics

They say everything can be replaced
It is said that anything can be substituted or exchanged.

They say every distance is not near
It is said that not all journeys are short or close in proximity.

So I remember every face
As a result, I recall the countenances of each person who played a role in my present predicament.

Of every man who put me here
In particular, those who were instrumental in causing me to be in this state are the ones I recollect vividly.

I see my light come shining
I am viewing my radiant illumination beginning to emanate outwardly.

From the west down to the east
This light is illuminating all areas from the Atlantic coast to Pacific coast.

Any day now, any day now
It is possible that my current situation may be resolved at any moment, at any specific day or time.

I shall be released
I will eventually be set free from whatever is holding me captive or detained.

They say every man needs protection
It is believed by some that every individual requires safeguarding, either from physical harm or emotional damage.

They say that every man must fall
Others assert that every human being is destined to experience a temporary decline or misfortune.

Yet I swear I see my reflection
Despite these views, I firmly attest that I observe my own likeness, reflecting something greater than myself.

Somewhere so high above this wall
This reflection or greater entity is located somewhere on high, beyond the confines of this barrier.

Now, yonder stands a man in this lonely crowd
As it happens, a man is standing in that distant group, feeling forlorn and isolated among many people.

A man who swears he's not to blame
That individual asserts that he is not responsible or culpable for whatever wrongdoing or mistake is being attributed to him.

All day long I hear him shouting so loud
Throughout the day, I hear his voice repeatedly and vehemently protesting his innocence.

Just crying out that he was framed
His outcry concerning being accused or implicated falsely is the reason behind his loud lamenting.