All along The Watchtower
Bob Dylan The Band Lyrics
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"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
"There are many here among us who feel that life is but a joke
But you and I, we've been through that, and this is not our fate
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 "All Along The Watchtower" by Bob Dylan & The Band speak about the human condition and the search for meaning and escape. The first stanza begins with a conversation between a joker and a thief. The joker, who represents life with all its uncertainties and randomness, is looking for a way out of his current state because of the confusion that he is experiencing. He feels that his life's work is being taken away and exploited by the businessmen and plowmen. The second stanza responds to the joker with an optimistic tone, indicating that there is no reason to be excited about their situation. The thief suggests that both he and the joker have been through tough times and that they have emerged stronger from it. He urges the joker to be truthful and not to pretend, as time is running out.
The song's chorus, "All Along The Watchtower," speaks about the watchtower, a symbol of power and control. However, instead of being guarded by powerful warriors, the watchtower is filled with princes who are passive and unengaged. Women come and go, and even the servants are barefoot. The final stanza features the introduction of an impending threat, two riders approaching as the wind howls. This suggests that trouble is coming, and the people in the watchtower need to take action quickly.
Line by Line Meaning
There must be some way out of here," said the joker to the thief
The joker and the thief are seeking a way out of the current situation because of the confusion and chaos surrounding them.
"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"
The singer is experiencing frustration caused by the lack of value or respect given to his contributions by those in positions of power.
"No reason to get excited," the thief, he kindly spoke
"There are many here among us who feel that life is but a joke
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"
The thief is trying to reassure the singer that although many see life as meaningless, they must stay true to their beliefs and not lose hope because time is running out.
All along the watchtower, princes kept the view
While all the women came and went, barefoot servants, too
The watchtower represents a place of power where the elite observe the activities of the common people and remain detached from their struggles.
Outside in the distance a wildcat did growl
Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl
The wildcat represents danger, while the approaching riders signify change or a looming threat. The wind howling adds to the ominous nature of the situation.
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