I Shall Be Released
Bob Dylan The Band Lyrics
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They say every distance is not near
So I remember every face
Of every man who put me here
I see my light come shining
From the west down to the east
Any day now, any day now
They say every man needs protection
They say that every man must fall
Yet I swear I see my reflection
Somewhere so high above this wall
I see my light come shining
From the west down to the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
Now, yonder stands a man in this lonely crowd
A man who swears he's not to blame
All day long I hear him shouting so loud
Just crying out that he was framed
I see my light come shining
From the west down to the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
Bob Dylan's song, I Shall Be Released, was written during his time with The Band and marks the end of an era and the beginning of another. The song has a powerful message of hope and freedom, and it speaks to the universal human desire to be free from suffering and oppression. The song is an anthem for all those who have been wronged, oppressed, and imprisoned, and it speaks of the hope and optimism that comes with the promise of release.
Throughout the song, Dylan uses powerful imagery to capture the feeling of being trapped and the longing for freedom. The lyrics "They say everything can be replaced, They say every distance is not near, So I remember every face, Of every man who put me here" capture the sense of loss and betrayal that comes with being imprisoned or oppressed. The images of "light come shining, From the west down to the east" provide hope that freedom is on the horizon and that release is imminent.
One of the most compelling aspects of the song is its universality. While Dylan wrote the song during a time of political and social upheaval, the message of the song transcends any particular time or place. The song speaks to the fundamental desire for freedom that is inherent in all of us, regardless of our race, culture, or background. It is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and move people around the world.
Line by Line Meaning
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.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, AUDIAM, INC
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@youngtheotrevino9048
They say every man must need protection
They say every man must fall
Yet I swear I see my reflection
Some place so high above the wall
I see my light come shining
From the west to the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
Down here next to me in this lonely crowd
Is a man who swears he's not to blame
All day long I hear him cry so loud
Calling out that he's been framed
I see my light come shining
From the west to the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
@hannacoyle8250
This song for me means that all of us can be released from whatever burden we carry. Great song
@clydenolet736
I’ve lived by “I remember every face of everyone who put me here” .. and life responds so kindly
@jeffreypetro3803
Always loved this song... When I was incarcerated at Arizona State Prison in Douglas, I had Jerry Garcia Band live album which included Jerry Garcia singing "I Shall Be Released". Now in Az, in the 90s, they basically never granted one's first parole, with their war on drugs (war on cannabis mostly) in full swing. I listened to the tapes daily. I played that song repeatedly on the day of my parole board hearing (for attempted transportation of cannabis) . I sang it. "... all day long U hear him crying out so loud, crying out that he'd been framed.... Any day now, any day now, I shall be released". I made my first parole, to return home to Indiana. In the 3 years I was there, I never saw anyone make their first parole. When I returned to Indiana, I went to the banks of the WhiteRiver, at midnight, I gave thanks to the GreatSpirit, I lit a white candle & an incense, & I sang that song to my creator & gave thanks. Music is magic.... & Bob Dylan is a Master.
@evanmorrow1234
I'm happy for you for surviving such a god awful experience and getting out and being able to put it behind you. Many years ago I had the misfortune of being in the same shoes for the same thing. A major difference however was the fact I was 6000 miles from home in Okinawa prefecture, empire of Japan. There have never been words that could describe the utter despair and inescapable sense of loneliness that I felt that day when I was sentenced to 2 years at "forced labor". That place was a windowless 19th century dungeon.
@michaelfrancismccarthy1794
Making me cry man, both of you. Freedom, God bless it
@evanmorrow1234
@@michaelfrancismccarthy1794 I'm sorry about that. I love being free. It's better than sliced bread and sure beats the hell out of rice. I hate that shit with a passion and won't allow it in my house
@michaelfrancismccarthy1794
@@evanmorrow1234 Evan, you don't have to be sorry. I personally love rice, in fact while you were sending me this message I was cooking and then greatly enjoying some. When I was in Orleans Paris prison in New Orleans they used to serve bologna sandwiches on cheap white bread, and to fuck with us they would let the sandwiches sit out for hours until the meat started to sweat into the bread as it went stale. Never really been able to fuck with bologna or wonderbread ever since
@Official_KC
You sang it at your parole hearing? That sounds like some horrible America's Got Talent parole system in my head. But I'm glad you got out and are doing well!
@jasondylansargent2195
What a human being Dylan is he has given us the greatest songs of all time 👍🏴 🕶️ bless you Bob
@johnmccann8319
This version is the very best.It's pure soul!His voice and harmonica rip into the air.💚