I Shall Be Released
Bob Dylan feat. Joan Baez Lyrics
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Yet 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 unto the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
They say every man needs protection
They say every man must fall
But I swear I see my reflection
Some place so high above this wall
I see my light come shining
From the west unto the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
Yonder down here in this lonely crowd
Is a man who swears he's not to blame
All day long I hear him shout so loud
Crying out that he's been framed
I see my light come shining
From the west unto the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
In the song I Shall Be Released by Bob Dylan and The Rolling Thunder Revue, the lyrics indicate a sense of hope and redemption as the singer declares that they will soon be released from their troubles. The lyrics suggest that although everything can be replaced, some distances cannot be bridged. The singer recalls every face of the people who have caused him/her to be where they are now. This can mean the people in his/her life who have hurt them or the systemic issues that have kept them from reaching their goals.
The following stanza talks about the idea of every man needing protection and falling, but still being able to see their reflection high above the wall that surrounds them. This references a prison or some other kind of confinement. The singer sees their light shining from the west to the east, which could be a metaphor for the singer’s hope and how they believe that one day they will be released from their confinement.
The final stanza recalls another person who is also going through difficult times, shouting out that they’ve been framed. This emphasizes the idea of wrongful imprisonment and the injustices that can be present in society. The chorus repeats that the singer will be released, emphasizing the message of hope and redemption in the song.
Line by Line Meaning
They say everything can be replaced
The world is full of options and alternatives that can fulfill our needs and wants.
Yet every distance is not near
Not all things that we desire or need are easily accessible, despite the abundance of choices.
So I remember every face
Each person and event that made an impact in one's life is firmly ingrained in their memory.
Of every man who put me here
However, one also remembers those who have caused them pain and struggle, even if indirectly.
I see my light come shining
There is hope and positivity radiating from within despite the current situation.
From the west unto the east
This light shines across all directions and knows no bounds.
Any day now, any day now
The release from struggle and pain could happen at any moment.
I shall be released
The figurative chains that have been binding one's soul and mind will soon be broken.
They say every man needs protection
Society expects individuals to be vigilant and guard themselves against various dangers.
They say every man must fall
However, obstacles are inevitable and everyone will eventually face hardship and failure.
But I swear I see my reflection
Despite this, one finds their own reflection amidst the chaos and learns from their experiences.
Some place so high above this wall
This reflection shows one the way out of their struggles and allows them to rise above their challenges.
Yonder down here in this lonely crowd
Although there are many people around, one still feels isolated and alone in their struggles.
Is a man who swears he's not to blame
Others may try to place the blame on someone else, but the truth will eventually come to light.
All day long I hear him shout so loud
Even in the midst of struggle, one may hear others proclaim their innocence and demand the truth.
Crying out that he's been framed
Someone may be falsely accused, further compounding their struggles and pain.
Any day now, any day now
Despite this, there is still hope that the barriers will soon be lifted.
I shall be released
The pain and struggle will soon come to an end, and one will be free from their figurative chains.
Any day now, any day now
The constant reminder and reassurance that the end is near.
I shall be released
The end of the pain and struggle is inevitable.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind