All along The Watchtower
Bryan Ferry Lyrics


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?There must be some way out of here", 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
"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"

All along the watchtower, princes kept the view
While all the women came and went and barefoot servants, too




Outside in the distance, a wildcat did growl
Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Bryan Ferry's version of "All Along The Watchtower" are a retelling of Bob Dylan's original song, in which two fictional characters – the joker and the thief – engage in a conversation during times of chaos, reflecting on the state of the world they live in. The first stanza suggests that there is a sense of desperation and confusion, as the joker expresses his frustration at not being able to find a way out of the current situation. He goes on to make a reference to how people of different classes consume his wine and plow his land, without realizing the value of it. The statement "None of them along the line know what any of it is worth," highlights the overarching theme of the song, the corruption of society and its self-destructive behavior.


The second stanza sees the thief responding to the joker's earlier distress with a more optimistic outlook, claiming that many people share their perspective on life. He reminds the joker that they have been through such phases before, and this time will be no different. Furthermore, he urges the joker not to start making false claims, as it may turn out to be detrimental to both of them, as time is running out.


In the chorus, the singers describe an isolated watchtower, from which princes can observe the goings-on of the world while women and peasants come and go. The reference to a wildcat reinforces the idea of chaos and disarray, while the appearance of two riders signifies a change or a new beginning. The wind's howl hints at the approaching turmoil in the future.


Line by Line Meaning

There must be some way out of here", said the joker to the thief
The joker is feeling trapped and wants to find a way out of his current situation.


"There's too much confusion, I can't get no relief
The joker is feeling overwhelmed by the chaos around him and can't find any respite.


Businessmen, they drink my wine, plowmen dig my earth
Different types of people take advantage of the joker's resources without appreciating their value.


None of them along the line know what any of it is worth?
No one seems to understand or care about the true value of the joker's possessions.


"No reason to get excited", the thief, he kindly spoke
The thief tries to calm the joker down and discourage him from acting rashly.


"There are many here among us who feel that life is but a joke
The thief believes that some people see life as a meaningless or trivial experience.


But you and I, we've been through that and this is not our fate
The thief and the joker have experienced hardships but they don't believe that their lives are pointless.


So let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late"
The thief urges the joker to be honest and realistic as time is running out.


All along the watchtower, princes kept the view
The watchtower was guarded by important people who kept a lookout for any danger.


While all the women came and went and barefoot servants, too
The women and servants were free to move around while the princes remained vigilant.


Outside in the distance, a wildcat did growl
There is a sense of danger lurking in the distance.


Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl
Two people were coming fast and the weather became increasingly turbulent.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bob Dylan

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@roseblake5803

Thank you Mr. Bob Dylan for writing one of the most iconic songs ever.

@catholiccowboy8545

thank you rose and send me some fish and chips. BD.

@Vinterfrid

Thank you, Jimi Hendrix, for converting a bland mediocre song into a masterpiece.

@rogerraymondunplugged

He always surrounds himself with gorgeous leggy singers and young talented backing musicians. His sound is unique. He’s probably the best dressed performer in the world. Love everything he reproduces. Iconic.

@navagugutzer101

Bingo!

@brucemckay6683

Since Robert Palmer passed😊

@lilibethabiera6960

Well, there is one Tony Hadley,

@DJDanceClassic

If you're reading this, I want you to know, you have a great taste in music. Have a great life ahead.

@billalbritton4972

Amen brother

@tomcooley3778

Thanks .

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