Born to a working-class family, Ferry studied fine art and taught at a secondary school before pursuing a career in music. In 1970 he began to assemble the rock band Roxy Music with a group of friends and acquaintances in London, and took the role of lead singer and main songwriter. The band achieved immediate international success with the release of their eponymous debut album in 1972, containing a rich multitude of sounds, which reflected Ferry's interest in exploring different genres of music. Their second album, For Your Pleasure (1973), further cultivated the band's unique sound and visual image that would establish Ferry as a leading cultural icon over the next decade.
Ferry began a parallel solo career in 1973 by releasing These Foolish Things, which popularized for the first time the concept of a contemporary musician releasing an album covering standard songs and was a drastic departure from his ongoing work with Roxy Music. His second album, Another Time, Another Place (1974), featured as its cover image Ferry posing by a pool in a white dinner jacket and represented one of his most impactful fashion statements. Over the next two years, Roxy Music released a trilogy of albums, Stranded (1973), Country Life (1974) and Siren (1975), which broadened the band's appeal internationally and saw Ferry take greater interest in the role of a live performer, reinventing himself in stage costumes ranging from gaucho to military uniforms.
Ferry disbanded Roxy Music following the release of their best-selling album Avalon in 1982 to concentrate on his solo career, releasing further singles such as "Slave to Love" and "Don't Stop the Dance" and the UK no. 1 album Boys and Girls in 1985. Including his work with Roxy Music, Ferry has sold over 30 million albums worldwide.
As well as being a prolific songwriter, Ferry has recorded many cover versions, including standards from the Great American Songbook, in albums such as These Foolish Things (1973), Another Time, Another Place (1974), Let's Stick Together (1976), Taxi (1993) and As Time Goes By (1999), as well as Dylanesque (2007), an album of Bob Dylan covers. In 2019, Ferry was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Roxy Music.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryan_Ferry
Studio albums
These Foolish Things (1973)
Another Time, Another Place (1974)
Let's Stick Together (1976)
In Your Mind (1977)
The Bride Stripped Bare (1978)
Boys and Girls (1985)
Bête Noire (1987)
Taxi (1993)
Mamouna (1994)
As Time Goes By (1999)
Frantic (2002)
Dylanesque (2007)
Olympia (2010)
The Jazz Age (2012)
Avonmore (2014)
Bitter-Sweet (2018)
All along The Watchtower
Bryan Ferry Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"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 and barefoot servants, too
Outside in the distance, a wildcat did growl
Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl
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
@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 .