Dave Mason was a friend of legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix, whose career was launched in England in 1966. Hendrix first heard the song "All Along the Watchtower", by Bob Dylan, at a party to which he was invited by Mason, and promptly decided to record his own version. That night he recorded the song at Olympic Studios, South West London, with Mason playing acoustic guitar. It was released on the Electric Ladyland album in September 1968.[4] When the song came out as a single in October, it hit #5 on the UK Singles Chart and was a Top 40 in the U.S. Mason later recorded his own version of the song on his self-titled 1974 album, Dave Mason, with Bob Glaub on bass.
"All Along The Watchtower"
"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, barefoot servants, too.
Outside in the distance a wildcat did growl
Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl.
All Along The Watchtower
Dave Mason 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 Dave Mason's song "All Along The Watchtower" speak of a conversation between two men, the joker and the thief, who are overwhelmed by the confusion and meaningless nature of their lives. The joker expresses his despair, feeling trapped in a world where even the most basic sense of worth is lost on those who make up society. He believes that there must be a way out, a path to freedom from the apathy of his life. The thief, acknowledging the joker's pain, reminds him that they have already been through the cycle of despair and have come out on the other side. The thief encourages the joker to be truthful with himself and to consider what is really at stake as time grows short.
The chorus, "All along the watchtower, princes kept the view. While all the women came and went, barefoot servants, too.", creates an image of a watchtower overlooking a scene of men in power and women relegated to servitude. The lyrics suggest that those in authority may be oblivious to the struggles of those below them, while the less powerful individuals are constantly moving, yet seemingly without direction.
In the final verse, there is a sudden change in tone as the eerie atmosphere is interrupted by a wildcat and two riders approaching, and the wind howling, signaling a sense of chaos and urgency. The song ends on a mysterious note, leaving the listener to interpret the meaning of the riders and the wind.
Line by Line Meaning
There must be some way out of here," said the joker to the thief,
The joker doubts the situation they find themselves in, and seeks a solution. They want to find an escape from this state of chaos.
There's too much confusion, I can't get no relief.
The joker feels overwhelmed and unable to find any solace from the confusion around them.
Businessmen, they drink my wine, plowmen dig my earth, None of them along the line know what any of it is worth."
The joker feels oppressed by society and sees how people of different classes use and abuse him, while none of them seem to understand the true value of anything.
"No reason to get excited," the thief, he kindly spoke,
The thief is calm despite the chaos around them and tries to comfort the joker.
"There are many here among us who feel that life is but a joke.
The thief acknowledges that some people see life as meaningless and not worth taking seriously.
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 thinks that the joker and he have already overcome such thoughts and it is not their destiny. They should speak the truth as 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 the society's upper echelons keeping a watchful eye on events happening below. Women and servants come and go, but they remain unnoticed.
Outside in the distance a wildcat did growl, Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl.
The growling wildcat represents danger lurking in the distance. The two approaching riders signify an impending threat, and the howling wind adds to the tension of the situation.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jeffdwyer1655
People often forget that Mason played 12-string on Hendrix's original version of this. He has earned the right to make this one his own.
@JUDYACST
Oh, that voice! God, it brings me so far back to the great music back then
@MissDistarr
I love this version of this song. He did more than justice with it. He added his own personal touch to it but kept the original integrity of the song. I think people forget or overlook what a great guitarist he is and his long history in the music business. I am forever grateful that I grew up with the music of this era. What a great time it was.
@wbravo66
I will die happy tonight
@richardnotman787
Dave nails it.
@larryg7126
Dave Mason has always been a favorite of mine. His 1st album was one of the greatest albums ever released, I don't feel that the rest were as strong though all had some great songs & I bought them. As far as being a great guitarist, he's one of the best. I agree this period of music was fantastic and record companies hadn't yet enforced descriptive labels, good music was just good music irregardless of its roots.
@michaell.mcspadden7646
Yes, Dave did the best version of this classic. The version on "Certified Live" is the first one I ever heard and has always been my favorite.
@Earthdancer46234
@Michael L. McSpadden I Jeff Healey's 10 minute version of this song. I do like this creative version.
@neurofire
Hendricks so defined Watchtower - only a master or a fool would tackle it. Fortunately we're in the hands of a master. Bravo Dave!
@clbrown3894
Dave is not only a master, but also played on Jimi's version.