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All along The Watchtower
Dylan & The Dead Lyrics
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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
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
The lyrics of “All Along The Watchtower” by Dylan & The Dead appear to be a conversation between the joker and the thief, who are both metaphorical figures reflecting different shades of human nature. The joker represents a carefree and rebellious journey through life, while the thief symbolizes the chaos and insecurity that often accompanies it. The first few lines suggest that both of them are looking for a way out of the confusion of life. They are tired and feel that they cannot find any relief from their troubles. The business and working classes around them consume their products and services with enthusiasm, but do not realize their true value.
The thief reminds the joker that some people believe that life is nothing more than a joke. Even so, the joker is optimistic and believes that he and the thief can rise above this situation. He encourages the thief to be truthful and sincere because time is running out. The rest of the song describes a scene in which “princes” (the wealthy and powerful) keep watch over those below them, while the “women” and “barefoot servants” come and go in silence. The wildcat growls in the distance, and two riders can be seen coming. The wind picks up, and the verse ends here.
Line by Line Meaning
There must be some way out of here
The situation we're in is bad and we need to find a way out
Said the joker to the thief
This is a conversation between two characters
There's too much confusion, I can't get no relief
The situation is chaotic and the singer can't find peace
Businessmen, they drink my wine
People who have money and power take advantage of the artist's resources
Plowmen dig my earth
People who do manual labor work hard for the artist
None of them along the line know what any of it is worth
No one understands the true value of the singer's resources
No reason to get excited, the thief, he kindly spoke
The thief tries to calm the joker down
There are many here among us who feel that life is but a joke
Some people see life as meaningless or absurd
But you and I, we've been through that, and this is not our fate
The artist and the thief have already been through a similar situation and believe they can change their fate
So let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late
The artist urges the others to be truthful and take action because time is running out
All along the watchtower, princes kept the view
The watchtower is a symbol of power, and the princes have control over what happens
While all the women came and went, barefoot servants, too
Women and servants have little power and come and go as they are told
Outside in the distance a wildcat did growl
There is danger or a sense of unease in the environment
Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl
Two new characters are coming, and the atmosphere becomes intense
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind