In the mid-1960s Clapton left the Yardbirds to play with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. Immediately after leaving Mayall, Clapton formed the power trio Cream with drummer Ginger Baker and bassist Jack Bruce, in which Clapton played sustained blues improvisations and "arty, blues-based psychedelic pop". After Cream broke up, he formed blues rock band Blind Faith with Baker, Steve Winwood, and Ric Grech. Clapton's solo career began in the 1970s, where his work bore the influence of the mellow style of J. J. Cale and the reggae of Bob Marley. His version of Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff" helped reggae reach a mass market. Two of his most popular recordings were "Layla", recorded with Derek and the Dominos; and Robert Johnson's "Crossroads", recorded with Cream. Following the death of his son Conor in 1991, Clapton's grief was expressed in the song "Tears in Heaven", which was featured on his Unplugged album.
Clapton has been the recipient of 18 Grammy Awards, and the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. In 2004 he was awarded a CBE at Buckingham Palace for services to music. He has received four Ivor Novello Awards from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors, including the Lifetime Achievement Award. In his solo career, Clapton has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling musicians of all time. In 1998, Clapton, a recovering alcoholic and drug addict, founded the Crossroads Centre on Antigua, a medical facility for recovering substance abusers.
All Along the Watchtower
Eric Clapton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
The lyrics to "All along the Watchtower" by Eric Clapton & Lenny Kravitz can be interpreted as a reflection on the state of the world and the search for meaning in a chaotic and confusing world.
The opening lines, "There must be some way out of here, said the joker to the thief," suggest a feeling of being trapped or controlled by circumstances that are beyond one's control. The joker and the thief can be seen as metaphorical figures representing different perspectives - the joker representing someone who sees life as a game or a joke, and the thief representing someone who may be trying to take advantage of the situation. The line "There's too much confusion, I can't get no relief" expresses a sense of overwhelm and frustration.
The next few lines, "Businessmen, they drink my wine, plowmen dig my earth, none of them along the line know what any of it is worth," indicate a disparity in values and priorities. The singer sees that those in power may not fully understand the impact of their actions or the value of the resources they possess. This can be seen as a critique of a society that places more importance on material wealth and superficial pursuits rather than seeking deeper meaning.
The verse continues with a dialogue between the thief and the singer. The thief acknowledges that some people view life as a joke, but the singer and the listener have moved beyond that perspective. They have experienced hardship and have come to understand that life is not a game. The line "So let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late" suggests a sense of urgency and the need for honesty and authenticity in the face of the impending challenges.
The chorus, "All along the watchtower, princes kept the view, while all the women came and went, barefoot servants, too," can be interpreted as a vision of a hierarchical society where those in power remain unaffected by the struggles and suffering of others. The mention of women as "barefoot servants" highlights the inequality and oppression that may exist within the society.
The final lines, "Outside in the distance a wildcat did growl, two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl," evoke a sense of impending danger or change. The wildcat growling and the approaching riders symbolize a shift or disruption on the horizon. The howling wind adds to the atmosphere of tension and uncertainty.
Overall, "All along the Watchtower" can be seen as a contemplation of the human condition, the search for meaning, and the recognition of the disparity and struggle within society. It highlights the need for honesty, authenticity, and a deeper understanding of one's place in a chaotic world.
Line by Line Meaning
There must be some way out of here
The singer expresses their desire to find a solution or escape from their current situation.
Said the joker to the thief
The joker communicates with the thief, hinting at the need for a plan or strategy.
There's too much confusion
The singer acknowledges the overwhelming state of chaos or disarray.
I can't get no relief
The artist expresses their inability to find any solace or respite.
Businessmen, they drink my wine
The artist laments the appropriation or exploitation of their possessions or resources by businessmen.
Plowmen dig my earth
The singer observes that laborers are manipulating or disturbing their environment.
None of them along the line know
Those involved in the activities mentioned before lack true understanding or awareness.
What any of it is worth
There is a lack of comprehension regarding the value or significance of the aforementioned actions.
No reason to get excited, the thief
The thief advises against becoming overly enthusiastic or agitated.
He kindly spoke
The thief delivers their message with politeness or gentleness.
There are many here among us who feel
The singer acknowledges the presence of others who share a similar sentiment.
That life is but a joke
Some individuals perceive life to be nothing more than a comedic or trivial matter.
But you and I, we've been through that
The singer and someone else have already experienced or endured such perception.
And this is not our fate
The current situation does not determine or define their destiny.
So let us not talk falsely now
The singer suggests avoiding deceitful or insincere conversations at this moment.
The hour is getting late
Time is passing, and the urgency of the situation is increasing.
All along the watchtower
The artist refers to a specific location, possibly symbolizing a state of vigilant observation or surveillance.
Princes kept the view
Those in positions of power or authority carefully monitored the surroundings.
While all the women came
Women arrived or participated in some way.
And went, barefoot servants, too
Servants, without shoes, also entered and departed.
Outside in the distance a wildcat did growl
A wildcat made its presence known with a fierce growl in the far-off surroundings.
Two riders were approaching
Two individuals on horseback were nearing the scene.
The wind began to howl
The air started to produce a loud and chilling sound, possibly a metaphor for impending danger or unrest.
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@ricou3773
Kravitz & Clapton hauling this legendary song to new heights. To be listened to over and over again.
@owenwoodley6039
I wanna see fruscante cover this song. Once he does and it's on YouTube life will be complete
@thiefoftomorrow
man cant pick fast enough to make it good
@megaloading3176
Read my mind
@TheDonsRiche
Duuuude yes please
@tomedwards1879
Eric Clapton was not trying to copy Jimi Hendrix. He was honoring Hendrix by putting his own interpretation on the song. It's a mistake to draw a comparison between them. Both are exceptional talents, but completely different.
@shawnavelli9537
Exactly, very well said👌
@wouterwieringa
Nice told man👌🎸🔥♥️
@tonybanner2982
Yes if he was he hacked it
@Pudentame
I thought there was a bit of a Mark Knopfler homage in there as well.