All Along The Watchtower
Ferry (Bryan) Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

?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 "All along the Watchtower" by Ferry (Bryan) present a conversation between the joker and the thief, engaged in a contemplative exchange about the nature of existence. The first verse reflects a state of utter confusion and disillusionment, as both the joker and the thief struggle to comprehend the world around them, where people are oblivious to the value of the land they occupy and the wine they consume. The joker's plea for a way out of this situation could symbolize a search for meaning or purpose, while the thief's reassurance that life is a joke might suggest a sense of detachment or acceptance.


The second verse seems to reflect a sense of maturity or wisdom, as the thief acknowledges that life might indeed be a joke, but both him and the joker have already passed through that stage and reached a higher level of understanding, where they refuse to be misled by false impressions. The reference to the hour getting late could suggest a sense of urgency or finality, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself and not falling prey to illusions or distractions.


The chorus, "All along the Watchtower", depicts a scene of a watchtower, where princes observe the world around them, and women and servants move in and out of the picture. The reference to a wildcat and two approaching riders creates a sense of tension or foreboding, as if something important is about to happen, and the wind's howling adds a sense of urgency or chaos.


Line by Line Meaning

There must be some way out of here
The Joker feels stuck in a situation and is seeking a solution.


There's too much confusion, I can't get no relief
The Joker feels overwhelmed by the chaos around him.


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 like people take advantage of him and do not understand the value of things around them.


No reason to get excited, the thief, he kindly spoke There are many here among us who feel that life is but a joke
The Thief advises the Joker to calm down and reminds him that some people do not take life too 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 and Joker have been through difficult times before and should not pretend things are better than they are, as time is running out.


All along the watchtower, princes kept the view While all the women came and went and barefoot servants, too
The watchtower was guarded by royalty while ordinary people passed by without notice.


Outside in the distance, a wildcat did growl Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl
An ominous feeling is building up as two riders approach, and nature responds with an eerie wind and animal sounds.




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
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 .

More Comments

More Versions