All Along The Watchtower
Hedges Michael 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, barefoot servants, too.
Outside in the distance a wildcat did growl,
Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl.
The song All Along The Watchtower by Hedges Michael is a poignant commentary on the state of the world, and the human condition. The song begins with the words "There must be some way out of here," which can be interpreted as a desperate cry for help from someone who is feeling trapped and overwhelmed. The joker and the thief are two characters who represent the many people who are struggling to find their place in the world.
The joker is feeling confused and disillusioned, and he is unable to find any relief from what he sees as the chaos and confusion of life. The thief, on the other hand, is more pragmatic and philosophical. He reminds the joker that many people view life as a joke, but that they have already been through this stage and are ready to move forward.
The chorus, "All along the watchtower, princes kept the view, while all the women came and went, barefoot servants too," is a reference to an ancient story about a watchtower, which was used to keep watch over a kingdom. The princes stood on the tower, looking out over their kingdom, while the women and servants went about their daily tasks. The song ends with the ominous line "Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl," which can be interpreted in a number of different ways, depending on the listener's perspective.
Interesting Facts:
1. The song was written by Bob Dylan in 1967, and was later covered by Hedges Michael in 1968.
2. Many people believe that the song was heavily influenced by the Book of Isaiah in the Bible.
3. The song has been covered by a number of other artists, including Jimi Hendrix, U2, and Dave Matthews Band.
4. Jimi Hendrix's cover of the song was very popular, and is often considered to be the definitive version.
5. The song was used in the opening scene of the movie Watchmen, which is based on a graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons.
6. The song has been interpreted in many different ways over the years, and has been used as a metaphor for everything from politics to the human condition.
7. The song was included on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
8. The song's title is a reference to a ancient story about a watchtower.
9. The song has been covered in a number of different genres, including rock, folk, and even reggae.
10. Many people believe that the song's lyrics are a response to the Vietnam War, and the political and social unrest of the times.
Chords:
Am G F Am
Am G F Am
Am G F Am
Am G F Am
Line by Line Meaning
There must be some way out of here," said the joker to the thief,
The joker and thief are desperately seeking a way out of their current situation.
There's too much confusion, I can't get no relief.
The joker is overwhelmed and unable to find solace.
Businessmen, they drink my wine, plowmen dig my earth,
People from all walks of life take what they need from the joker.
None of them along the line know what any of it is worth."
None of them truly understand the value of what they take from the joker.
"No reason to get excited," the thief, he kindly spoke,
The thief tries to calm the joker down and keep him grounded.
"There are many here among us who feel that life is but a joke.
The thief acknowledges that many people do not take life seriously.
But you and I, we've been through that, and this is not our fate,
The thief and joker have experienced the recklessness of life but refuse to let it define them.
So let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late."
The thief urges the joker to speak truthfully and not waste time.
All along the watchtower, princes kept the view
The watchtower is a symbol of power and authority, with princes keeping watch.
While all the women came and went, barefoot servants, too.
Women and servants move about freely, but are still beneath the princes in rank.
Outside in the distance a wildcat did growl,
There is danger lurking in the distance.
Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl.
Two riders are headed towards the watchtower, with the wind signaling their arrival.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Laura Sefchik
All Along the Watchtower
WRITTEN BY🎻 BOB DYLAN
“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's 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 cold distance a wildcat did growl
Two riders were approaching, and the wind began to howl
Thelonious Coltrane
Quotations about Hedges
"I feel I can always hear his heart when he plays. He respected my playing too, and that simply thrills me." – Pete Townshend
"Michael was unique. His music transcends genre and trend. It's truly musical, fun and enlightening." – Steve Vai
"His playing has a feel and timbre all its own – technically brilliant, but always organic and true." – Joe Satriani
"One of the most brilliant musicians in America." – David Crosby
"I considered him to be a genius and when he died I lost a great friend." – Graham Nash
"There was simply no one like him." – Bonnie Raitt
"He was a real musician who remained humble even through stardom. A rare breed indeed." – Alvin Lee
Bidyut Datta
There are many hero among us
He is one of them
Matthew Hamersly
Thank you for those wonderful quotes.
Bassel Kateeb
If Satriani gives praise to another guitarist, you know they're good.
Long Lost
back in the late 80s, I took several of my musician friends to see michael at the bottom line in nyc, explaining to them that they were in for a treat. I'd already seen michael several times at this point, and to see their reactions was pure bliss. I got to see him 2 more times after that show, once in atlanta for a halloween concert that blew the audience (including several more of my musician friends) away. what beautiful memories these videos produce for one so fond of his performances....
Karen Nyere
pure talent, pure spirit, pure passion, an angel who was too briefly on this earth. Music embodied. Love.
Uwe Kasten
great comment!!!
Alex Tseng
Amen
Jim Babwe
Hedges version of All Along the Watchtower is my all time favorite.
Truth Matters
Jim Babwe : It's the harmonics, thumps, rhythm, vocal treatment - can't hear it without FEELING something. I saw him at a very small venue in 1983, I think it was. Braids & all. TALENT. 🌱