Shortly after completing high school, Jeff began to gain attention around the Toronto pub and club scene with a three piece band that showcased his incredible talents. The Jeff Healey Band had a monthly weekend gig at Baker Street, on Queen Street East. Jeff soon garnered local attention and people traveled to come and see him play with his band. Record executives came to check out his performances before he eventually signed with BMG Canada and Artista in the USA. His guitar workmanship became legendary with his unique playing style, and he was recruited for a spot in the 1989 motion picture Road House, which starred Patrick Swayze and Sam Elliott as bouncers at a roadside bar. Jeff and his band were regular 'performers' at the seedy club and are featured on its official soundtrack.
Jeff was more than just a gifted guitarist, he was a devoted passionate musician who played trumpet in his own Jazz band, Jeff Healey and the Jazz Wizards, hosted a regular radio music show on CBC, and collected vinyl recordings including vintage 78's, and was reported to have one of Canada's largest private music libraries.
Jeff Healey tragically died in Toronto, Sunday March 2, 2008, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was only 41. For greater details on Jeff's life and musical career contributions, visit his Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Healey
A live DVD/CD box set entitled "Legacy - Volume 1" was released posthumously in 2009 on Arbor Records without Jeff Healey's wife Cristie and his estate's participation. On his website, Cristie Healey discourages support of this product. www.jeffhealey.com
All along The Watchtower
Jeff Healey 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, plowman dig my earth
None of them along the line know what any of it is worth"
"No need to get excited," the thief, he kindly spoke
"There are many here among us who think that life is but a joke
But you and I, we've been through that, and that 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 Jeff Healey features a conversation between two characters – the joker and the thief – who are searching for a way out of a situation that they deem to be chaotic and confusing. The joker expresses frustration at the state of things, citing that there is too much confusion, and that he can't seem to find any relief from it. The thief responds by acknowledging that there are others in their midst who also view life as a joke, but that they have both been through that phase and have come out on the other side. He suggests that they don't indulge in false talk as it's getting late.
The second half of the lyrics are slightly enigmatic. The watchtower seems to be some kind of vantage point for the princes to observe the ongoing activities, while the women and barefoot servants come and go. Outside, the eerie howling wind announces the arrival of two riders, who might be the ones to rescue them from the confusion.
Line by Line Meaning
There must be some way out of here
'Here' refers to a situation of turmoil, chaos, or societal issues. The Joker is expressing his desire to escape and find a way out.
Said the joker to the thief
The singer is identified as the Joker and the person he's speaking to is the thief. Symbolically, Joker might represent an agent of chaos, while thief personify a moral sense of justice that seeks to steal from the rich and give to the poor.
There's too much confusion, I can't get no relief
The Joker feels lost in the madness that the world is enveloped in. He is exhausted and disillusioned with the current state of the society.
Businessmen they drink my wine, plowman dig my earth, None of them along the line know what any of it is worth
The aristocrats, as well as the working class, are living in ignorance of the value of things they own or do. They are oblivious to the vital things in life and engage in mindless activities.
No need to get excited,' the thief, he kindly spoke, 'There are many here among us who think that life is but a joke
The thief recognizes the sense of desperation and despair in the Joker's words and tries to calm him down. He reminds him that there are others who share similar concerns and that death is inevitable. Humankind hasn't fully understood its purpose and existence, and life's phenomenon might be a subject of jest to them.
But you and I, we've been through that, and that is not our fate, So let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late
The thief implies that both he and the Joker possess the understanding of the fact that life is more than just a fleeting moment, and they hold a higher regard for it. They have experienced the transcendental nature of life, and therefore they must not engage in empty talk or false pretenses. The hour is getting late, meaning there is not much time left in life, so they ought to focus on living authentically.
All along the watchtower, princes kept the view, While all the women came and went, barefoot servants, too
This line can be interpreted in many ways. One of the most common meanings is that even though there are those who are cooped up in positions of power and authority, they still remain under the surveillance of those lower in the hierarchy. The ordinary people might not necessarily be in charge but still keep a grasp on the situation. Some might see the women and barefoot servants as oppressed people living under the rule of these princes.
Outside in the distance a wildcat did growl, Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl
The closing lines can be interpreted in various ways. The growling of a wildcat might imply uncertainty or danger that might be approaching. The riders could be symbolic of doom or a respite that is about to follow. The howling wind could imply impending change or once again, imminent danger. Its open to interpretation.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind