I Shall Be Released
Joe Cocker (With a Little Help From My Friends - 1969) Lyrics
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They say ev'ry man must fall
Yet I swear I see my reflection
Some place so high above the wall
I see my light come shining
From the west down to the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
Down here next to me in this lonely crowd
Is a man who swears he's not to blame
All day long I hear him cry so loud
Calling out that he's been framed
I see my light come shining
From the west down to the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
They say ev'rything can be replaced
Yet ev'ry distance is not near
So I remember ev'ry face
Of ev'ry man who put me here
I see my light come shining
From the west down to the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
"I Shall Be Released" is a song that presents Joe Cocker's adept lyrical interpreting skills. The song begins with a message that every man needs protection and must eventually fall, but the singer sees his reflection at a high place above the wall. The wall here metaphorically suggests the barrier that is holding back the singer, but he's not afraid and sees his light come shining from the west to the east. The singer believes it's only a matter of time that he'll be released from this isolation.
In the second verse, the singer speaks about another man present beside him, who swears that he's not responsible for his actions, but he's been framed by someone. The singer hears him cry all day long, calling for acquittal. The singer sees his own light coming from the west to the east again, which seems to signal his release.
The last verse repeats the message that everything can be replaced, but distance can't be worn out. The singer remembers the face of every person who put him in "this" situation. Once again, the west-to-east light image points to his forthcoming relief. To sum up, the song is about hope, faith, and perseverance during difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
They say ev'ry man need protection
It is said that every man requires a shield or safeguard
They say ev'ry man must fall
It is said that every man will inevitably stumble or experience defeat
Yet I swear I see my reflection
However I maintain that I can see myself in the world
Some place so high above the wall
In a place that is elevated beyond barriers and obstacles
I see my light come shining
I witness my own radiance illuminating
From the west down to the east
Radiating from the location of the sunset to the area of sunrise
Any day now, any day now
At any moment in the near future
I shall be released
I shall be liberated or set free
Down here next to me in this lonely crowd
Beside me in this group of solitary people
Is a man who swears he's not to blame
Exists an individual who insists he is innocent
All day long I hear him cry so loud
Throughout the day I hear his loud and sorrowful cries
Calling out that he's been framed
Exclaiming that someone has falsely accused him
They say ev'rything can be replaced
It is stated that all things are exchangeable or replaceable
Yet ev'ry distance is not near
However, not all distances are close and easily bridged
So I remember ev'ry face
Thus, I keep in mind every countenance
Of ev'ry man who put me here
Of each man who contributed to my current situation
I see my light come shining
I observe my own brilliance illuminating
From the west down to the east
Radiating from the location of the sunset to the area of sunrise
Any day now, any day now
At any moment in the near future
I shall be released
I shall be liberated or set free
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, AUDIAM, INC
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bigdoggy4744
Back in my dark stage stumbling through drugs booze and continous depression I was in a pub high and getting higher when I heard Joe Cocker. His voice and his rendition of cry me a river that day changed so much for me in 3 mths I was on the path to a new life 46 years later I still love every song Joe sang. Thanks brother for being my inspiration if there is a god I hope he or she looks after you bless you my main man Mr Joe Cocker.
@misstery5942
Like he's singing your own heart out when you feel depressed
@ganatas9597
I'm older now but came back after my mother passed away. Thanks mum for your guidance. Love
@LivingHarmony100
the memory of loved ones is available to good guys, friend, take care of yourself
@jea1855
😢
@MarkEastman
Man those days will never exist again. I was so lucky to have lived and witnessed them
@TheFruitloop186
You have been released Brother Joe. Never has a person fulfilled his mission on earth as you have. You've brought joy to millions, you've touched the hearts of the masses. We owe you a debt of gratitude that we will never possibly be able to repay. Just hope you know how much you were loved and will always be loved. Go in Peace.
@lorebern6538
Julia S wonderful what you have written
@sianchetty1361
As Lore said, you wrote a beautiful comment.x
@dominicdevereaux1712
Julia S. That was truly beautiful Julia. He gets me a little misty eyed. I left Alsace, France at 16, on my own. Would have loved to have made the Woodstock thing, but I was hit in Quang-Tri Vietnam. 20 August 69. PEACE-BROTHER.