All Along the Watch Tower
London Pops Orchestra 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
No reason to get excited,the thief, he kindly spoke
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 London Pops Orchestra's version of All Along the Watch Tower is a cover of Bob Dylan’s 1967 original, but with a different sound and interpretation. The lyrics of the song convey a sense of confusion, hopelessness, and an urge to find an escape. The verses start with the joker saying that there must be a way out of the present situation, which is marked by chaos and confusion. The line “There's too much confusion, I can't get no relief” is a reflection of how the joker feels. The reference to businessmen drinking his wine and plowmen digging his earth is a metaphorical representation of how the common man’s work contributes to the economy, but they don’t understand the worth of it.
The thief, on the other hand, tries to console the joker by saying that there are others who feel that life is a joke, but they have been through it all and got out of it. He urges the joker to speak the truth and not indulge in fake conversations since it’s getting late. The chorus speaks of princes always watching over the people, and women coming and going, serving them.
The closing verse of the song talks about two riders approaching amidst a howling wind, indicating an impending danger. The wildcat’s growl represents the danger and tension that is about to unfold. The song as a whole talks about a chaotic situation that someone has to escape from, with references to people waiting for a savior, social and political turmoil, and an impending danger on the horizon.
Line by Line Meaning
There must be some way out of here
The Joker expressed his desire to escape from his current situation because all he faced was chaos.
Said the joker to the thief
The Joker spoke these lines to the thief who seems to be a like-minded person.
There's too much confusion, I can't get no relief
The circumstances are very perplexing for Joker, and he is unable to find any solutions for the problems he is facing.
Businessmen, they drink my wine
The businessmen enjoy success at the cost of the Joker's hardship.
Plowmen dig my earth
While the men of lower social class are the ones laboring for the Joker, his life as a privileged person enables him to enjoy their work.
None of them along the line know what any of it is worth
Even though the people around him are involved in the daily grind, they have no idea about the true value of what they are doing.
No reason to get excited,the thief, he kindly spoke
The thief tries to calm Joker, fearing he might lose his rationality in the midst of chaos.
There are many here among us who feel that life is but a joke
The thief tries to point out that many other people around face similar challenges and consider life a joke while coping with harsh realities.
But you and I, we've been through that, and this is not our fate
The thief asserts that both he and the Joker have experienced the bitter reality of life, but their fate would remain distinct from those around them.
So let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late
The thief reminds Joker that there is no room left for empty talks instead they should think and act, as they are running out of time.
All along the watchtower, princes kept the view
The Joker seeks a way out looking up from a position of confinement, where he sees the privileged people watching over him.
While all the women came and went, barefoot servants, too
Women and servants were present, but in a lower position in society, and their presence, along with the aristocracy, adds to the complexity of Joker’s perception of himself.
Outside in the distance a wildcat did growl
The line suggests the presence of danger lurking outside of Joker’s current position.
Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl
The reference to riders and the howling wind indicates the arrival of inevitable change, a time Joker may struggle to negotiate.
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BOB DYLAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind