All along The Watchtower
Mason Dave Lyrics
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"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 Bob Dylan, famously covered by Jimi Hendrix and later by Mason Dave, is a cryptic commentary on society and the human condition with a heavy emphasis on metaphorical language. The opening lines of the song, "There must be some way out of here," suggests the sense of entrapment felt by many individuals in society, likely a reference to the tumultuous political climate during the 1960s. The joker and thief represent the two sides of authority and rebellion, both of which have failed to provide a solution to the ceaseless confusion and anxiety of life. The imagery of the businessmen drinking the joker's wine and the plowmen digging his earth symbolize the exploitation of marginalized groups by the wealthy and powerful.
The thief's response to the joker's lament - "There are many here among us who feel that life is but a joke" - reinforces the idea that life is both humorous and deeply troubling. However, he reminds the joker that they have already experienced these existential crises before and have survived, suggesting that they have a duty to use their wisdom to help others. The chorus, "All along the watchtower, princes kept the view, while all the women came and went, barefoot servants, too" suggests the power hierarchy in society and how those in charge, represented by the princes, maintain control over the masses, who are represented by the barefoot servants. The final lines, "Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl" suggests that a significant change is imminent, whether that be positive or negative, is unclear.
Line by Line Meaning
There must be some way out of here," said the joker to the thief,
The joker is looking for a way out of his present situation and turns to the thief for help.
There's too much confusion, I can't get no relief.
The joker is overwhelmed and cannot find a way to escape his current predicament.
Businessmen, they drink my wine, plowmen dig my earth,
The joker feels used by those around him; even those who he provides for drink his wine and those who work the land take advantage of his resources.
None of them along the line know what any of it is worth.
The joker feels like those who are benefiting from his resources do not appreciate their true value or the effort it took to acquire them.
"No reason to get excited," the thief, he kindly spoke,
The thief is attempting to calm the joker down and reassure him that there is a way out of his situation.
"There are many here among us who feel that life is but a joke.
The thief acknowledges that there are others in a similar situation to the joker who feel that their lives have no meaning or value.
But you and I, we've been through that, and this is not our fate,
The thief believes that he and the joker have overcome their struggles and have a brighter future ahead of them.
So let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late.
The thief urges the joker to be honest and truthful and make decisions quickly, as time is running out.
All along the watchtower, princes kept the view
The watchtower is symbolic of the ruling class, who are constantly watching over the common people.
While all the women came and went, barefoot servants, too.
Women and servants, who are considered lower class, are coming and going without arousing the attention of the ruling class.
Outside in the distance a wildcat did growl,
There is danger lurking in the distance, represented by the wildcat's growl.
Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl.
There are two people approaching, and the wind is picking up, signaling an impending storm or change coming.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jeffdwyer1655
People often forget that Mason played 12-string on Hendrix's original version of this. He has earned the right to make this one his own.
@JUDYACST
Oh, that voice! God, it brings me so far back to the great music back then
@MissDistarr
I love this version of this song. He did more than justice with it. He added his own personal touch to it but kept the original integrity of the song. I think people forget or overlook what a great guitarist he is and his long history in the music business. I am forever grateful that I grew up with the music of this era. What a great time it was.
@wbravo66
I will die happy tonight
@richardnotman787
Dave nails it.
@larryg7126
Dave Mason has always been a favorite of mine. His 1st album was one of the greatest albums ever released, I don't feel that the rest were as strong though all had some great songs & I bought them. As far as being a great guitarist, he's one of the best. I agree this period of music was fantastic and record companies hadn't yet enforced descriptive labels, good music was just good music irregardless of its roots.
@michaell.mcspadden7646
Yes, Dave did the best version of this classic. The version on "Certified Live" is the first one I ever heard and has always been my favorite.
@Earthdancer46234
@Michael L. McSpadden I Jeff Healey's 10 minute version of this song. I do like this creative version.
@neurofire
Hendricks so defined Watchtower - only a master or a fool would tackle it. Fortunately we're in the hands of a master. Bravo Dave!
@clbrown3894
Dave is not only a master, but also played on Jimi's version.