The Watchtower
Neil A. Kjos Music Company Lyrics

The song "The Watchtower" by Neil A. Kjos Music Company is a poetic and metaphorical piece that explores themes of disillusionment, societal confusion, and impending change. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a tumultuous world where the joker and the thief engage in a conversation, searching for a way out of their current circumstances.

The opening line, "There must be some way out of here," reflects the desperation felt by the joker and the thief in their search for escape. They are overwhelmed by the confusion and lack of relief in their lives. The joker represents folly and trickery, while the thief embodies a sense of illicitness and cunning. Both of them feel trapped in a world that they struggle to comprehend.

The subsequent lines highlight the disillusionment felt by the joker and the thief. They observe businessmen consuming their resources and common laborers working the land without truly understanding the value or purpose behind their actions. This lack of awareness is a reflection of the larger society's confusion and inability to recognize the true meaning and significance of their actions.

The thief responds to the joker's despair by acknowledging that many people view life as a joke. However, the thief and the joker have transcended this perspective and recognize that their fate lies beyond mere cynicism. They urge each other to not speak falsely, emphasizing the importance of honesty and authenticity in their discourse. The mention of the hour getting late suggests a sense of urgency, that time is running out for them to find a way out.

The chorus, "All along the watchtower, princes kept the view, while all the women came and went, barefoot servants, too," introduces a shift in the narrative. The watchtower represents a position of power and authority, occupied by princes who overlook and maintain control. The women coming and going symbolize the transient nature of those who serve them, often disregarded and rendered powerless. This image could be seen as a commentary on the societal structures that perpetuate inequality and exploitation.

The song concludes with a scene set outside the watchtower, where a wildcat growls in the distance, and two riders approach as the wind begins to howl. This verse suggests an impending change or upheaval. The wildcat's growl represents the primal, untamed forces of nature, while the two approaching riders could symbolize agents of change, bringing with them a sense of uncertainty and upheaval.

Overall, "The Watchtower" delves into the disillusionment and confusion prevalent in society and the desire for escape and clarity. It urges individuals to confront the falsehoods and superficiality in their discourse, emphasizing the need for authentic communication. The song also hints at the inevitability of change, both personal and societal, and the potential for upheaval on the horizon.