The band did not attract the same commercial interest as an Asia reunion. Two shows were planned for November 1999, but were cancelled as Wetton required a wrist operation. Instead, the band played five UK dates in February 2000 (including a London show on 4 February when Keith Emerson jammed with the band) and six in April 2000. Subsequent touring plans and ideas to record a studio album were abandoned, with Wetton and Palmer soon returning to their solo activities.
The band's second show (3 February 2000) was recorded for a live release, Live in the Hood, the band's only official output. Tracks:
* Time Again (originally by Asia)
* Sole Survivor (originally by Asia)
* Bitches Crystal (originally by ELP)
* Dave Kilminster Solo
* All Along the Watchtower
* Last One Home
* John Young Solo
* Hoedown (version originally by ELP)
* Fanfare for the Common Man (version originally by ELP)
* Heat of the Moment (originally by Asia)
All Along The Watchtower
QANGO 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
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
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 song All Along the Watchtower by QANGO is a Bob Dylan cover that talks about the desperate search for a way out of a confusing, chaotic situation. The opening verse sets the tone for the rest of the song as the joker and the thief engage in a dialogue that portrays their frustration and confusion with their current situation. Both the joker and the thief seem to be searching for a way out of the confusion that surrounds them, but they cannot find any solace.
The song then takes a turn as the thief tries to inject some hope into the conversation by stating that there are others among them who believe that life is just a joke. However, the joker seems to reject this perspective, saying that he and the thief have "been through that" and urges them to speak the truth about their situation. The song's climax comes in the final verse as the singer describes the scene around them. There are princes keeping watch on the tower, and women and barefoot servants come and go, all while a wildcat growls in the distance. The arrival of two riders, as the wind howls, signals a conclusion to the story, leaving the audience with more questions than answers.
Line by Line Meaning
There must be some way out of here
The joker is feeling trapped and seeking a solution to escape their current situation.
Said the joker to the thief
The joker is expressing their feelings to the thief, hoping to find some understanding or support.
There's too much confusion
The joker is feeling overwhelmed and disoriented by the chaos around them.
I can't get no relief
Despite their efforts, the joker is unable to find any respite or comfort from their struggles.
Businessmen, they drink my wine
The joker is feeling taken advantage of by those in power who enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Plowmen dig my earth
Despite the work of others, the joker still feels trapped and unable to escape their situation.
None of them along the line
The people around the joker are not aware of the true value of their labor or contributions.
Know what any of it is worth
The value of the joker's work goes unrecognized and unappreciated.
No reason to get excited
The thief suggests that the joker should remain calm and level-headed in the face of their struggles.
The thief he kindly spoke
The thief is being supportive and offering guidance to the joker.
There are many here among us
The thief acknowledges that others share the same feelings and experiences as the joker.
Who feel that life is but a joke
Many people see life as meaningless or absurd.
But you and I, we've been through that
The thief and the joker have experienced similar struggles and hardships.
And this is not our fate
The thief believes that there is a way to overcome their current situation and avoid a bleak fate.
So let us not talk falsely now
The thief urges the joker to be honest and genuine in their communication.
The hour is getting late
Time is running out and the need for action is pressing.
All along the watchtower
The setting of the song is a high point where one can see the surroundings.
Princes kept the view
Those in power are able to see and control everything from their elevated position.
While all the women came and went
Women are in motion, changing, and not staying in one place.
Barefoot servants, too
Even the lowly servants are moving, but they do so barefoot, indicating a lack of privilege and freedom.
Outside in the distance
Something is happening far away from the current scene of the song.
A wildcat did growl
The presence of a predator and danger is felt.
Two riders were approaching
Two people are coming towards the singer, making the situation more urgent.
The wind began to howl
The environment and conditions are becoming harsh and unpredictable.
Writer(s): Bob Dylan
Contributed by Hudson I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@grahamcole1539
They were great, i saw them live once in 2000, glad i did!
@cemegonuts
RIP John Wetton.
@judakomarow4985
perfect cover
@judakomarow4985
jimmy would be proud
@axevictim69
Jimmy who, it's a Bob Dylan song