I Shall Be Released
The Band and Bob Dylan Lyrics
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They say every distance is not near
So I remember every face
Of every man who put me here
I see my light come shining
From the west down to the east
Any day now, any day now
They say every man needs protection
They say that every man must fall
Yet I swear I see my reflection
Somewhere so high above this wall
I see my light come shining
From the west down to the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
Now, yonder stands a man in this lonely crowd
A man who swears he's not to blame
All day long I hear him shouting so loud
Just crying out that he was framed
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" by The Band and Bob Dylan is a song of hope, perseverance, and liberation. The lyrics start off with a bleak tone, as the singer talks about the inevitability of being replaced and the distance between people. However, he then remembers the faces of those who put him in his current situation, implying that he has been wrongfully accused or imprisoned. Despite this, the singer sees a glimmer of hope as his "light come[s] shining" from the west to the east, signifying a new dawn and change coming soon. He declares with confidence that he "shall be released" any day now, even in the midst of darkness and difficulty.
The second verse further underscores the singer's determination to be freed. He asserts that while men may need protection, he sees his own reflection in a place far above the wall surrounding him. He is confident in his identity and worth, even if he is surrounded by those who doubt and accuse him. The final stanza introduces another character, a man among the lonely crowd claiming innocence and railing against being framed. The last repetition of the chorus shows that despite the specific circumstances, the theme of freedom applies to all three characters.
Overall, "I Shall Be Released" is a song that speaks to anyone facing trials and tribulations, encouraging them to hold on to hope and look forward to a day of liberation. It serves as a beacon of light in a dark world, reminding listeners that even in difficulties, the promise of freedom remains.
Line by Line Meaning
They say everything can be replaced
Some people say that everything can be replaced.
Yet every distance is not near
However, despite being replaceable, some things are still far away from our reach.
So I remember every face
Therefore, I recollect the face of every person who put me in this difficult situation.
Of every man who put me here
Those people who put me in this position, I still remember their faces clearly.
I see my light come shining
I am viewing a bright light of hope and opportunity.
From the west unto the east
This light is shining from the west, moving towards the direction of the east.
Any day now, any day now
Soon, very soon, this bright light of hope will fully manifest and bring good opportunities my way.
I shall be released
I will be free from this situation, soon.
They say every man needs protection
Some people say that every individual need protection.
They say every man must fall
Others say that every person must stumble at some point in their lives.
But I swear I see my reflection
But I firmly believe that I can see myself in a high position, towering above the obstacle in front of me.
Some place so high above this wall
I visualize myself standing in a place higher than this obstacle.
Yonder down here in this lonely crowd
In this sad and solitary cluster of people,
Is a man who swears he's not to blame
I notice a person who claims he is not guilty for his situation.
All day long I hear him shout so loud
Throughout the day, I usually hear him yell and shout at the top of his voice, expressing his frustration.
Crying out that he's been framed
The man cries out that someone set him up.
Any day now, any day now
Soon, very soon,
I shall be released
I will be free from this situation.
Any day now, any day now
Very soon,
I shall be released
I will be free from this situation.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@youngtheotrevino9048
They say every man must need protection
They say every 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 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 to the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
@hannacoyle8250
This song for me means that all of us can be released from whatever burden we carry. Great song
@clydenolet736
I’ve lived by “I remember every face of everyone who put me here” .. and life responds so kindly
@jeffreypetro3803
Always loved this song... When I was incarcerated at Arizona State Prison in Douglas, I had Jerry Garcia Band live album which included Jerry Garcia singing "I Shall Be Released". Now in Az, in the 90s, they basically never granted one's first parole, with their war on drugs (war on cannabis mostly) in full swing. I listened to the tapes daily. I played that song repeatedly on the day of my parole board hearing (for attempted transportation of cannabis) . I sang it. "... all day long U hear him crying out so loud, crying out that he'd been framed.... Any day now, any day now, I shall be released". I made my first parole, to return home to Indiana. In the 3 years I was there, I never saw anyone make their first parole. When I returned to Indiana, I went to the banks of the WhiteRiver, at midnight, I gave thanks to the GreatSpirit, I lit a white candle & an incense, & I sang that song to my creator & gave thanks. Music is magic.... & Bob Dylan is a Master.
@evanmorrow1234
I'm happy for you for surviving such a god awful experience and getting out and being able to put it behind you. Many years ago I had the misfortune of being in the same shoes for the same thing. A major difference however was the fact I was 6000 miles from home in Okinawa prefecture, empire of Japan. There have never been words that could describe the utter despair and inescapable sense of loneliness that I felt that day when I was sentenced to 2 years at "forced labor". That place was a windowless 19th century dungeon.
@michaelfrancismccarthy1794
Making me cry man, both of you. Freedom, God bless it
@evanmorrow1234
@@michaelfrancismccarthy1794 I'm sorry about that. I love being free. It's better than sliced bread and sure beats the hell out of rice. I hate that shit with a passion and won't allow it in my house
@michaelfrancismccarthy1794
@@evanmorrow1234 Evan, you don't have to be sorry. I personally love rice, in fact while you were sending me this message I was cooking and then greatly enjoying some. When I was in Orleans Paris prison in New Orleans they used to serve bologna sandwiches on cheap white bread, and to fuck with us they would let the sandwiches sit out for hours until the meat started to sweat into the bread as it went stale. Never really been able to fuck with bologna or wonderbread ever since
@Official_KC
You sang it at your parole hearing? That sounds like some horrible America's Got Talent parole system in my head. But I'm glad you got out and are doing well!
@jasondylansargent2195
What a human being Dylan is he has given us the greatest songs of all time 👍🏴 🕶️ bless you Bob
@johnmccann8319
This version is the very best.It's pure soul!His voice and harmonica rip into the air.💚