Morello has explained, "The Nightwatchman is my political folk alter ego. I've been writing these songs and playing them at open mic nights with friends for some time. This is the first time I've toured with it. When I play open mic nights, it's announced as The Nightwatchman. There will be kids there who are fans of my electric guitar playing, and you see them there scratching their heads. But it's something that I enjoy doing. I look at it more as an extension of my politics. Then again, some of the songs are not explicitly political. It really helped me grow as an artist and songwriter."
The debut album, "One Man Revolution", was released in 2007. The album "The Fabled City" was released on September 30, 2008. The third album, "World Wide Rebel Songs", was released in 2011.
Whatever It Takes
The Nightwatchman Lyrics
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She cashed in and cut the tether
She's gone, it's no mistake
The angels have come too late
They've come too late
In my hands I hold the proof
That something's sure to hit you
Don't let them tie you to the stake
Whatever it takes
Blood waters raise the ramparts
I'll meet you now wherever you are
I'm here until the frontline breaks
Whatever it takes
Then she turned off the headlights,
Cranked the radio, ran the redlights
Never found the missing bride
Windows dark but they're all inside
They're all inside...
In my hands I hold the proof
That something's sure to hit you
Pure flesh and bone to rip through
Don't let them tie you to the stake
Whatever it takes
Blood waters raise the ramparts
I'll meet you now wherever you are
I'm here until the frontline breaks
Whatever it takes
General without an Army
I stopped lookin, then they found me
On the hill a horn is blowin
It's over man, you just don't know it
That something's sure to hit you
Pure flesh and bone to rip through
Don't let them tie you to the stake
Whatever it takes
Blood waters raise the ramparts
I'll meet you now wherever you are
I'm here until the frontline breaks
Whatever it takes
Come backwards through the red room
A jungle of thieves to get through
Time's up, how long you gonna waste
Whatever it takes...
So Jack grab paper and pen
I'll say once, we'll say it again.
Loosen the core until it shakes.
Whatever it takes.
Whatever it takes.
The Nightwatchman's song Whatever It Takes delivers a profound message to its listeners. The song seems to be about someone who is determined to fight against the odds and stand up against any obstacle that may come their way. The opening lyrics, "Storm clouds won't bother to gather, She cashed in and cut the tether, She's gone, it's no mistake, The angels have come too late" suggests that the person in question has already made a move and left everything behind to pursue their dreams. The word "angels" in this context could signify the person's support system or loved ones, who failed to stop them from taking this action.
The song progresses to a point where the lyrics state, "Then she turned off the headlights, Cranked the radio, ran the red lights, Never found the missing bride, Windows dark but they're all inside". Here, the song speaks to the person's determination to take risks and move towards their goals, even if they seem unattainable. The lyric "Whatever it takes" is repeated multiple times, reiterating the urgency of the situation and the person's unwavering spirit.
Overall, The Nightwatchman's Whatever It Takes is a powerful anthem that speaks to the human instinct to fight and overcome any obstacles, even if it means taking risks and leaving behind everything we knew.
Line by Line Meaning
Storm clouds won't bother to gather
There won't be any warning signs of the impending danger.
She cashed in and cut the tether
She finally let go of the things that were holding her back.
She's gone, it's no mistake
The person has left and it's not an accident.
The angels have come too late
Even divine intervention can't help now.
In my hands I hold the proof
I have undeniable evidence of what's to come.
That something's sure to hit you
There's a certainty that something bad will happen.
Pure flesh and bone to rip through
The impact of the event will be violent and painful.
Don't let them tie you to the stake
Don't let others hold you responsible for their actions.
Whatever it takes
I'll do whatever I can to get through this.
Blood waters raise the ramparts
The danger level is rising and defenses are being put up.
I'll meet you now wherever you are
I'll go to great lengths to be there for you.
I'm here until the frontline breaks
I'm here for the long haul no matter how tough it gets.
Then she turned off the headlights,
She deliberately made herself invisible.
Cranked the radio, ran the redlights
She was acting recklessly to escape from something.
Never found the missing bride
A person couldn't be found despite a search.
Windows dark but they're all inside
It appears empty from outside, but there's still life inside.
General without an Army
A person in charge without any support.
I stopped lookin, then they found me
Once someone gives up, the solution presents itself.
On the hill a horn is blowin
The sound of an alarm signifies danger.
It's over man, you just don't know it
The end of something is inevitable and coming soon.
Come backwards through the red room
Rewind and retrace your steps to find a way out.
A jungle of thieves to get through
There are many obstacles to overcome, especially dishonest individuals.
Time's up, how long you gonna waste
There's no more time to delay or hesitate.
So Jack grab paper and pen
Get ready to take note of important information.
I'll say once, we'll say it again.
I'll repeat the message so that it's perfectly clear.
Loosen the core until it shakes.
Shake things up by getting to the root of the problem.
Whatever it takes.
I'll do anything within my power to succeed.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, JELLYBEAN MUSIC GROUP, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Anne Preven, Thomas B Morello
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Scottie Hobbs
His voice makes his music original and stand out. Tom Morello=Pure genious
Misanthropicdouche
It pisses me off that Tom doesn't get the recognition that he deserves, he is an amazing guitarist.
Mikkel Thybo
Misanthropicdouche Don't feel angry for Tom... Feel angry for all the souls out there who is getting shit on in the name of progress.
watchthiscityfall
I think his voice is absolutely perfect for this style of music. And also it fits the lyrics he chooses to write with this solo project as well. Compared to RATM & SSSC I would have to choose this (Nightwatchman) Although all three are incomparable based on their music styles/genres it's personal preference. ROCK ON TOM!
Mortal Joy
Tom Morello has a GREAT voice!
hypnozecat
wow this is soooo gooooood!!! TOM IS THE MASTER.
TheHyra
this, this is catchy. had it in my head all day since i listened to it last night
JirijuasMusic
I love the solo, he can do anything even with an acoustic
Eric Pirillo
Great energy!!
Jay J
great song. This guitar has very good sound. greetings from Polish