I Shall Be Released
garcia jerry band 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 shinin'
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 shinin'
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
And all day long I hear him shouting so loud
Just crying out that he was framed
I see my light come shinin'
From the west down to the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
The Garcia Jerry Band's "I Shall Be Released" is a powerful song about the struggle to overcome confinement and oppression. Throughout the song, the singer acknowledges the hardships he has faced, both physical and emotional, and looks forward to the day when he will be released from his pain.
The first verse begins with a phrase that encapsulates the song's central theme: "They say everything can be replaced." The singer is reflecting on the idea that no matter what happens to him, his experiences will never truly leave him. He remembers every face of every man who put him in his current situation, suggesting that he is perhaps in prison, or has otherwise been confined against his will. Despite this, he remains optimistic that his release is coming soon, and that any distance between him and his freedom is merely an illusion.
The second verse introduces the idea that every man needs protection, and that every man must face challenges and hardships at some point in his life. However, the singer remains hopeful that even though he is currently confined, his "reflection" is still shining "somewhere so high above this wall." This suggests that the singer has not given up on himself, and that he still sees potential for a brighter future.
In the final verse, the singer describes a man in the crowd who is shouting out that he was framed. This man represents one of countless people who have been unfairly accused or punished for crimes they did not commit. Despite this injustice, the singer remains hopeful and determined, once again repeating the refrain that he will be released, and that his light is shining brighter every day.
Overall, the song is a powerful testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome confinement and oppression. Through their words and music, the Garcia Jerry Band reminds us that even when we feel trapped, we can always find hope in the knowledge that our release is coming soon.
Line by Line Meaning
They say everything can be replaced
Some people believe that everything in life can be replaced with something else.
They say every distance is not near
It is common notion that every distance cannot be covered easily.
So I remember every face
The singer recalls every person who has affected him in life.
Of every man who put me here
The artist specifically remembers the faces of all the people who have caused him harm and led to his imprisonment/tough situation.
I see my light come shinin'
The artist sees a glimmer of hope shining in his life.
From the west down to the east
This shining comes from every direction, giving the singer hope that his situation will soon change for the better.
Any day now, any day now
This change in situation could happen at any moment.
I shall be released
The artist longs to be freed from the circumstance which has left him hurting and imprisoned.
They say every man needs protection
People believe that everyone must be looked after and kept safe.
They say that every man must fall
Many believe that every person has to face failure and struggle at some point in their lives.
Yet I swear I see my reflection
Despite this, the singer can see a glimmer of hope and a brighter future ahead.
Somewhere so high above this wall
This hope is so great, it can be seen as a beacon of light over the wall that has been placed between the artist and his desired future.
Now yonder stands a man in this lonely crowd
The singer sees a man standing out from the crowd, seeming to be just as lost and alone in his circumstances.
A man who swears he's not to blame
Despite being stuck in similar circumstances, this man claims he is not responsible for the situation he is in.
And all day long I hear him shouting so loud
The singer hears this man's cries for help, echoing his own wishes to be freed.
Just crying out that he was framed
This man insists that he is a victim of someone else's actions in a situation where he was falsely accused or set up.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BOB DYLAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind