All Along the Watchtower
Bob Dylan, Grateful Dead
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"There must be some way out of here," 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.
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Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
9 facts about this song
Origin & Release"All Along the Watchtower" is a song written and composed by American singer and songwriter Bob Dylan.
- The song was initially released on Dylan's 1967 album, "John Wesley Harding."
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Lyrics & InterpretationThe structure of this song is unique among Dylan's works because the narrative starts with the last verse.
- It contains cryptic, biblical-inspired lyrics, which have been interpreted in many ways over the years, contributing to the song's enduring appeal and mystery.
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Popular CoverPerhaps the most famous interpretation of "All Along the Watchtower" is by American guitarist Jimi Hendrix, which Dylan acknowledged, stating that whenever he performs the song, he endeavors to do it the way Hendrix did.
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Chart Performance & AcclaimJimi Hendrix's cover of the song peaked at No. 5 in the UK Singles Chart and No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- In 1998, the Bob Dylan version was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
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Cultural Impact & Legacy"All Along The Watchtower" has been covered by numerous artists in different genres, making it one of Dylan's most popular songs.
- It has also been featured extensively in film, television, and other media, including noteworthy uses in the "Watchmen" movie and the series finale of "Battlestar Galactica."
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References in LiteratureThe song's title is taken directly from the Book of Isaiah in the Bible (Isaiah 21:5-9), reflecting Dylan's fascination with biblical themes.
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Production TriviaThe Dylan original was recorded in Nashville with a sparse arrangement, reflecting his desire at the time to retreat from the psychedelic rock frenzy.
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Artist RecognitionIn 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Bob Dylan’s original 47th in its list of the 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time.
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Live PerformancesBob Dylan has performed "All Along the Watchtower" live more than any other song in his repertoire, in varying arrangements reflecting his evolving sound and style.
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Citation
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"All Along the Watchtower Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 14 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/30084364/Bob+Dylan/All+Along+the+Watchtower>.
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