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All Along the Watchtower Lyrics
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
Song Info
Copyright
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Writer
Bob Dylan
Duration
2:33
Submitted by
oofus On May 07, 2001
It's cool that a 35 year old song can still get people to think and more, to discuss meaning. That's the power of poetry. I've been listening to this song since 1968 and have a few thoughts. Back then Dylan was not writing or talking about Jesus at all, certainly not in any way that foreshadowed his conversion experience ten years later. But he had written poetry for a long time about the meaning of life and our dilemmas as thinking beings. What is there to believe in? What has real meaning? is there anyone we can trust? What is the risk of stepping outside the norms and commonplace meanings of things and looking at ourselves directly? This song, I think, borrows a mythical style and setting to set up the problem of meaninglessness in our existence. The two personalities are both outsiders, a joker who lacks conventional dignity and a thief who lacks conventional morality. They are outside of the walls of psychological safety, where the regular social order still holds, despite the threats from wolves and howling winds. I read these as metaphors for the psychological dangers one must face when throwing off easy explanations of life's meaning. One must be very brave to be outside those walls. But there is no going back once you have cast off conventions -"You and I, we've been through that, and this is not our fate, let us not talk falsely now the hour is getting late." This is a crisis, he's saying, a crisis of existence itself.
So, it's the opposite of an endorsement of Christianity or any other religion. It's a description of the land where a seeker of truth must find his own way, whatever the dangers may be.
This song, in its three little stanzas, is wonderful writing and courageous personal philosophy. This is why Dylan was and still is considered one of our culture's great voices.
What an insightful comment!
What an insightful comment!
It's funny, I've been searching all over for someone who interpreted the song the way I did. Not to toot our collective horns, but I think this is right. This is an existential song. It's a song about two thinking beings confronting the existential questions of existence.
It's funny, I've been searching all over for someone who interpreted the song the way I did. Not to toot our collective horns, but I think this is right. This is an existential song. It's a song about two thinking beings confronting the existential questions of existence.
"There must be some way out of here, "there's too much confusion --The joker is having an existential crisis. He's saying "Holy shit, I'm really alive in the world, I'm a suffering human being, how do I get out of here?" There's also something suicidal about this, I think--in asking "There...
"There must be some way out of here, "there's too much confusion --The joker is having an existential crisis. He's saying "Holy shit, I'm really alive in the world, I'm a suffering human being, how do I get out of here?" There's also something suicidal about this, I think--in asking "There must be some way out".
"Businessmen they drink my wine." Then the Joker comments on the ignorance-is-bliss blindness of average people, who never ask "Why are we alive?" They drink wine and plow the earth, but they don't know what it's worth--that is, they don't ask why they're doing what they're doing. "No reason to get excited" -- The thief, who's a bit saltier and wiser than the Joker, says "Listen, there's no reason to get excited about all this "existing" stuff. A lot of people have wondered why we exist. "There are many here among us...life is just a joke" Many people who ask existential questions become nihilists--they no longer think that life has any meaning. "But you and I we've been through that" But you and I are not going to think of life as a joke, we're going to keep searching for meaning. We're not going to commit suicide, either. "Let us not talk falsely" So let's not bullshit about accepting meaninglessness or commiting suicide... "Hour is getting late" ...Because life is short and our deaths are coming, buddy.
The third stanza shows the context in which this conversation takes place. Basically, it describes the world of men. "All along the watchtower" Not sure what the watchtower is, sadly.
"Princes kept the view"-- In life, some men rule over other men, like kings. "All the women came and went, barefoot servants too"-- Women and barefoot servants, just like princes, come and go--that is, they're Born, and then they Die. "Outside in the cold distance a wildcat did growl" Beyond the walls of man, nature is out there, wild and infinitely mysterious. "Two riders were approaching" Death. Death is coming for the princes, the servants, the women, the joker and the thief...and even the wildcat.
It could be (but that is just a supposition) that the joker and the thief are the two people who were condemed at the same that Jesus. Being oppressed Jews from romans occupants for too long they did rebel and commited violents crimes. This ought to be then a methaphore discuusion of the 2 of them before the romans come to bring the execution up. There are other possibilities of course since the imaginary language allow the listene/reader to open his/her imagination....Perhaps we should ask Bobby himself what he meant, if he really had something precise in mind...(: )
It could be (but that is just a supposition) that the joker and the thief are the two people who were condemed at the same that Jesus. Being oppressed Jews from romans occupants for too long they did rebel and commited violents crimes. This ought to be then a methaphore discuusion of the 2 of them before the romans come to bring the execution up. There are other possibilities of course since the imaginary language allow the listene/reader to open his/her imagination....Perhaps we should ask Bobby himself what he meant, if he really had something precise in mind...(: )
@Backstage Dylan is a great Song-Writer ...but boy did his voice absolutely SUCK !!! If only he put aside his personal ego and step outside 'his walls' and let other people with the gift of voice sing his songs. :P
@Backstage Dylan is a great Song-Writer ...but boy did his voice absolutely SUCK !!! If only he put aside his personal ego and step outside 'his walls' and let other people with the gift of voice sing his songs. :P
Ten years ago I made these comments, but the song is still a great one. There is more confusion than ever sounding in our ears, especially if you spend much time with the Internet and other media. I would suggest to fans of the song that they consider who is talking falsely now, and who is making the greatest effort to get us overexcited in an effort to turn our attention from our precious existential crisis. It is precious because facing it-and staying strong-can lead you to understanding, compassion and action. Ride out own your crisis with your ear attuned...
Ten years ago I made these comments, but the song is still a great one. There is more confusion than ever sounding in our ears, especially if you spend much time with the Internet and other media. I would suggest to fans of the song that they consider who is talking falsely now, and who is making the greatest effort to get us overexcited in an effort to turn our attention from our precious existential crisis. It is precious because facing it-and staying strong-can lead you to understanding, compassion and action. Ride out own your crisis with your ear attuned to universal truth and see what kind of strength you can gain.
@Backstage I love this interpretation. Well done.
@Backstage I love this interpretation. Well done.
@Backstage @jasonuvq I am pretty sure a few other artists had hits with his songs ... I even think another artist may have sung this song and made it even more popular than the original ...
@Backstage @jasonuvq I am pretty sure a few other artists had hits with his songs ... I even think another artist may have sung this song and made it even more popular than the original ...
Some people may not like his vocals, others may find them unique. Music is art and art is down to an individuals tastes.
Some people may not like his vocals, others may find them unique. Music is art and art is down to an individuals tastes.
@Backstage i disagree with you my understanding offf te lyricd is that Bob Dylan song was that even thugh it was firs talking about the joker you dont really see a comparison of christianity until you keep on reading further down into his lyrics the comparison strts in paragraph 1 line 4 it states "they drink my wine plowman dig my earth none of them along the line know what ny of it is worth." from here you start getting the idea that the joker is jesus idk im just in the clouds
@Backstage i disagree with you my understanding offf te lyricd is that Bob Dylan song was that even thugh it was firs talking about the joker you dont really see a comparison of christianity until you keep on reading further down into his lyrics the comparison strts in paragraph 1 line 4 it states "they drink my wine plowman dig my earth none of them along the line know what ny of it is worth." from here you start getting the idea that the joker is jesus idk im just in the clouds
@Backstage I completely agree with your interpretation, I think that nobody is sure of what life is based on, and the author is not exactly talking about Jesus and about a joker because it would not make sense and they do not keep any relationship.
@Backstage I completely agree with your interpretation, I think that nobody is sure of what life is based on, and the author is not exactly talking about Jesus and about a joker because it would not make sense and they do not keep any relationship.
@Backstage I personally agree yet disagree with this theory, A large chunk of the original thoughts and theories I had for this song were largely based on the a more religious point view. For example, the main idea on the identity of the Joker was that he was actually Jesus, loosely based on the comments he's made such as "Businessmen, they drink my wine." Possibly referring to the how Jesus turned water into wine and then when he says "Plowmen dig my earth" Referring to the world which God created. Now, while those parts still make a bit of sense to...
@Backstage I personally agree yet disagree with this theory, A large chunk of the original thoughts and theories I had for this song were largely based on the a more religious point view. For example, the main idea on the identity of the Joker was that he was actually Jesus, loosely based on the comments he's made such as "Businessmen, they drink my wine." Possibly referring to the how Jesus turned water into wine and then when he says "Plowmen dig my earth" Referring to the world which God created. Now, while those parts still make a bit of sense to me, I can see what you mean in your own interpretation. Though, your argument is largely lacking certain parts of the poem such as the Joker feeling trapped. If the joker truly does represent Jesus then the joker's feeling of being trapped could be presented by Jesus when he met his demise, trapped in a cross, surrounded by two thieves.
@Backstage I believe the Thief is Gestas and the the joker is God. I know think this because the song says "two riders approached the watchtower" and they can only be godly beings because they are only two and they cant over take a watchtower like this. I know the thief is gestas because he says "there are many here among us" and he must be human because he calls the rest of the humans "us". I also know the joker is jesus because he says the wine is his and that the earth is his as well....
@Backstage I believe the Thief is Gestas and the the joker is God. I know think this because the song says "two riders approached the watchtower" and they can only be godly beings because they are only two and they cant over take a watchtower like this. I know the thief is gestas because he says "there are many here among us" and he must be human because he calls the rest of the humans "us". I also know the joker is jesus because he says the wine is his and that the earth is his as well.
wwwwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaasssssssssssssssssssssssssss ggggggggggggggggooooooooooooooooooooooooooddddddddddddddddd
wwwwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaasssssssssssssssssssssssssss ggggggggggggggggooooooooooooooooooooooooooddddddddddddddddd
@Backstage The reference where bob Dylan says "There are many here among 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." It suggests that people keep making the wrong decisions and when they run out of time to fix it they will not be able to.
@Backstage The reference where bob Dylan says "There are many here among 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." It suggests that people keep making the wrong decisions and when they run out of time to fix it they will not be able to.
@Backstage Well at the end when the two characters at the end and in the bible it says that Jesus will return one day to judge the living and the dead. When the riders approach the Watchtower and these characters have the intent to attack the Watchtower you have to realize that these two characters have to be supernatural beings because it is only 2 of them versus anyone in the Watchtower willing to fight. No 2 people in their right minds would every go and fight against a whole army essentially if they weren't supernatural.
@Backstage Well at the end when the two characters at the end and in the bible it says that Jesus will return one day to judge the living and the dead. When the riders approach the Watchtower and these characters have the intent to attack the Watchtower you have to realize that these two characters have to be supernatural beings because it is only 2 of them versus anyone in the Watchtower willing to fight. No 2 people in their right minds would every go and fight against a whole army essentially if they weren't supernatural.
@Backstage i have to do this cause of my teacher who thinks the joker is Jesus and the thief is death and how the joker is talking about how their taking his land and all of his belongings and yeah.
@Backstage i have to do this cause of my teacher who thinks the joker is Jesus and the thief is death and how the joker is talking about how their taking his land and all of his belongings and yeah.
To follow up on my previous comment ( because i posted it by accident lmao )
To follow up on my previous comment ( because i posted it by accident lmao )
Now, while the joker himself could possibly represent Jesus, the thief that the joker is talking to could represent Dismas, the Penitent thief who joined Jesus in paradise once they both passed away in the cross. This is due to to the thief kindly speaking to the joker, referring to how Dismas truly was the kinder to Jesus in the cross, contrary to the impenitent thief. While that theory does not have as much evidence to back it up, it may still be plausible. Something else...
Now, while the joker himself could possibly represent Jesus, the thief that the joker is talking to could represent Dismas, the Penitent thief who joined Jesus in paradise once they both passed away in the cross. This is due to to the thief kindly speaking to the joker, referring to how Dismas truly was the kinder to Jesus in the cross, contrary to the impenitent thief. While that theory does not have as much evidence to back it up, it may still be plausible. Something else that you failed to mention are the two riders who are nearing the city. Once again, it could be insisted that the two riders could possibly Hades and Death itself, bringing the incoming apocalypse as Revelation 6:8 states. To top it off, the joke, who represents Jesus, can be seen as Hades because they both judge the dead and the thief, who represents Dismas, can be seen as Death because they steal life from people.
@Backstage I am agree with Zurielventura because he explained his quotes and I got his point of view that the joker is Jesus and because many people know about that he convert the in wine etc.
@Backstage I am agree with Zurielventura because he explained his quotes and I got his point of view that the joker is Jesus and because many people know about that he convert the in wine etc.
that he converted the water in wine.
that he converted the water in wine.
@Backstage k
@Backstage k
@Backstage excellent interpretation. I, personally, lack the courage to even try to interpret most of Dylan's obscure songs, I just let the words flow thru my ears, to tingle and astonish whole swaths of neurons in their passage. I worked with a technologist who absolutely hated it when I played Dylan,..he'd actually get mad: how can you listen to that garbage?! No one knows what the F he's talking about!!!
@Backstage excellent interpretation. I, personally, lack the courage to even try to interpret most of Dylan's obscure songs, I just let the words flow thru my ears, to tingle and astonish whole swaths of neurons in their passage. I worked with a technologist who absolutely hated it when I played Dylan,..he'd actually get mad: how can you listen to that garbage?! No one knows what the F he's talking about!!!
@Backstage That\'s good effort, brother. It\'s is line with what I had in mind, and then a little more. Thanks for opening my mind to other aspects of it. Greetings from Brazil.
@Backstage That\'s good effort, brother. It\'s is line with what I had in mind, and then a little more. Thanks for opening my mind to other aspects of it. Greetings from Brazil.
I remember reading an article about this song when it first came out (I believe 1968) by Paul Williams in Crawdaddy magazine, which was a cheaply produced, but very serious, intellectual magazine published by Williams. The thing that stuck with me from the article was that Williams compared the structure of the song to a moebius strip (because the starting point of the lyrics is actually in the middle of the song & the song opens with the middle part of the lyrics) & felt it gave the song a claustrophobic feel (because you come into it & leave it in the middle). The starting point would be "All along the watchtower" & then after the line "Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl", the next line would be "There must be some way out of here," said the joker to the thief", the joker & the thief being the two riders who were approaching, of course. This makes perfect sense to me & seems right. As far as the actual meaning, my own opinion is that it's a philosophical piece about how one finds meaning in a chaotic & very imperfect world. The joker sees this world & can't take it seriously because it's so false & is depressed because he can't find a way to make sense of it. The thief has come to this same realization in his past, but has found a way to move beyond it & create his own meaning. So it is, in effect, a parable about existentialism. Or maybe I'm totally wrong...
Think you're on the right track with the joker's feelings, but do you realize you're trusting the thief to be honest? Lot more goin on here.
Think you're on the right track with the joker's feelings, but do you realize you're trusting the thief to be honest? Lot more goin on here.
Wow, eyeland! You are so close as Bob Dylan has mentioned in an interview that he had written the third verse first. It got mucked up in the studio. He stated that he intended to re record the song with the verses in the correct order. As you have said, this solves the problem of who the two riders are. From that starting point the song meaning unravels fairly easily. (The joker is a Jungian archetype, even present in most of Picasso's early cubist works...just look for the harlequin costume.) I do see it as a philosophical piece. The final words...
Wow, eyeland! You are so close as Bob Dylan has mentioned in an interview that he had written the third verse first. It got mucked up in the studio. He stated that he intended to re record the song with the verses in the correct order. As you have said, this solves the problem of who the two riders are. From that starting point the song meaning unravels fairly easily. (The joker is a Jungian archetype, even present in most of Picasso's early cubist works...just look for the harlequin costume.) I do see it as a philosophical piece. The final words now become apocopalyptic, "...the hour is getting late".
@eyeland What you say makes a lot of sense and is the truth because your analysis is based on the scientific, and that this song is not about the religious. This song is about life, about the origin and how life works for each person.
@eyeland What you say makes a lot of sense and is the truth because your analysis is based on the scientific, and that this song is not about the religious. This song is about life, about the origin and how life works for each person.
@eyeland Wonderful and profound analysis. The Möbius strip describes the structure quite good. In mathematics, these figures are known to be "unorientable", which very much suits the 'chaotic & imperfect world' described in the song.
@eyeland Wonderful and profound analysis. The Möbius strip describes the structure quite good. In mathematics, these figures are known to be "unorientable", which very much suits the 'chaotic & imperfect world' described in the song.
@eyeland one of those long lost sources such as you describe also stated that Dylan did use the "watchtower" from the book of Isiah for symbology. if not religious, it does pull from prophetic sources.
@eyeland one of those long lost sources such as you describe also stated that Dylan did use the "watchtower" from the book of Isiah for symbology. if not religious, it does pull from prophetic sources.
wish some of these old links were still active, sadistic sniper gave one i'd love to follow up over on the hendrix version of this song.
wish some of these old links were still active, sadistic sniper gave one i'd love to follow up over on the hendrix version of this song.
Ok, we should put some things in contest. The song is written in 1967,a year before the great social uprising throughout the world. Dylan was obviously left oriented but was also raised in a religious enviorment, thus the biblical imagery. The joker and the thief represent two sorts of social outcasts. The joker represents the class of people which denounce the system because they realise it's flaws and find it unjust. This is probably a more middleclass and intelectual stand. The thief on the other hand is also an outcast but he is not an outcast by choice. Thievery is in most cases a result of poverty. The majority of those who steal do it because they need to eat and feed their families so the thief here represents the more down-to-earth proletarian ,working class side of the social outcasts. They are obviously the two riders approaching the watchtower. It is suggested here that they are in a silent march towards something which symbolises the capitalist/social darwinist society. The princes are concerned. They observe the situation from their watchtowers, the princes being the capitalist, those who own the wine and the earth mentioned in the first verse. That is a reference to the unjustness of private property. The land and its fruits should be for everyone, including the jokers and the theives of the world. So,the princes are concerned,yet not that much,here Dylan realises that the social movements only managed so far to stir the structure, the watchtowers,but not yet to endanger it. Yet the last verse is essential. It somewhat gives a glimpse of things to come. The wildcat growl and the wing that howls give you an unsettling sentiment,it sends goosebumps up your spine. You can feel a tension. The two riders are approaching. And when they come too close to the wathctowers there will be conflict.
Great! So, you're basically saying that this song anticipates the great social uprising of 1968... that makes sense and in this case, Dylan is much more than a genious, he is a visionary! and this song (with all its biblical references) is prophetic! "The wind began to howl" definitely suggests that an uprising is coming!
Great! So, you're basically saying that this song anticipates the great social uprising of 1968... that makes sense and in this case, Dylan is much more than a genious, he is a visionary! and this song (with all its biblical references) is prophetic! "The wind began to howl" definitely suggests that an uprising is coming!
@watchman your analysis of this literally changed my life and blew my mind and I am thoroughly convinced this is the most brilliant song ever written
@watchman your analysis of this literally changed my life and blew my mind and I am thoroughly convinced this is the most brilliant song ever written
@watchman Isaiah 21:8
@watchman Isaiah 21:8
And the lookout shouted, "Day after day, my lord, I stand on the watchtower; every night I stay at my post."
And the lookout shouted, "Day after day, my lord, I stand on the watchtower; every night I stay at my post."
@watchman I disagree with you because this song has enough evidence to know that it is talking about Jesus Christ. Did you read these lines "Bussinesmen, they drink my wine, Plowmen dig my earth" I think that should be enough to understand the meaning of this song.
@watchman I disagree with you because this song has enough evidence to know that it is talking about Jesus Christ. Did you read these lines "Bussinesmen, they drink my wine, Plowmen dig my earth" I think that should be enough to understand the meaning of this song.
@watchman I have to disagree with your comment because if you actually listen to the song i says that this man or the "Joker" is Jesus because he turns water into wine and also has the guts to go with just the thief to face the troops at the Watchtower which is only reasonable if you have supernatural powers.
@watchman I have to disagree with your comment because if you actually listen to the song i says that this man or the "Joker" is Jesus because he turns water into wine and also has the guts to go with just the thief to face the troops at the Watchtower which is only reasonable if you have supernatural powers.
@watchman i dont know nothing about bob Dylan and what songs he has made but im going to summer school and here is what i learned so far my understanding is that its related to Christianity i see that the joker is jesus and the thief is the other guy bieng crucified next to him and at the end the two rider is jesus and dismas riding toward iternal heaven
@watchman i dont know nothing about bob Dylan and what songs he has made but im going to summer school and here is what i learned so far my understanding is that its related to Christianity i see that the joker is jesus and the thief is the other guy bieng crucified next to him and at the end the two rider is jesus and dismas riding toward iternal heaven
Not that you could in any way compare Dylan with James Joyce (who put so many allusions in Ulysses that it is truly unimaginable how much one man could be familiar with so many phrases in language, and passages in so many books).
Anyway, this is what Joyce wrote: "I've put in so many enigmas and puzzles that it will keep the professors busy for centuries arguing over what I meant, and that's the only way of insuring one's immortality."
Shakespeare's "Hamlet" opens on the tower of the watch. Joyce's Ulysses opens in a watch tower. Dylan's song, when taken in it's logical order in with the third stanza actually is the first, also opens on a watch tower (it is aslo the only song on the recording that begins with it's title). The original biblical reference was obviously known by all three, but that knowledge is probably coincidental, a mere simple twist of fate.
I've read in many places this song is about government. The Thief and Joker represent the middle and lower classes, they stand over looking the castle (the upper class). They know that the upper class takes advantage of everything and looks down upon these two men. There must be some way out of here represents the struggle that these men put forward to break the cycle at hand. It all leads up to them standing outside the castle trying to figure out how to bring them down. But their is no reason to get excited cuz we don't know what they do in the end but we know this is not their fate!
@tayzha26 Your interpretation is very interesting!! This comment change my mind. I thought this song is about the God and the Human who doesn't think thankful about earth.
@tayzha26 Your interpretation is very interesting!! This comment change my mind. I thought this song is about the God and the Human who doesn't think thankful about earth.
@tayzha26 I have recently came across this song and i can see how you interpret the song about having to do with the government however i strongly feel that it is talking about Jesus. In my English class many decide that perhaps the song concludes to saying that at the end the "joke is on us" because we think life is a "joke" and perhaps it is true that many of us see life is a joke but as humans we all need a purpose to live and sometimes we lose track of that purpose and realize there's really...
@tayzha26 I have recently came across this song and i can see how you interpret the song about having to do with the government however i strongly feel that it is talking about Jesus. In my English class many decide that perhaps the song concludes to saying that at the end the "joke is on us" because we think life is a "joke" and perhaps it is true that many of us see life is a joke but as humans we all need a purpose to live and sometimes we lose track of that purpose and realize there's really no reason to keep going or keep trying because eventually you will die and it's all for nothing. Many people have this mentality! In the song the joker is symbolizing Jesus and the thief can be symbolizing us humans. The joker claims that humans take from him by saying "they drink my wine" and "dig my earth" . Eventually the thief says that they should stop "talking falsely" because it's no joking matter and in all truths we can joke about life and see it as a joke but at the end of the day god has the last word when it comes to judging day and that is if you believe in religion.
@tayzha26 I have recently came across this song and i can see how you interpret the song about having to do with the government however i strongly feel that it is talking about Jesus. In my English class many decide that perhaps the song concludes to saying that at the end the "joke is on us" because we think life is a "joke" and perhaps it is true that many of us see life is a joke but as humans we all need a purpose to live and sometimes we lose track of that purpose and realize there's really...
@tayzha26 I have recently came across this song and i can see how you interpret the song about having to do with the government however i strongly feel that it is talking about Jesus. In my English class many decide that perhaps the song concludes to saying that at the end the "joke is on us" because we think life is a "joke" and perhaps it is true that many of us see life is a joke but as humans we all need a purpose to live and sometimes we lose track of that purpose and realize there's really no reason to keep going or keep trying because eventually you will die and it's all for nothing. Many people have this mentality! In the song the joker is symbolizing Jesus and the thief can be symbolizing us humans. The joker claims that humans take from him by saying "they drink my wine" and "dig my earth" . Eventually the thief says that they should stop "talking falsely" because it's no joking matter and in all truths we can joke about life and see it as a joke but at the end of the day god has the last word when it comes to judging day and that is if you believe in religion.
@tayzha26 i disagree with you because it doesn't means about representing the government but the joker represents Jesus and the thief when there where both right next to each other. the reason why the joker is Jesus is because he is saying his the son of god and people wont believe him and will think its a joke.
@tayzha26 i disagree with you because it doesn't means about representing the government but the joker represents Jesus and the thief when there where both right next to each other. the reason why the joker is Jesus is because he is saying his the son of god and people wont believe him and will think its a joke.
@tayzha26 i can see your point but the "joker" is saying he owns everything and if it's the middle or the lower class they can't own anything it'll have to be the higher class.
@tayzha26 i can see your point but the "joker" is saying he owns everything and if it's the middle or the lower class they can't own anything it'll have to be the higher class.
@tayzha26 I would have to disagree with this statement because I do not think that the song was based off of the government, his view was more of a spiritual level and a more religious aspect. He talks about the thief and the joker, I believe that the thief is god because he steals our lives when the time is right but the joker is jesus who is part human and part god...Bob Dylan's main argument is life is a joke and us humans are the fools.
@tayzha26 I would have to disagree with this statement because I do not think that the song was based off of the government, his view was more of a spiritual level and a more religious aspect. He talks about the thief and the joker, I believe that the thief is god because he steals our lives when the time is right but the joker is jesus who is part human and part god...Bob Dylan's main argument is life is a joke and us humans are the fools.
@tayzha26 To be honest I don´t think that your argument has any relationship with the meaning of this song, I think this song´s meaning is how Jesus (joker) is getting tired of humanity (thief) who don´t see the true value of life, and takes it as a joke.
@tayzha26 To be honest I don´t think that your argument has any relationship with the meaning of this song, I think this song´s meaning is how Jesus (joker) is getting tired of humanity (thief) who don´t see the true value of life, and takes it as a joke.
@tayzha26 i would have to disagree with your opinion about the government. I believe it's more about jesus talking to thiefs while being crucified. He talks about fate because he believes that the lives they were living wasn't meant for him.
@tayzha26 i would have to disagree with your opinion about the government. I believe it's more about jesus talking to thiefs while being crucified. He talks about fate because he believes that the lives they were living wasn't meant for him.
@tayzha26 Your comment makes a lot of sense and different from the other people who think this song about Jesus, because you have a good argument.
@tayzha26 Your comment makes a lot of sense and different from the other people who think this song about Jesus, because you have a good argument.
@tayzha26 I would say that this interpretation is spot on. Dylan read the bible quite a lot at one point. The Bible is a book containing stories about the struggles between the prophets and the kings. I think that in the song he uses biblical type imagery in the words he uses.
@tayzha26 I would say that this interpretation is spot on. Dylan read the bible quite a lot at one point. The Bible is a book containing stories about the struggles between the prophets and the kings. I think that in the song he uses biblical type imagery in the words he uses.
It has been said that Bob Dylan visited the Crossroads and could've potentially made a deal with the devil.
"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."
The first verse could be him basically regretting the deal he made him being the joker/fool the devil being the thief (of his soul) and how the people enjoy what he does but none of them understand what he is going through to give them it.
"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."
This verse could go back to when he made the deal. The Thief/Devil tells him not to get excited about the fame he just sold his soul for. The people around him don't know how lucky they are not to be in his position. But the Devil and him know more than the others know, and a regular safe life is no longer his fate. So let's not drag on the conversation, we both know what you just did.
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 final verse as expected is the end of his life, the princes are the Devils guards keeping watch because Bob doesn't want to go to hell. The second line once again refers to his euphoric lifestyle that he's locked in. The last to lines seem to allude to Robert Johnson's "There's a hell hound on my trail" only this time it's a wild cat and two riders.
Of course this is just my opinion :)
It has been said that Rovert Johnson did a deal with the devil at the Crossroads, not Dylan.
It has been said that Rovert Johnson did a deal with the devil at the Crossroads, not Dylan.
Robert Johnson was the original person known for the Deal with the devil, but there have been a few people throughout musical history who have been said to have made the same deal. Bob Dylan seems to hint this in a few interviews but never states it outright.
Robert Johnson was the original person known for the Deal with the devil, but there have been a few people throughout musical history who have been said to have made the same deal. Bob Dylan seems to hint this in a few interviews but never states it outright.
@brendangarofalo Bob believes totally 100% in God, follows his Jewish faith, is grateful beyond measure for all God has granted him, and did not make a pact with the devil, okay. That is utter preposterous nonsense.
@brendangarofalo Bob believes totally 100% in God, follows his Jewish faith, is grateful beyond measure for all God has granted him, and did not make a pact with the devil, okay. That is utter preposterous nonsense.
@peterpaul I understand that Bob had a very strong faith but that doesn't mean that he can't make metaphorical allusions to stories where he finds parallels in his own life. He was a part of an industry where life becomes very different. I didn't suggest that Bob sat down with Satan with a pen in hand, and signed away his soul.
@peterpaul I understand that Bob had a very strong faith but that doesn't mean that he can't make metaphorical allusions to stories where he finds parallels in his own life. He was a part of an industry where life becomes very different. I didn't suggest that Bob sat down with Satan with a pen in hand, and signed away his soul.
@brendangarofalo The Joker and the Theif are positioned as people who are direct victims of demanding social expectations.
@brendangarofalo The Joker and the Theif are positioned as people who are direct victims of demanding social expectations.
Interesting post, but Dylan converted in 1977 and this song was written several years before. I don't know when Dylan wrote the song, but Hendrix covered it in 1968 so it's at least 9-10 years earlier. :)
@tsb2rxn You said Dylan converted this song in 1977, what is difference between converted version and original ?
@tsb2rxn You said Dylan converted this song in 1977, what is difference between converted version and original ?
@SeungtaekOH I believe @tsb2rxn means Dylan converted to Christianity in 1977.
@SeungtaekOH I believe @tsb2rxn means Dylan converted to Christianity in 1977.
OKAY, HERE IS THE STRAIGHT DOPE!
The song is about The Record Industry. That is why other recording artists always want to record it. When explained correctly, all artists can identify with this track.
The Joker is the Artist--In This Case Bob Dylan The Thief is his Manager-Agent-Label Contact...etc.--In This Case Albert Grossman (Dylan's manager at the time this song was penned)
In the first verse, the Joker is going to his confidant and pleading to get him out of his current lot in life. 'Businessmen Drink His Wine, Ploughmen Dig His earth means--but none of them along the line know what any of it is worth' means that the recording artist is unhappy with the standard businessperson's approach towards selling art. They bottle it like Coca Cola, and it hurts the creative artist.
Then in the Second verse, the Thief talks the Artist into not thinking about things so deeply (for to remain a Thief (or a leach, really), the Joker must continue to work). The Theif basically talks the Joker into getting back on Stage or in the Recording Studio or what have you. The Hour is Getting late means go be a professional and do your job, no matter what you think on a personal level.
The last verse is about the decadence of being a Pop Star. Barefoot Servants and all that, it ends with a reflection that someday all this decadence must end. Dylan reflects on this a lot (Slow Train Coming comes to mind). The 2 Riders are kinda like the horsemen of the coming apocalypse. And The Wind began to howl...
Get it?
in the first verse the joker is talking to the thief. FAIL -_-
in the first verse the joker is talking to the thief. FAIL -_-
@blthompson I think this song has a much deeper meaning than that. In my opinion the joker in this song is actually Jesus Christ and yes I know it may sounds dumb but here's my explanation. In the first stanza the joker refers to the wine and earth as "my wine" and "my earth" (businessmen, they drink my mine. Plowmen dig my earth) which is why I think that the joker is Jesus because according to the bible Jesus turned the water into wine. So that's my explanation
@blthompson I think this song has a much deeper meaning than that. In my opinion the joker in this song is actually Jesus Christ and yes I know it may sounds dumb but here's my explanation. In the first stanza the joker refers to the wine and earth as "my wine" and "my earth" (businessmen, they drink my mine. Plowmen dig my earth) which is why I think that the joker is Jesus because according to the bible Jesus turned the water into wine. So that's my explanation
@blthompson A few years back,"ja734 corrected stated "in the first verse, the joker is talking to the thief". That is true. Dylan (the joker) is talking to his manager Albert Grossman (the thief). I incorrectly said Priest because this is Dylan's first work after becoming enamored with The Bible. [To whit: other titles include The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest and I dreamt I saw St Augustine]
@blthompson A few years back,"ja734 corrected stated "in the first verse, the joker is talking to the thief". That is true. Dylan (the joker) is talking to his manager Albert Grossman (the thief). I incorrectly said Priest because this is Dylan's first work after becoming enamored with The Bible. [To whit: other titles include The Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest and I dreamt I saw St Augustine]
I'd also venture to say that this general religious imagery of the period is why the song is open to Hafidzarrazyon's religious interpretations.
I'd also venture to say that this general religious imagery of the period is why the song is open to Hafidzarrazyon's religious interpretations.
@blthompson i disagree with you i think it is more than that it has deep meaning other than just about a recording industry . It talks about God and Jesus
@blthompson i disagree with you i think it is more than that it has deep meaning other than just about a recording industry . It talks about God and Jesus
@blthompson Everyone has a different concept of this song, but I think that the right one is that the joker is Jesus, we have enough evidence to know it, for example in some lines the joker talks as if he owns the entire earth, which means that he is a god, and the wine refers to his blood, which means that he is Jesus Christ.
@blthompson Everyone has a different concept of this song, but I think that the right one is that the joker is Jesus, we have enough evidence to know it, for example in some lines the joker talks as if he owns the entire earth, which means that he is a god, and the wine refers to his blood, which means that he is Jesus Christ.
@blthompson I really don't think he is talking about his own situation i believe he is talking about Jesus. In my English class many decide that perhaps the song concludes to saying that at the end the "joke is on us" because we think life is a "joke" and perhaps it is true that many of us see life is a joke but as humans we all need a purpose to live and sometimes we lose track of that purpose and realize there's really no reason to keep going or keep trying because eventually you will die and it's...
@blthompson I really don't think he is talking about his own situation i believe he is talking about Jesus. In my English class many decide that perhaps the song concludes to saying that at the end the "joke is on us" because we think life is a "joke" and perhaps it is true that many of us see life is a joke but as humans we all need a purpose to live and sometimes we lose track of that purpose and realize there's really no reason to keep going or keep trying because eventually you will die and it's all for nothing. Many people have this mentality! In the song the joker is symbolizing Jesus and the thief can be symbolizing us humans. The joker claims that humans take from him by saying "they drink my wine" and "dig my earth" . Eventually the thief says that they should stop "talking falsely" because it's no joking matter and in all truths we can joke about life and see it as a joke but at the end of the day god has the last word when it comes to judging day and that is if you believe in religion.
@blthompson I think you're right. I always saw the "thief" as a reference to the crucifixion, (which it may also be), until I saw Neil Young cover the song in concert. The music industry interpretation suddenly jumped out at me.
@blthompson I think you're right. I always saw the "thief" as a reference to the crucifixion, (which it may also be), until I saw Neil Young cover the song in concert. The music industry interpretation suddenly jumped out at me.
In fact several of Dylan's songs around this time appear to refer to his professional situation - "Maggie's Farm" is another, and "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue".
In fact several of Dylan's songs around this time appear to refer to his professional situation - "Maggie's Farm" is another, and "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue".
The most prevalent theme in this song is conflict. It's performed as a narrative with the first verse acting as an exchange between a joker and a thief: "There must be some kind of way out of here said the joker to the thief." The song begins with a sense of urgency, and it's apparent there is a sense of conflict. This first verse is the joker basically letting the thief know he's upset, and why he wishes to escape. The second verse begins with the thief consoling the joker. The thief sympathizes with and relates to the joker. The final verse shows a different image- with princes and servants, and ends with the two riders approaching.
The joker and the thief are shown as outsiders in this song, two people that don't fit in. It's possible that Dylan saw himself as the joker in the song- a creative type who is frustrated with people that don't understand or take advantage of his music and talent: "Businessmen they drink my wine/Plowmen dig my earth. None of them along the line/Know what any of it is worth."
The growl of the wildcat and the two riders in the night suggest even more conflict, tension building into something that will most likely end in collision. The song is about two people on the outside, who are no longer satisfied with the ways of society and their roles in it, who are most likely going to take action against it.
Thanks. I honestly thought it was just about keeping people on the outside. Seriously. Appreciate the explanation.
Thanks. I honestly thought it was just about keeping people on the outside. Seriously. Appreciate the explanation.
I very much prefer your explanation over the others i have read, thanks.
I very much prefer your explanation over the others i have read, thanks.
@jennawhitney I disagree with you, I think the song is about The crucification of Jesus. I think Jesus is the joker and the theif is Dismas, one of the theifs standing next to jesus when it happened. I think that Toward the end of the song, Jesus and the theif are getting ready to judge the living and the dead.
@jennawhitney I disagree with you, I think the song is about The crucification of Jesus. I think Jesus is the joker and the theif is Dismas, one of the theifs standing next to jesus when it happened. I think that Toward the end of the song, Jesus and the theif are getting ready to judge the living and the dead.
This song is about the Apocalypse of man. In a Biblical context, the Joker (fool) and Thief are always referenced as the ignorance and sins of man. But the time will come that even the lowest of men with some spiritual insight will sense the confusion in the world. Bible refers to confusion as Babylon. Many scholars refer to modern day Babylon as America. And Babylon the Great, it will fall at the end times.
Businessman, they drink my wine. Plowman dig my earth. (They will be eating, drinking, building, buy and selling before sudden destruction comes) And there will come a time when no one realizes why they are actually on earth, and mindlessly go about trying to self actualize materially, rather than spiritually.
Upon having this revelation, the Thief tells the Joker not to be excited, because there are others who have already come to this realization. But the point is, to stop following the masses and blinding themselves to the truth because the time is short.
The watchtower represent when Jesus says be ever watchful, because he will come as a thief in the night. Surprisingly enough many governments (Princes) know the Apocalypse of man is coming. Our government knows California and almost the entire West Coast is going to sink, causing a Worldwide cataclysm. Its not a matter of if, but when. But us, we go about our business like nothing is going to happen. Wildcat IMO represents Satan, the Beast in the endtimes. Remember, in Revelations and Isiah, the two riders (witnesses) will come to Israel right after Babylon has fallen and during the time of the Beast.
The Wind begins to Howl. That is the great tribulation and the destruction that follows foretold not only in the Bible, but by seers like Nostradamus and Mother Shipton . Remember, Dylan wrote this right after is near death motorcycle accident and the Height of the Cold and Vietnam war.
@donjuansdaddy I agree in some things with you, but I have a different way to think in the interpretation of characters, I think that the joker refers to Jesus Christ who is getting tired of humanity, and the thief refers to us that take life as a joke.
@donjuansdaddy I agree in some things with you, but I have a different way to think in the interpretation of characters, I think that the joker refers to Jesus Christ who is getting tired of humanity, and the thief refers to us that take life as a joke.