Bob Dylan — All Along the Watchtower
Album: John Wesley HardingAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 961
Length: 2:28
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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.
"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.
Comments (57)add comment
Dylan vs. Hendrix versions.....I get it. I would argue Dave Mason's fantastic cover should be part of the conversation too. My favorite.
Yes that's right.
Sing on Brother Bob.
Sing on Brother Bob.
idiot_wind wrote:
Good question, and apparently easily answered by reading the Wiki article for the album "John Wesley Harding"
The album is named after Texas outlaw John Wesley Hardin, whose name was misspelled. (HAHAHAHA, that's funny)
As far as the photograph on the album cover and related topics:
The cover photograph of John Wesley Harding shows a squinting Dylan flanked by brothers Luxman and Purna Das, two Bengali Bauls, Indian musicians brought to Woodstock by Dylan's manager, Albert Grossman. Behind Dylan is Charlie Joy, a local stonemason and carpenter.
Long Live Radio Paradise and diving into rabbit holes on the internet!!
hey...who is that character on the album cover?
not dylan...the other character
Good question, and apparently easily answered by reading the Wiki article for the album "John Wesley Harding"
The album is named after Texas outlaw John Wesley Hardin, whose name was misspelled. (HAHAHAHA, that's funny)
As far as the photograph on the album cover and related topics:
The cover photograph of John Wesley Harding shows a squinting Dylan flanked by brothers Luxman and Purna Das, two Bengali Bauls, Indian musicians brought to Woodstock by Dylan's manager, Albert Grossman. Behind Dylan is Charlie Joy, a local stonemason and carpenter.
Upon the album's release, rumors circulated that the faces of the Beatles were hidden on the front cover in the knots of the tree. When contacted by Rolling Stone magazine in 1968, album cover photographer John Berg "acknowledged their presence but was reluctant to talk about it."[10] However, in a 1995 interview, Berg clarified that although the images seem to resemble the Beatles, this was not done intentionally, nor was he aware of the resemblance until it was pointed out to him after the album's release: "Later on, I got a call from Rolling Stone magazine in San Francisco. Someone had discovered little pictures of The Beatles and the hand of Jesus in the tree trunk. Well, I had a proof of the cover on my wall, so I went and turned it upside down and sure enough . . . Hahaha! I mean, if you wanted to see it, you could see it. I was as amazed as anybody."[11]
The album sleeve is also notable for its liner notes, written by Dylan himself. The liner notes tells the story of three kings and three characters (Terry Shute, Frank, and Frank's wife, Vera), incorporating details from the album's songs.
Long Live Radio Paradise and diving into rabbit holes on the internet!!
hey...who is that character on the album cover?
not dylan...the other character
not dylan...the other character
That harmonica "playing" is a definition of ear-rape 
Dylan wrote it...Hendrix felt it...
That’s it Bill &. Rebecca. Now we’re in tune … 🎶🧡🎶🧡🎶🧡🎶….. … 💭
I like Bob's vocals on this but that harp 
Dylan may have written, and even sung, this tune but Hendrix, he owns it.
And to his credit I think even Dylan himself admited this, too.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
And to his credit I think even Dylan himself admited this, too.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
justin4kick wrote:
I was going to say what a great song he wrote, and what an awful performance he gave, but you phrased it much more nicely.
Dylan's version of this song is coal, Hendrix made it a diamond.
I was going to say what a great song he wrote, and what an awful performance he gave, but you phrased it much more nicely.
heavensent wrote:
You keep using that word.** I don't think it means what you think it means.
(**inarticulate)
I know you like him, since you where brought up with his inarticulate singing and often quite banal lyrics. His inability to play a guitar and his screeching harmon-iless harmonica make for a combined drivel. Yet he's quite important and it's your station. However please refrain from mixing in close to other moronic drivel "blonde on Blonde" another lyrical drivel, repetitive, stuck in a rut like a scratched record is not music to my ears. Please Bill, show more respect to us listeners. and never play Dyan after "Blonde on Blonde" again, not sure Clash is any better. At least Yes proceeded this weak mix.
Sorry
Sorry
You keep using that word.** I don't think it means what you think it means.
(**inarticulate)
Dylan's version of this song is coal, Hendrix made it a diamond.
Bob's music is not for the simple-minded.
I know you like him, since you where brought up with his inarticulate singing and often quite banal lyrics. His inability to play a guitar and his screeching harmon-iless harmonica make for a combined drivel. Yet he's quite important and it's your station. However please refrain from mixing in close to other moronic drivel "blonde on Blonde" another lyrical drivel, repetitive, stuck in a rut like a scratched record is not music to my ears. Please Bill, show more respect to us listeners. and never play Dyan after "Blonde on Blonde" again, not sure Clash is any better. At least Yes proceeded this weak mix.
Sorry
Sorry
I saw him with Knopfler opening outdoor Amphitheater in Santa Barbara. Hardly understood the words and I'd finally solve the mystery by the end of the song it was old but updated. He doesn't like to do anything normal but he has a cracking band, my toe was tapping the whole time. I also feel his recent stuff is basically country dance rhythms, or waltz, and a long ballad.
Yeah, the Jimi version is one of the greatest songs there are, but this is so powerful. And that's the reason Jimi decided to cover it.
Probably my favorite Dylan album.
I quote my brother: "I don't like Bob Dylan, but I'm quite often surprised to learn, that a song I do like is written by Dylan."
Well, I like him either way - yet got to admit, he is a much better Writer then Performer.
Well, I saw him a few years ago in Mainz (Germany) – his band is pretty good though. And in a way I do like his minimal – enigmatical performance.
If you like blinding light-effects, sumptuous stage-decor and ecstatic musicians, you wouldn't choose a Bob Dylan performance anyway – would you? :-D
Oh, how I can not stand that obbligato harmonica
Hey, I think it's Alias, singing about being an Alias.
Gonna see this Nobel winner is a few weeks, live, in concert...Columbia Music recording star...what's his name?
Gonna see this Nobel winner is a few weeks, live, in concert...Columbia Music recording star...what's his name?
yes you are correct Terry S, but also some comments seems to come this way out....not explicitly mean your comment, though!
TerryS wrote:
TerryS wrote:
It's the triumph of poetry over singing.
EG write memorable stuff and you can sing through an antelope's anus and still be remembered fondly by some.
EG write memorable stuff and you can sing through an antelope's anus and still be remembered fondly by some.
Where's Jimi when you need him...
Haha, that's it exactly. Thanks for the chuckle.
TerryS wrote:
TerryS wrote:
It's the triumph of poetry over singing.
EG write memorable stuff and you can sing through an antelope's anus and still be remembered fondly by some.
EG write memorable stuff and you can sing through an antelope's anus and still be remembered fondly by some.
From Wiki,...
Upon the album's release, rumors circulated that the faces of the Beatles were hidden on the front cover in the knots of the tree. When contacted by Rolling Stonemagazine in 1968, album cover photographer John Berg "acknowledged their presence but was reluctant to talk about it." However, in a 1995 interview, Berg clarified that although the images seem to resemble the Beatles, this was not done intentionally, nor was he aware of the resemblance until it was pointed out to him after the album's release: "Later on, I got a call from Rolling Stone magazine in San Francisco. Someone had discovered little pictures of The Beatles and the hand of Jesus in the tree trunk. Well, I had a proof of the cover on my wall, so I went and turned it upside down and sure enough . . . Hahaha! I mean, if you wanted to see it, you could see it. I was as amazed as anybody."
Upon the album's release, rumors circulated that the faces of the Beatles were hidden on the front cover in the knots of the tree. When contacted by Rolling Stonemagazine in 1968, album cover photographer John Berg "acknowledged their presence but was reluctant to talk about it." However, in a 1995 interview, Berg clarified that although the images seem to resemble the Beatles, this was not done intentionally, nor was he aware of the resemblance until it was pointed out to him after the album's release: "Later on, I got a call from Rolling Stone magazine in San Francisco. Someone had discovered little pictures of The Beatles and the hand of Jesus in the tree trunk. Well, I had a proof of the cover on my wall, so I went and turned it upside down and sure enough . . . Hahaha! I mean, if you wanted to see it, you could see it. I was as amazed as anybody."
Asa001 wrote:
Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of elevators loves this song that initially appeared on Bob Dylan's 1967 album John Wesley Harding... we also love the cover by Jimi Hendrix... we be dancing like happy hippies... love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...
Hendrix turned a well crafted lyrical song into a Classic rock gem. IMHO
Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of elevators loves this song that initially appeared on Bob Dylan's 1967 album John Wesley Harding... we also love the cover by Jimi Hendrix... we be dancing like happy hippies... love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...
Hendrix turned a well crafted lyrical song into a Classic rock gem. IMHO
I love most music, but there can never be too much Dylan.
There is much too much Dylan being played here.
I find him rather overrated and I do not for the life of me understand, why he deserved the Literature Nobel Price, but that's just my 5 Cent.
What I do not accept though, is his reaction to this price.
One either does accept the price or one does not, but not to react and being "not available for comment" is arrogant and lacks respect for the committee.
Which dropped him for me even further in the waste bin!
There would have been much more deserving authors for this years price than him!
I find him rather overrated and I do not for the life of me understand, why he deserved the Literature Nobel Price, but that's just my 5 Cent.
What I do not accept though, is his reaction to this price.
One either does accept the price or one does not, but not to react and being "not available for comment" is arrogant and lacks respect for the committee.
Which dropped him for me even further in the waste bin!
There would have been much more deserving authors for this years price than him!
duffy11 wrote:
Bob Dylan apparently preferred the Hendrix version himself. From the Wikipedia article: '... Dylan said: "I liked Jimi Hendrix's record of this and ever since he died I've been doing it that way... Strange how when I sing it, I always feel it's a tribute to him in some kind of way."'
Dylan: Classy.
Bob Dylan apparently preferred the Hendrix version himself. From the Wikipedia article: '... Dylan said: "I liked Jimi Hendrix's record of this and ever since he died I've been doing it that way... Strange how when I sing it, I always feel it's a tribute to him in some kind of way."'
Dylan: Classy.
I'm probably in the minority but I like Dylans original version over Hendrix's.
Stefen wrote:
I like his version. And he wrote it.
Bob Dylan apparently preferred the Hendrix version himself. From the Wikipedia article: '... Dylan said: "I liked Jimi Hendrix's record of this and ever since he died I've been doing it that way... Strange how when I sing it, I always feel it's a tribute to him in some kind of way."'
I like his version. And he wrote it.
Bob Dylan apparently preferred the Hendrix version himself. From the Wikipedia article: '... Dylan said: "I liked Jimi Hendrix's record of this and ever since he died I've been doing it that way... Strange how when I sing it, I always feel it's a tribute to him in some kind of way."'
stalfnzo wrote:
I like his version. And he wrote it.
What a horrible thing to do to a fairly good song. 1
I like his version. And he wrote it.
What a horrible thing to do to a fairly good song. 1
Overloaded a broadband from encrypt, it keeps me cozy.
Hooked on my next step like anything,
Bit by bit sinks the line in.
Denial and it's a service.
Hooked on my next step like anything,
Bit by bit sinks the line in.
Denial and it's a service.
It's the triumph of poetry over singing.
EG write memorable stuff and you can sing through an antelope's anus and still be remembered fondly by some.
EG write memorable stuff and you can sing through an antelope's anus and still be remembered fondly by some.
Is this bob dylan singing/playing harmonica or a cat screaming while having its intestines ripped out by tiger. It's hard to tell the difference.
a_genuine_find wrote:
Not so, I'm listening to it right now.
unlistenable
Not so, I'm listening to it right now.
I think the Battlestar Galactica version managed to breathe some new life into this song.
This has the charm of a sticky doorknob.
Sing on Bob.
Love the photo of you and band on the album cover.
Love the photo of you and band on the album cover.
Well, he let himself sing it. Which is perhaps not so much of an extravagance since he also wrote it.
stalfnzo wrote:
stalfnzo wrote:
How to take a really good song and ruin it: Let Dylan "sing" it. Awful.
stalfnzo wrote:
Since he wrote it I assume he can do what he wants with it.
How to take a really good song and ruin it: Let Dylan "sing" it. Awful.
Since he wrote it I assume he can do what he wants with it.
One of those rare cases where the re-make surpassed the original. Great song, but Jimi made it amazing.
I can't get any relief from this song. Next! 
Bob's musical door back to being human after his mid-sixties deification.
a_genuine_find wrote:
Hey, no reason to get excited.
unlistenable
Hey, no reason to get excited.
How to take a really good song and ruin it: Let Dylan "sing" it. Awful.
Then there's that lesser know cover by XTC.
unlistenable
bb_matt wrote:
That's true - no one could ever do this as well as Bing Crosby did back in '51; especially the part where he whistles that blazing solo.
Not as good as the original ... 
That's true - no one could ever do this as well as Bing Crosby did back in '51; especially the part where he whistles that blazing solo.
Yeah!
Me likey like, very much!
Me likey like, very much!
10 Godlike
Yes, this version. The Hendrix Classic Rock staple has become unlistenable.
Not as good as the original ...
...is this your favorite Dylan song?
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