All Along the Watchtower
Even though Bob Dylan wrote it and Jimi Hendrix made it famous, I of course, in my musical ignorance, didn’t hear it until U2 covered it. I have five different versions of it in itunes, none of them by Dylan, two of them live. My favorite version changes depending on what version is on my ipod. But in my heart I think my favorite is a noodlely rendition from the Grateful Dead. I like to think that this being my favorite song of all time makes me unique and special. That it’s some hidden thing about me that to look at me you wouldn’t automatically think, “Hey, I bet her favorite song is a Bob Dylan tune!” But I guess it really just makes me a Cylon.
All Along the Watchtower
“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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Comment by Pop
Reminds me of something I’d expect from Simon & Garfunkle (well, Paul Simon, anyway). It also reminds me of the songs of my youth (fancy that)–when Dylan was perhaps at the height of his compositional powers. Makes me wonder if it’s a generational thing.
Posted on July 4, 2007 at 10:41 am
Comment by duchess
Oh good, I don’t feel so silly now, since the only version I’ve ever heard, is the U2 one…
Posted on July 5, 2007 at 9:04 am
Comment by Sean
I really enjoy the version done by Dave Mathews Band myself, a bit of noodling during their concerts, but overall a great cover (I think they still end every show with this song)
Posted on July 5, 2007 at 9:09 pm