Bob Dylan — All Along the Watchtower
Album: MTV UnpluggedAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 402
Length: 3:36
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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 (50)add comment
westslope wrote:
That is an easy bet.
I would hope/assume that Dylan was extremely flattered by the Hendrix cover.
Y'all should hear the version which is 150,000 years old! The version which actually got the Rag-Tag Fleet to the Second Earth!
That is an easy bet.
I would hope/assume that Dylan was extremely flattered by the Hendrix cover.
Y'all should hear the version which is 150,000 years old! The version which actually got the Rag-Tag Fleet to the Second Earth!
Sorry... but simply HILARIOUS!
He sounds just like
He sounds just like
ziggytrix wrote:
Whatever dude. Dylan wrote this song, Hendrix made it better. You might not share that opinion, but I'd wager most people prefer the Hendrix version.
.......
That is an easy bet.
I would hope/assume that Dylan was extremely flattered by the Hendrix cover.
Whatever dude. Dylan wrote this song, Hendrix made it better. You might not share that opinion, but I'd wager most people prefer the Hendrix version.
.......
That is an easy bet.
I would hope/assume that Dylan was extremely flattered by the Hendrix cover.
Girls and boys, today's lesson is that Production Values matter!
Sorry, I could not resist.
Sorry, I could not resist.
HE'S TOURING AGAIN!
I'M SEEING THE LAUREATE LIVE IN OCTOBER!
MAY HAVE TO GO ON THE ROAD. SEE SHOWS, PICK UP PUMPKINS. LOOK FOR GHOSTS ALONG HIGHWAY 61.
I'M SEEING THE LAUREATE LIVE IN OCTOBER!
MAY HAVE TO GO ON THE ROAD. SEE SHOWS, PICK UP PUMPKINS. LOOK FOR GHOSTS ALONG HIGHWAY 61.
h8rhater wrote:
I don't think any of these great artists would share your sentiment either.
Whatever dude. Dylan wrote this song, Hendrix made it better. You might not share that opinion, but I'd wager most people prefer the Hendrix version.
And with respect to "Hurt", Trent Reznor pretty much sided with the previous posters when he said the first time he heard the cover it felt “like someone kissing girlfriend” but later (after Cash passed) was so moved by a listen that he said "I realized it wasn't really my song anymore."
I don't think any of these great artists would share your sentiment either.
Whatever dude. Dylan wrote this song, Hendrix made it better. You might not share that opinion, but I'd wager most people prefer the Hendrix version.
And with respect to "Hurt", Trent Reznor pretty much sided with the previous posters when he said the first time he heard the cover it felt “like someone kissing girlfriend” but later (after Cash passed) was so moved by a listen that he said "I realized it wasn't really my song anymore."
Bat wrote:
He wrote it, that's true, but there are some songs where another artist comes along and makes such a definitive version that they so completely and utterly own it that no one else, even the songwriter, should mess with it.
Jimi Hendrix owns this song.
Off the top of my head I can think of a couple others; "Me and Bobbie McGee" was written by Kris Kristofferson but Janis Joplin "owns" it. Once Johnny Cash sang "Hurt" Trent Reznor should just collect the royalties.
Everyone: insert "I think" in front of every comment. It defines the nature of comments for me. Alternately, remember that there are always alternative facts.
He wrote it, that's true, but there are some songs where another artist comes along and makes such a definitive version that they so completely and utterly own it that no one else, even the songwriter, should mess with it.
Jimi Hendrix owns this song.
Off the top of my head I can think of a couple others; "Me and Bobbie McGee" was written by Kris Kristofferson but Janis Joplin "owns" it. Once Johnny Cash sang "Hurt" Trent Reznor should just collect the royalties.
Everyone: insert "I think" in front of every comment. It defines the nature of comments for me. Alternately, remember that there are always alternative facts.
Bat wrote:
He wrote it, that's true, but there are some songs where another artist comes along and makes such a definitive version that they so completely and utterly own it that no one else, even the songwriter, should mess with it.
Jimi Hendrix owns this song.
Off the top of my head I can think of a couple others; "Me and Bobbie McGee" was written by Kris Kristofferson but Janis Joplin "owns" it. Once Johnny Cash sang "Hurt" Trent Reznor should just collect the royalties.
Completely, utterly, and definitively ... wrong.
...and for different reasons.
Hendrix' version of Watchtower may be more well known (and absolutely played to death on classic rock radio), but the definitive version of the song belongs to Mr. Dylan. Always has. Always will. I can assure you that he "owns" this song. Many, many other artists have done the song justice as well as Hendrix for that matter.
As for Me and Bobby McGee: For clarity, Kristofferson co-wrote the song with Fred Foster. While Janis' version is most well known, the original version was performed by Roger Miller. I'm sure there are some old-timey country fans that would dispute your assertion. The Grateful Dead, Kenny Rogers, and Gordon Lightfoot also recorded it to acclaim. I don't think any of these great artists would share your sentiment either. And of course, Kristofferson is more than welcome to record and perform the song the HE co-wrote without some board opiner telling him that it is not his.
He wrote it, that's true, but there are some songs where another artist comes along and makes such a definitive version that they so completely and utterly own it that no one else, even the songwriter, should mess with it.
Jimi Hendrix owns this song.
Off the top of my head I can think of a couple others; "Me and Bobbie McGee" was written by Kris Kristofferson but Janis Joplin "owns" it. Once Johnny Cash sang "Hurt" Trent Reznor should just collect the royalties.
Completely, utterly, and definitively ... wrong.
...and for different reasons.
Hendrix' version of Watchtower may be more well known (and absolutely played to death on classic rock radio), but the definitive version of the song belongs to Mr. Dylan. Always has. Always will. I can assure you that he "owns" this song. Many, many other artists have done the song justice as well as Hendrix for that matter.
As for Me and Bobby McGee: For clarity, Kristofferson co-wrote the song with Fred Foster. While Janis' version is most well known, the original version was performed by Roger Miller. I'm sure there are some old-timey country fans that would dispute your assertion. The Grateful Dead, Kenny Rogers, and Gordon Lightfoot also recorded it to acclaim. I don't think any of these great artists would share your sentiment either. And of course, Kristofferson is more than welcome to record and perform the song the HE co-wrote without some board opiner telling him that it is not his.
themusicroob wrote:
Dude, it's his classic song...
He wrote it, that's true, but there are some songs where another artist comes along and makes such a definitive version that they so completely and utterly own it that no one else, even the songwriter, should mess with it.
Jimi Hendrix owns this song.
Off the top of my head I can think of a couple others; "Me and Bobbie McGee" was written by Kris Kristofferson but Janis Joplin "owns" it. Once Johnny Cash sang "Hurt" Trent Reznor should just collect the royalties.
Dude, it's his classic song...
He wrote it, that's true, but there are some songs where another artist comes along and makes such a definitive version that they so completely and utterly own it that no one else, even the songwriter, should mess with it.
Jimi Hendrix owns this song.
Off the top of my head I can think of a couple others; "Me and Bobbie McGee" was written by Kris Kristofferson but Janis Joplin "owns" it. Once Johnny Cash sang "Hurt" Trent Reznor should just collect the royalties.
idiot_wind wrote:
A friends who's seen him more than twenty times says that the current tour finds Bob at "his most engaged" and it was his favorite.
I got tix for Thursday. (bragging)
How nice to hear the songwriter sing this...and a live version!
Makes me want to go on the road and catch a show.
Makes me want to go on the road and catch a show.
A friends who's seen him more than twenty times says that the current tour finds Bob at "his most engaged" and it was his favorite.
I got tix for Thursday. (bragging)
Love Dylan but this version is annoying.
Sung like someone who's in a real hurry to finish up this gig and go do something else.
markpeachey wrote:
Bob Dylan has to be one of the worst singers I have ever heard. This version of a classic song is disgusting and almost makes me weep with shame
themusicroob wrote:
Dude, it's his classic song...
That's maybe his point, precisely.
Bob Dylan has to be one of the worst singers I have ever heard. This version of a classic song is disgusting and almost makes me weep with shame
themusicroob wrote:
Dude, it's his classic song...
That's maybe his point, precisely.
markpeachey wrote:
Dude, it's his classic song...
Bob Dylan has to be one of the worst singers I have ever heard. This version of a classic song is disgusting and almost makes me weep with shame
Dude, it's his classic song...
How nice to hear the songwriter sing this...and a live version!
Makes me want to go on the road and catch a show.
Makes me want to go on the road and catch a show.
Lazarus wrote:
Laz for Prez!!
Laz for Prez!!
....oh and for those that like BD, clean your ears out or have another joint
Bob Dylan has to be one of the worst singers I have ever heard. This version of a classic song is disgusting and almost makes me weep with shame
It's always seemed to me that if any band wanted a really good song with which to craft a sure fire hit, it would go to one of two catalogs: Buddy Holly and Dylan. Yes, Goffin-King, Dozier-Holland-Dozier, Lennon-McCartney are always in the mix, but those other two guys IMHO lead the pack by miles.
shamu247 wrote:
Yeah man! shamu247 nailed it
begone you foul beings. bob is the best. and no matter what you guys say he will always be the best. i was at his concert recently and the guy is intense! like he played until he looked like he was having a heart attack. he does not need to play concerts anymore as he is filthy rich but he does because it is what he likes to do. he does not give a shit about what anyone else thinks of him. purely respectable dude imho. ROCK ON BOB!....
Yeah man! shamu247 nailed it
Sounds like he's hurrying through it in order to get back to dressing room.
I'm a huge fan, but it seems to me that when it comes to playing live, BD sometimes likes to switch things up just for the sake of switching them up, without any perceptible improvement, and sometimes with perceptible detriment ... and this performance to me is an example of that.
I was listening with volume on the low side and thought it was Patti Smith when it started out. I had to check to see who it was but I was thinking "this is pretty bad". I saw it was Bob Dylan and my thinking was now "this isn't so bad". Funny how that works.
..... yes it isJimmi is rolling in his grave, he could of covered so many more great Dylan songs.
Krakus wrote:
Krakus wrote:
Gawd, this awful and reinforces my dislike of Bob Dylan Music. Jimmi is rolling in his grave ;(
Gawd, this awful and reinforces my dislike of Bob Dylan Music. Jimmi is rolling in his grave ;(
tonypf wrote:
Bow and cheers to you tonypf!!! Right on
Lost in the mist that surrounds individual reaction to Dylan's voice is the context in which Dylan surfaced. He, along with very few others, created an alternate sound in America, and in the world. In 2002 it's no big deal; In 1963 it was a monster deal. It's part of why Hendrix idolized the guy. It's also part of why some of us listen to RP: Dylan's in the mix!
Bow and cheers to you tonypf!!! Right on
This is really good, being Dylan an all. The original was stark and empty and Jimi walked away with it.
Bob took some back from Jimi and improved it enough to want to listen to it again.
Bob took some back from Jimi and improved it enough to want to listen to it again.
sirdroseph wrote:
I am with you on this!
I am about to create unabashed blasphemy. I actually prefer Bob's version to Jimi's. There, I said it. I think it because Jimi's version has been pounded into my head sooooo much, I just can't stand it anymore to be honest.
I am with you on this!
I am about to create unabashed blasphemy. I actually prefer Bob's version to Jimi's. There, I said it. I think it because Jimi's version has been pounded into my head sooooo much, I just can't stand it anymore to be honest.
This live version is soooo good for the ears!!!!
Sorry, Bob - Jimi stole this song and he ain't giving it back.
I\'m sorry, it\'s time the old man hung up his hat. He\'s not getting any better. \"Time out of mind\" was a good album but a frind of mine put it best when I was complaining that Bob\'s music and performances just suck these days. He said that Dylan has lost his sense of humor. Too true - he has - sadly. He should make like M*A*S*H and stop while he\'s still one of the all-time greatest.
And I thought the Hendrix cover was bad.......
Suddenly had to think of the persiflage Frank Zappa once gave of Bob Dylan.
He asks the bandmember who\'s playing Dylan; \'wanna buy some acid Bob?\', just after \"Bob\" has done some really dreadful singing and harmonica playing 
While I really enjoy the mystical quality of the Hendrix recording of this song, the definitive version for me is still the original, on the John Wesley Harding album. Dylan\'s style in that version is a sort of lamentation. He deftly weaves this this modern day parable with a wistfulness that is not over the top like so many who have come since. RP, play that version, if you please!!! 
Lost in the mist that surrounds individual reaction to Dylan's voice is the context in which Dylan surfaced. He, along with very few others, created an alternate sound in America, and in the world. In 2002 it's no big deal; In 1963 it was a monster deal. It's part of why Hendrix idolized the guy. It's also part of why some of us listen to RP: Dylan's in the mix!
Totally agree with the comments about Jimi\'s cover.
When you want to ear this song, just play the Hendrix version. It\'s great.
zibba bop... meaaah ba whaa... What the hell is he saying?
Bob deserves monstro credit for writing it, but as long as Jimi\'s performance exists, why does anyone else, including Bob, even try?
agreed with previous poster - pretty wretched version
I really like Dylan but this version is to poop on.
Could we4 please set the Bob quota to one per day?
Alas, we had a true psycho win in the USA, LowPhreak... but thank you so much for your vote... everybody in my hotel room loves this song so very much and this live album is incredible... we be dancing like happy hippies... love Radio Paradise, which is by far the best radio station on the whole planet Earth...