All Along the Watchtower

Song Name: All Along the Watchtower

Year of Release: 1967 (original), 1968 (cover) 

Written By: Bob Dylan

Performed By: Bob Dylan (original), Jimi Hendrix (cover)

Key Lyrics: “‘There must be some kind of way out of here,’/said the joker to the thief/There’s too much confusion/I can’t get no relief.”

“There are many here among us who feel that life is but a joke.”

Description: The song was written by Bob Dylan originally, but Jimi Hendrix took the song and covered it. He changed it drastically with electric guitars, distortion, and various sonic effects. Hendrix adds multiple guitar solos throughout the song, and despite there being numerous covers, Hendrix’s version is perhaps the most famous of them all. Bob Dylan praised the cover and would even adapt his later performances because of the cover

Why It Was Important: The lyrics reflected the disillusionment felt by soldiers in the war, with them reflecting on the hopelessness felt by many soldiers fighting on the front lines. Many believed their fates were sealed, and the song reflects the bleak mood of many soldiers who fought in the war. The lyrics reflect a conversation between two soldiers about the state of the war. In addition to soldiers, the lyrics also resonated with protestors who felt the war was endless and wanted an end to hostilities

Recordings

Bob Dylan - All Along the Watchtower (Official Audio) (studio version, Dylan version)

Bob Dylan All Along The Watchtower - Lyon 1994 (live performance, Dylan version)

The Jimi Hendrix Experience - All Along The Watchtower (Official Audio) (studio version, Hendrix version)

All Along the Watchtower (Live at the Isle of Wight, UK) (live recording, Hendrix version)