For this Monday I am changing up the post. Usually I pick an artist or one song from an artist. Today, I thought I would highlight one of my favorite songs. One that has been covered by a multitude of artists. Originally released in 1967 by Bob Dylan, the song has many reincarnations. Four different versions alone appear on Dylan's albums and he performed it in concert the most of any of his songs. That's saying a lot for any song. The song was written in the year after Dylan's motorcycle accident. In that year, he had a child and supposedly became more interested in the Bible. Critics have pointed to Isaiah 21:5-9 as a possible inspiration. According to an interview with Dylan from 1968, the song starts at the end of the story and works backward. I love this effect. The listener works to figure out the story as the song progresses.
Lyrics (my favorite lines in bold):
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 fateSo 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
Versions and ratings:
Bob Dylan: Ignore the video on this one, just listen to the song. I couldn't find an awesome one of Dylan, so this will have to do. #1 version of course!
Jimi Hendrix: Dylan loved this version and even attributed Hendrix to his own changing of the song in subsequent years. #3
U2 1989: #6
Dave Matthews Band, Woodstock 99: #2 Hands down my favorite version of this song (after Dylan of course). I love the slow build. I love Matthews' voice (reminds me of Dylan at times). Every time they play this song, it's always slightly different.
Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young 2004: The sound quality isn't as good as the others, but I thought I would throw it in for comparison. #5
Pearl Jam 2006: #4
Bear McCreary: From Battlestar Galactica (the tv show). Interesting version. It has definitely grown on me after multiple hearings. #6
