'All Along the Watchtower' song lyrics by U2

“All Along the Watchtower” is a captivating cover featured on U2's Rattle and Hum album and in the accompanying film, showcasing the band's deep admiration for the original songwriter, Bob Dylan. This track is emblematic of U2's ability to reinterpret classic songs, breathing new life into Dylan's poignant lyrics and haunting melodies. 

The choice to include “All Along the Watchtower” in this project reflects U2’s desire to connect with the themes of existential struggle and social commentary prevalent in Dylan's work, which resonate with their own artistic vision. T

he song’s inclusion not only serves as a tribute to Dylan’s influence on U2 but also aligns with the broader narrative of Rattle and Hum, which explores the intersection of rock music, spirituality, and the human experience. 

Through their powerful rendition, U2 amplifies the song’s urgency and emotional weight, transforming it into a vehicle for their own exploration of hope and redemption amidst chaos. 

The live performance captured in the film showcases the band’s dynamic stage presence and their ability to evoke a collective emotional response, reinforcing the timeless relevance of the song in the context of both their musical journey and the cultural landscape of the late 1980s.

All Along the Watchtower Lyrics by U2

There must be some way out of here
Said the joker to the thief
There's too much confusion here
I can't get no relief
Businessmen, they drink my wine
Plowmen dig my earth
None of them know along the line
What any of this is worth

No reason to get excited
The thief, he kindly spoke
There are many among us
Who think that life is but a joke
You and I, we've been through that
That is not our fate
Let us not talk falsely now
Because the hour is getting late

All along the watchtower
Princes kept the view
While horsemen came and went
Barefoot servants, too

Yeah
Rock'n'roll stops the traffic

All I got is a red guitar
Three chords and the truth
All I got is a red guitar
The rest is up to you

There's no reason to get excited
The thief, he kindly spoke
There are some among us here
Who say that life is just a joke
You and I, we've been through that
And that is not our fate, at least today
So let us not talk falsely now
Because the hour is getting late, late
Yeah, yeah

-

Several U2 songs share thematic elements with "All Along the Watchtower," particularly in their exploration of existential struggle, social commentary, and the quest for meaning. 

Notably, "One" delves into the complexities of unity and division, emphasizing the need for connection amid chaos and discord. Similarly, "Where the Streets Have No Name" reflects on themes of identity and the yearning for a world free from division and prejudice. 

"Running to Stand Still" addresses the struggles of addiction and despair, illuminating the human condition’s darker aspects while also hinting at hope and redemption. 

Additionally, "Yahweh" confronts spiritual questions and the search for understanding within the tumult of life, echoing the urgency and introspective qualities present in "All Along the Watchtower.