“All Along the Watchtower” (2007 – original from 1967 / 1968)

Since Bob Dylan’s original folk-rock version of this song, it’s been covered by numerous rock musicians.

Greater Expectations

For the most part, all the covers are heavy, rocking renditions. Just think of the versions by Neil Young, Eddie Vedder, and, of course, the quasi-original by Jimi Hendrix.

Of course, we could not expect such a heavy version from art-rock crooner Bryan Ferry. Instead, we get this pleasantly orchestral, multi-instrumental version, complete with dancing and tambourine-shaking back-up singers. _{(Image source)}

Bryan Ferry

Bryan Ferry is a UK singer / songwriter who came to fame in the 1970s with his band Roxy Music.

Disbanded

During those early years, Ferry also released several solo albums. In 1983, Roxy Music was disbanded and Ferry continued as a solo artist. Much of his solo work, both in the 1970s and in more recent years, has featured cover versions of various pop / rock songs. _{(Image source)}

Rebanded

Over the years, he has alternated between doing solo work and singing with the occasionally re-reformed Roxy Music.

In 2011, Ferry was named a CBE by Queen Elizabeth, for his contributions to music. In 2012, he was honoured by France as an “Officier de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres.” In 2014, Newcastle University named him an honorary “Doctor of Music.”

"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

Businessmen, they drink my wine
Plowmen dig my earth
None will level on the line
Nobody of it is worth
Hey!"

"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's getting late

Hey!
All along the watchtower
Princes kept the view
While all the women came and went
Barefoot servants too
Outside in the cold distance
A wildcat did growl
Two riders were approaching
And the wind began to howl, hey
All along the watchtower
[2 x]   _{(Image source)} _{Bob Dylan – “All Along the Watchtower”
          _{(Right-click to hear on YouTube)}

        Jimi Hendrix – “All Along the Watchtower”
          _{_{(Right-click to hear on YouTube)}}

        Eddie Vedder's version of "All Along the Watchtower"

           (Right-Click to see my original post)

Lyrics by Bob Dylan, courtesy of – AZLyrics.com

Reference – Wikipedia

Reference – Wikipedia

Into your ears … through 5 channels

The various posts are categorized into 5 channels _{(Right-Click to see details)}

         1 – “Music to Your Ears” (MTYE)

         2 – “Cover Versions”

         3 – “Honor Roll”

         4 – “Documentaries”

         5 – “Mock’n’Roll”

More “Cover Versions” ...

         Cover Versions – Music to Your Ears – "Posts 1~20"

         Cover Versions – Music to Your Ears – "Posts 21~40"

Links to my other series ...}

Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 1"
Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 2"