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"All Along the Watchtower" is one of Bob Dylan's most iconic songs, and it has a rich history with several interesting facts:

1. Inspiration for the Lyrics:

   • The song's lyrics were inspired by the Biblical story of the Tower of Babel from the Book of Genesis.
   • Dylan began writing the song in 1966 while he was recovering from a motorcycle accident. The lyrics explore themes of apocalypse and the passage of time.

2. Jimi Hendrix's Cover:

   • Jimi Hendrix's cover of "All Along the Watchtower" is perhaps more famous than Dylan's original. Hendrix's version was released in 1968, a year after Dylan's original recording.
   • Hendrix's interpretation is often considered one of the greatest cover songs in rock history. His electric guitar work added a new dimension to the song.

3. Dylan's Reaction to Hendrix's Version:

   • Bob Dylan was deeply impressed by Jimi Hendrix's cover of the song. In fact, Dylan has been quoted as saying that Hendrix's version "overwhelmed" him and that Hendrix found things in the song that Dylan himself didn't know were there.

4. Recording Session with The Band:

   • Dylan recorded the original version of "All Along the Watchtower" with The Band during the legendary Basement Tapes sessions in 1967. These sessions took place in the basement of the house known as "Big Pink" in upstate New York.
   • The stripped-down, acoustic arrangement of the song during these sessions contrasts with Hendrix's later electric interpretation.

5. Unusual Time Signature:

   • The song features an unusual 12/8 time signature, which contributes to its distinctive feel. The shifting time signature adds to the sense of unpredictability and tension in the song.

6. Lyrically Dense:

   • Like many of Dylan's songs, "All Along the Watchtower" is lyrically dense and open to interpretation. The imagery and symbolism in the lyrics have led to numerous analyses and discussions among fans and scholars.

7. Cultural Impact:

   • The song has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, showcasing its enduring popularity and influence. Artists like U2, Neil Young, and Dave Matthews Band have all performed their own versions of the song.

"All Along the Watchtower" remains a timeless classic, celebrated for both Dylan's original composition and Hendrix's electrifying interpretation.