Jokerman
Bob Dylan
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Standing on the waters casting your bread While the eyes of the idol with the iron head are glowing Distant ships sailing into the mist, You were born with a snake in both of your fists while a hurricane was blowing Freedom just around the corner for you But with the truth so far off, what good will it do? Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune, Bird fly high by the light of the moon, Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman So swiftly the sun sets in the sky, You rise up and say goodbye to no one Fools rush in where angels fear to tread, Both of their futures, so full of dread, you don't show why Shedding off one more layer of skin, Keeping one step ahead of the persecutor within Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune, Bird fly high by the light of the moon, Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman You're a man of the mountains, you can walk on the clouds, Manipulator of crowds, you're a dream twister You're going to Sodom and Gomorrah But what do you care? Ain't nobody there would want to marry your sister Friend to the martyr, a friend to the woman of shame, You look into the fiery furnace, see the rich man without any name Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune, Bird fly high by the light of the moon, Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman Well, the Book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, The law of the jungle and the sea are your only teachers In the smoke of the twilight on a milk-white steed, Michelangelo indeed could've carved out your features Resting in the fields, far from the turbulent space, Half asleep near the stars with a small dog licking your face Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune, Bird fly high by the light of the moon, Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman Well, the rifleman's stalking the sick and the lame, Preacherman seeks the same, who'll get there first is uncertain Nightsticks and water cannons, tear gas, padlocks, Molotov cocktails and rocks behind every curtain, False-hearted judges dying in the webs that they spin, Only a matter of time 'til night comes steppin' in Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune, Bird fly high by the light of the moon, Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman It's a shadowy world, skies are slippery gray, A woman just gave birth to a prince today and dressed him in scarlet He'll put the priest in his pocket, put the blade to the heat, Take the motherless children off the street And place them at the feet of a harlot Oh, Jokerman, you know what he wants, Oh, Jokerman, you don't show any response Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune, Bird fly high by the light of the moon, Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman
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Written by: BOB DYLAN
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Songwriting"Jokerman" is a song written by Bob Dylan, an acclaimed American songwriter known for his poetic and lyrical mastery. The song is a part of his 1983 album "Infidels."
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GenreThe song falls under the genre of folk rock, which combines elements of folk music and rock music.
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Production"Jokerman" was produced by Bob Dylan along with Mark Knopfler, who is famous for being the lead guitarist of the rock band Dire Straits. The collaboration resulted in a unique blend of Dylan's lyrical mysticism and Knopfler's distinctive guitar riffs.
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InterpretationThe song's lyrics have been subject to multiple interpretations. Some suggest that "Jokerman" could refer to Dylan himself, while others perceive the song to be a reflection on religious hypocrisy and political corruption.
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Music VideoThe music video for "Jokerman" is known for its innovative use of text and imagery to illustrate Dylan's cryptic lyrics. It was aired on MTV and won the 'Best Music Video' at the first annual CMJ Music Marathon Video Awards in 1984.
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PerformancesDespite being a fan-favorite, "Jokerman" has been performed in concert by Dylan relatively few times. However, these performances are highly appreciated by his fans.
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Cover VersionsThe song has been covered by several artists across different genres, including reggae music group UB40 and alt-country singer/songwriter Richard Shindell.
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RecognitionsIn 2015, Rolling Stone magazine named “Jokerman” the 57th best Bob Dylan song out of his vast discography.
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Song LengthThe original recording of the song is approximately 6 minutes and 12 seconds long, which is quite lengthy compared to average song durations.
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Preceding Songs"Jokerman" is the opening track on the "Infidels" album, setting the tone for the rest of the music to follow.
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Citation
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