Jokerman

Bob Dylan

About Jokerman

"Jokerman" is a song by Bob Dylan that appeared as the opening track of his 1983 album Infidels. Recorded on April 14, 1983, it was released as a single on June 1, 1984, featuring a live version of "Isis" from the film Renaldo and Clara as its B-side. In addition to appearing on Infidels, "Jokerman" appeared on several Dylan "Best of" compilations, including Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits Volume 3, The Best of Bob Dylan, The Essential Bob Dylan, and the deluxe version of Dylan.


Year:
1983
6:12
321 
#6

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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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Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan ( /ˈdɪlən/; born Robert Allen Zimmerman; May 24, 1941) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, author, poet and artist. He has been an influential figure in popular music and culture for more than five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s when he was an informal chronicler and a seemingly reluctant figurehead of social unrest. A number of Dylan's early songs, such as "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are a-Changin'", became anthems for the US civil rights and anti-war movements. Leaving his initial base in the culture of folk music behind, Dylan's six-minute single "Like a Rolling Stone" has been described as radically altering the parameters of popular music in … more »

32 fans

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."
Genre
The song falls under the genre of folk rock, which combines elements of folk music and rock music.
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.
Interpretation
The 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.
Music Video
The 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.
Performances
Despite being a fan-favorite, "Jokerman" has been performed in concert by Dylan relatively few times. However, these performances are highly appreciated by his fans.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by several artists across different genres, including reggae music group UB40 and alt-country singer/songwriter Richard Shindell.
Recognitions
In 2015, Rolling Stone magazine named “Jokerman” the 57th best Bob Dylan song out of his vast discography.
Song Length
The original recording of the song is approximately 6 minutes and 12 seconds long, which is quite lengthy compared to average song durations.
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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