They say everything can be replaced
Yet every distance is not near
So I remember every face
Of every man who put me here
I see my light come shining
From the west unto the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
They say every man needs protection
They say every man must fall
But I swear I see my reflection
Some place so high above this wall
I see my light come shining
From the west unto the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
Yonder down here in this lonely crowd
Is a man who swears he's not to blame
All day long I hear him shout so loud
Crying out that he's been framed
I see my light come shining
From the west unto the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
Yet every distance is not near
So I remember every face
Of every man who put me here
I see my light come shining
From the west unto the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
They say every man needs protection
They say every man must fall
But I swear I see my reflection
Some place so high above this wall
I see my light come shining
From the west unto the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
Yonder down here in this lonely crowd
Is a man who swears he's not to blame
All day long I hear him shout so loud
Crying out that he's been framed
I see my light come shining
From the west unto the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released
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This song speaks to me.... and I haven't been imprisoned in an actual prison institution. I've listened to both Dylan's and The Band's version of this song and both are just beautifully touching. Right now I'm listening to The Band's version and it just makes me want to cry because the way I relate to the song is by relating it to my life or life in general. I think we can often times find ourselves in places in our lives where we don't necessarily want to end up in but do because life comes with obstacles. I just graduated (sort of ) and it was a struggled and I had to move back to my parents house to get myself back on my feet. I'm not rich so I can't just move somewhere else, let alone, I don't have a job yet. I'm just a bit overwhelmed by how helpless I am right now in my life, where I'm waiting for phone calls by employers so I can save money and get out of this town. I find myself in a prison situation because I want to get out of it but have to work through obstacles in order to get where I want to be.
With that being said, I relate to the phrase "they say every man must fall" because of that reason. I feel like even though I got myself through a 4 year college, I find myself falling right now because I don't have a job and can't support myself right now. It's just a really sad song and it's beautiful and I'm grateful that I at least have my health and have a talent in art and know that I can do something with my future even though I may be stuck in a rut right now. Things really could be worse and this song gives me hope of a better tomorrow... and it just consoles my soul!
Long live the love for music and art!! I love music so much and musicians who have the gift of touching your inner core :]
It is like a breath of fresh air to hear that someone as young as yourself, even though going through your own life's struggles has the inner depth of understanding to be able to bond with and allow your inner soul to be touched by the deep meaning of this song. Do not ever allow your spirit to be snuffed out by the sometimes difficult lessons of life. Remember your light is shining from the East unto the West, Yes you are still at the sunrise of your life, not the sunset as in the song. Hang in there Mate! you are greater than you think ?? Not only have a better tomorrow but have a great tomorrow, Long live music and all those that it touches.
I just now read your post and was moved to pray for you. Yours seemed to be the voice of so many recent grads whom our system seems to be failing. I wonder if things are going any better for you now, over a year later?
@blueberryheart you have described truly and accurately my relationship with this exquisite piece of art . I agree , The Band´s versión touches me deeply ,and almost always makes me cry. Glad to meet you !!