After applying several theories as to the meaning of this song, the most consistent interpretation is that it is a lyrical and rhythmic rendition of the Rapture story. Jimi Hendrix’s musical genius amplifies Dylan’s “brevity is the soul of wit” lyrics, as evidenced by this YouTube link to the Jimi Hendrix version (sorry for the ads).
Perhaps a little Rapture background is appropriate. Although there are several variations about the second coming of Christ, the general idea is that Christian’s disappear into paradise while nonbelievers are left behind; like a Star Trek episode where Scottie beams up those of his choosing. Those remaining will be startled to observe no one in place to the Christians who moments before surrounded them. In the futurist view of the Rapture, nonbelievers will encounter the Tribulation - a short period of great suffering.
"There must be some way out of here," said the joker to the thief
In the first verse the word “here” symbolizes the sensory world, whose only escape seems to be death. The Joker wants to believe there is another way out and is hopeful but anxious.
"There's too much confusion, I can't get no relief."
Genesis 1:1 NIV, describes how God created the universe in seven days. This obviously unwitnessed event presupposes that God created this world, which we behold through our senses. Accepting this proposition can only lead to an endless stream of contradictions. To sense is not to know. There are alternative explanations aside from the theological and scientific ones. It is the Buddhist version that resonates with me. They describe the world we see as illusion, a projection or material manifestation of our inner (unconscious) thoughts. It is us (our higher self) who created this illusory world as a mechanism to hide from God. This inside- out and upside-down world substitutes hate for love, a binary thought system for a unary one and form for formlessness; and we are culpable of deluding ourselves into believing this is our actual reality. It is no wonder the thief is confused.
“Businessmen, they drink my wine, plowmen dig my earth
None of them along the line know what any of it is worth.”
However disquieting, in our sensory world, all value is subjective. There is no intrinsic value in anything. We are the ones who assign value to all things. The Joker is lamenting the possibility this world is valueless.
"No reason to get excited, the thief he kindly spoke"
"There are many here among us who feel that life is but a joke"
It appears likely the thief is a reference to Thessalonians 5:2 “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night”; the prophecy that Jesus Christ will appear without forewarning.
But you and I, we've been through that, and this is not our fate
So let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late".
Drama builds when the thief reassures the joker of their destiny and reminds him that time is running out. This reinforces the thief as Jesus, who is the only one that can know when the Rapture will occur.
All along the watchtower, princes kept the view
While all the women came and went, barefoot servants, too.
This verse establishes an ancient timeframe. Dylan’s choice of princes, rather than priests or ministers (tending their flock) is interesting, as well as the wording of kept the view, which is reminiscent of what Nietzsche wrote about truth; to paraphrase: there is no absolute truth, only relative truth. Absolute truth is determined by those who have the power to enforce their point of view.
Outside in the distance a wildcat did growl
Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl.
Presumably, the joker and thief are nearing the watchtower. This terse, powerful closing verse leaves us in a state of suspenseful anticipation; and foreboding. Perhaps the princes and their subjects are nonbelievers.
As to whom the joker symbolizes, I cannot disagree with some that suggest it is Dylan himself, although any truth seeker will do. An analysis on the Reason To Rock website, written at the time the song was first published provides some interesting historically relevant insights into the lyrics as well as the Jimi Hendrix rendition, which is ranked 47 on the Rolling Stone’s “Best Songs of All Time” list.
