I believe Hank wrote this back in 1966 (not sure when he recorded it), this poem is still very much relevant in 2008. He could be speaking about our current government.
A more recent recording of this U2 classic. This was the typical set closer back in the 80s, with the whole audience singing at the end. U2 has brought it back as a closer. Still moving....
Dylan's tribute to the then-(unjustly)-incarcerated boxer Ruben "Hurricane" Carter - I believe this is taken from the tribute concert in 1976 that raised money for his defense (but don't quote me on that).