Mark Knopfler — So Far From The Clyde
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Length: 5:52
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They had a last supper
the day of the Beaching
She's a dead ship sailing
- skeleton crew
The galley is empty
the stove pots are cooling
with what's left of the stew
Her time is approaching
The captain moves over
The hangman steps in
to do what he's paid for
With the wind down the tide
she goes proud ahead steaming
and he drives her hard into the shore
so far from the Clyde
together we'd ride
we did ride
As if to a wave
from her bows to her rudder
bravely she rises
to meet with the land
Under their feet
they all feel her keel shatter
A shallow sea washes their hands
Later the captain
shakes hands with the hangman
and climbs slowly down
to the oily wet ground
Goes bowed to the car
that has come here to take him
to the graveyard and back to the town
so far from the Clyde
together we'd ride
we did ride
They pull out her cables
and hack off her hatches
Too poor to be wasteful
with pity or time
They swarm on her carcass
with torches and axes
Like a whale on the bloody shoreline
Stripped of her pillars
her stays and her stantions
When there's only her bones
on the wet, poison land
steel ropes will drag her with winches and engines
'til there's only a stain on the sand
So far from the Clyde
together we'd ride
we did ride
So far from the Clyde
together we'd ride
we did ride
the day of the Beaching
She's a dead ship sailing
- skeleton crew
The galley is empty
the stove pots are cooling
with what's left of the stew
Her time is approaching
The captain moves over
The hangman steps in
to do what he's paid for
With the wind down the tide
she goes proud ahead steaming
and he drives her hard into the shore
so far from the Clyde
together we'd ride
we did ride
As if to a wave
from her bows to her rudder
bravely she rises
to meet with the land
Under their feet
they all feel her keel shatter
A shallow sea washes their hands
Later the captain
shakes hands with the hangman
and climbs slowly down
to the oily wet ground
Goes bowed to the car
that has come here to take him
to the graveyard and back to the town
so far from the Clyde
together we'd ride
we did ride
They pull out her cables
and hack off her hatches
Too poor to be wasteful
with pity or time
They swarm on her carcass
with torches and axes
Like a whale on the bloody shoreline
Stripped of her pillars
her stays and her stantions
When there's only her bones
on the wet, poison land
steel ropes will drag her with winches and engines
'til there's only a stain on the sand
So far from the Clyde
together we'd ride
we did ride
So far from the Clyde
together we'd ride
we did ride
Comments (224)add comment
Such a moving song...
As a Geordie boy (from where Mark Knopfler was raised), this song epitomizes the legacy of shipbuilding dependent towns. From their glory during the industrial age to the early modern era, they were rightfully proud that their efforts helped grow the world. But that was then, and now their valiant ships are disappearing and in most cases, the breaking of their hulks provide bare sustenance to third world countries.
These ships paid for themselves many times over, and for the crews that sailed them they had distinct personalities. Often loved and cherished, some even became stuff of legends. It is indeed sad that they suffer such ignominious ends.
JP
These ships paid for themselves many times over, and for the crews that sailed them they had distinct personalities. Often loved and cherished, some even became stuff of legends. It is indeed sad that they suffer such ignominious ends.
JP
So much of what we build we throw away, it really is sad.
timmus wrote:
I have a song idea for this. I recall a new Lake Buccaneer on the tarmac in Pitt Meadows, BC circa late 70's... fast forward to 2016. I saw the same plane in Courtenay, BC rotting away. I noticed the plane because that was the plane I wanted when I first saw it and its registration was etched in my brain.
I wonder what life it had, besides an owner that let it rot.
Someone really needs to do a song about the scrapping of an airplane. Reddit's /r/aviation board used to do lengthy sagas about the life of a random commercial aircraft and its unceremonial scrapping years later in some empty back lot in Mississippi, after seeing exotic locations like Sydney, Frankfurt, and New Delhi and having seen air travel during another era, like the 1980s.
Unfortunately I guess it's still too nerdy to do a song like that.
I have a song idea for this. I recall a new Lake Buccaneer on the tarmac in Pitt Meadows, BC circa late 70's... fast forward to 2016. I saw the same plane in Courtenay, BC rotting away. I noticed the plane because that was the plane I wanted when I first saw it and its registration was etched in my brain.
I wonder what life it had, besides an owner that let it rot.
Someone really needs to do a song about the scrapping of an airplane. Reddit's /r/aviation board used to do lengthy sagas about the life of a random commercial aircraft and its unceremonial scrapping years later in some empty back lot in Mississippi, after seeing exotic locations like Sydney, Frankfurt, and New Delhi and having seen air travel during another era, like the 1980s.
Unfortunately I guess it's still too nerdy to do a song like that.
More than a little Gordon Lightfoot in this one, eh?
Ah, the unmistakable tone of Mark's Strat.
It doesn't get sadder than this!
Got to be a 10. I was born near the Clyde and my Grandfather and Great-Grandfather worked the shipyards.
JPOSBORN wrote:
We wish, so hard, for the immortality of objects and our history (of ourselves). Alas we are and always will be specks in an ocean of stars in a universe too large for our tiny minds to imagine.
A universe that keeps recycling itself - stars are born, and stars die, creating the foundational dust for new stars(or other things) to be born from...
We wish, so hard, for the immortality of objects and our history (of ourselves). Alas we are and always will be specks in an ocean of stars in a universe too large for our tiny minds to imagine.
A universe that keeps recycling itself - stars are born, and stars die, creating the foundational dust for new stars(or other things) to be born from...
Oddly, I read the lyrics and with the beautiful melody in the background I got chills up and down my spine. Very touching ode to a once seaworthy vessel being dessicated and discarded. 
jmjohall wrote:
We wish, so hard, for the immortality of objects and our history (of ourselves). Alas we are and always will be specks in an ocean of stars in a universe too large for our tiny minds to imagine.
Sad, indeed. I see rotting boats and wonder why.. Why would someone let something that started out so beautiful just rot away....
We wish, so hard, for the immortality of objects and our history (of ourselves). Alas we are and always will be specks in an ocean of stars in a universe too large for our tiny minds to imagine.
Barryelvis wrote:
I believe this beautiful ballad is about a ship that was built on the River Clyde, Scotland and sent to the breakers yard for demolition.
I too lived on ships and they DO have souls.
Try B. Traven's (Treasure of the Sierra Madre author) Death Ship...
A darker Grapes of Wrath set on a rusting freighter...
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
jmjohall wrote:
Two reasons: time and money. Boats - like everything else - require maintenance. It happens their maintenance is expensive and time-consuming.
c.
Sad, indeed. I see rotting boats and wonder why.. Why would someone let something that started out so beautiful just rot away....
c.
Sad, indeed. I see rotting boats and wonder why.. Why would someone let something that started out so beautiful just rot away....
This song always reminds me of this poem. In 1830 they were going to scrap the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides); this poem prompted public support to save her and she is still a commissioned ship.
Old Ironsides
By Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
Ay, tear her tattered ensign down!
Long has it waved on high,
And many an eye has danced to see
That banner in the sky;
Beneath it rung the battle shout,
And burst the cannon’s roar;—
The meteor of the ocean air
Shall sweep the clouds no more!
Her deck, once red with heroes’ blood
Where knelt the vanquished foe,
When winds were hurrying o’er the flood
And waves were white below,
No more shall feel the victor’s tread,
Or know the conquered knee;—
The harpies of the shore shall pluck
The eagle of the sea!
O, better that her shattered hulk
Should sink beneath the wave;
Her thunders shook the mighty deep,
And there should be her grave;
Nail to the mast her holy flag,
Set every thread-bare sail,
And give her to the god of storms,—
The lightning and the gale!
Old Ironsides
By Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
Ay, tear her tattered ensign down!
Long has it waved on high,
And many an eye has danced to see
That banner in the sky;
Beneath it rung the battle shout,
And burst the cannon’s roar;—
The meteor of the ocean air
Shall sweep the clouds no more!
Her deck, once red with heroes’ blood
Where knelt the vanquished foe,
When winds were hurrying o’er the flood
And waves were white below,
No more shall feel the victor’s tread,
Or know the conquered knee;—
The harpies of the shore shall pluck
The eagle of the sea!
O, better that her shattered hulk
Should sink beneath the wave;
Her thunders shook the mighty deep,
And there should be her grave;
Nail to the mast her holy flag,
Set every thread-bare sail,
And give her to the god of storms,—
The lightning and the gale!
I'm headed straight for the Grappa every time I hear this song.
misterbearbaby wrote:
You say that like it's a bad thing...
We recently visited a little fishing town on the Texas coast - in the 70's my grandfather ran the bait and tackle shop - and that smell took me back to six or seven years old.
Tanks full of bait shrimp bubbling. Walking out a rickety gangplank to the slips, where he had a deep sea charter boat, the 'Ima Jewel' (my grandmother's name). Terrified of falling in, but excited to go on an adventure. Standing on the flybridge as we left sight of land. Big stuff for a little kid.
We stopped in at the old bait shop - it survived Carla but most of the rest did not - and the smell was exactly the same. Not pleasant, okay, but memorable.
c.
Has the same oily, fishy smell as "The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald"...
You say that like it's a bad thing...
We recently visited a little fishing town on the Texas coast - in the 70's my grandfather ran the bait and tackle shop - and that smell took me back to six or seven years old.
Tanks full of bait shrimp bubbling. Walking out a rickety gangplank to the slips, where he had a deep sea charter boat, the 'Ima Jewel' (my grandmother's name). Terrified of falling in, but excited to go on an adventure. Standing on the flybridge as we left sight of land. Big stuff for a little kid.
We stopped in at the old bait shop - it survived Carla but most of the rest did not - and the smell was exactly the same. Not pleasant, okay, but memorable.
c.
Mark is my main guy!!
what a great tune.
And lyrics.
And lyrics.
Holy cow, I was half listening while I was doing another task, and I stopped, clicked the lyrics- task temporarily discarded while I cried over the fate of an old ship.
Listening from the Clyde here in Gourock tonight with beautiful views of the Cowal Peninsula, but so far from my original home in Colorado where I first heard Mark Knopfler as part fo the Dire Straights. A little bittersweet.
DaidyBoy wrote:
I like the cut of your jib, friend.
Yes, what a songwriter.
I like the cut of your jib, friend.
Yes, what a songwriter.
Wonderful song. Another favorite of mine along the same thread is Stan Rodgers “Last Watch on the Midland”
Isabeau wrote:
I like the cut of your jib, friend.
This just underscores a sense that through his songs, Knopfler was once a sailor in a former life. His playing has a groove harkening to JJ Cale and Clapton. A sweet, smooth and syrupy seduction.
.. pardon me. I just left for a few moments.
.. pardon me. I just left for a few moments.
I like the cut of your jib, friend.
ShockwaveRider wrote:
Saddest song about an inanimate object ever.
For anyone who has ever spent any time out on the ocean, you innately understand that your survival at sea is directly dependent on your ship/boat - such that you develop a spiritual relationship with it that goes beyond the practical to the metaphysical. That is one of the reasons that ships are so frequently personified as "she".
"Bravely she rises to meet with the land"
"With the wind down the tide she goes proud ahead"
To any sailor, youtr ship is not inanimate, but a living being capable of emotions. Hence, the reason for the abject sadness of the song. Kind of reminds me of having to put down your favorite old hunting dog after years of working the fields and blinds together....
I drift away from RP every once in a while because I get sick of hearing Mark Knopflechops at least once a day. 3 hrs in from my 6 week break and here we are...
He's OK, perhaps just a bit over represented on RP.
He's OK, perhaps just a bit over represented on RP.
This just underscores a sense that through his songs, Knopfler was once a sailor in a former life. His playing has a groove harkening to JJ Cale and Clapton. A sweet, smooth and syrupy seduction.
.. pardon me. I just left for a few moments.
.. pardon me. I just left for a few moments.
Sorry, but this really sounds like retirement. It's okay, but it hasn't got the spirit of the Dire Straits. Lots of you don't agree, I suppose.
I love this song... reminds me of some Andrew Latimer (Camel) material, which, by the way, I'd love to hear on this station. If you play Camel or Latimer, I've missed it, sorry to say.
plaid wrote:
Try Josh Ritter's "Another New World".
Try Josh Ritter's "Another New World".
I gave it a try. It's also in the running for saddest.
ShockwaveRider wrote:
Try Josh Ritter's "Another New World".
Saddest song about an inanimate object ever.
Try Josh Ritter's "Another New World".
Mark Knopfler soothes all my pains.
First time I've heard this. Got a lump in my throat. It's beautiful.
cavemanleong wrote:
Have to agree, Mark Knopfler is one of the greatest guitarists and performers of all time. Superb
Such amazing guitar work. I'm in constant awe of Mr Knopfler.
Have to agree, Mark Knopfler is one of the greatest guitarists and performers of all time. Superb
Such amazing guitar work. I'm in constant awe of Mr Knopfler.
ozzie1313 wrote:
I agree
The consummate story teller and finest guitarist. Hard to not to give all his songs a "10."
I agree
Melancholy so deep it hurts.
Ben_Smedley wrote:
Just finished watching the Sky Arts production you recommended - thank you so much! An hour so well spent.
John
For all the MK fans out there, be sure and watch the Sky Arts production - Mark Knopfler: Guitar Stories, worth watching with the best video quality and sound you can find, taught me a much greater appreciation of his music post Dire Straits.
MK makes you stop and listen, his style is truly original, evocative, vivid, haunting, and insightful. I have never tired of any of his music, despite jibes from friends....who just dont get it.....too bad, so sad...
MK makes you stop and listen, his style is truly original, evocative, vivid, haunting, and insightful. I have never tired of any of his music, despite jibes from friends....who just dont get it.....too bad, so sad...
Just finished watching the Sky Arts production you recommended - thank you so much! An hour so well spent.
John
coyote620 wrote:
I hope not.
Ideally we should be hearing him 2 or 3 times a day. At least.
Anyone who is able to stop you from what you are doing (no matter how 'important') with just a couple of chords, deserves to be in our lives a lot. We need to stop more often.
Is there a day that goes by here in Paradise that we don't hear Mark Knopfler? Maybe, but it sure doesn't feel like it.
I hope not.
Ideally we should be hearing him 2 or 3 times a day. At least.
Anyone who is able to stop you from what you are doing (no matter how 'important') with just a couple of chords, deserves to be in our lives a lot. We need to stop more often.
Ben_Smedley wrote:
Thanks Ben, for the tip, and for saying what I'm thinking.
For all the MK fans out there, be sure and watch the Sky Arts production - Mark Knopfler: Guitar Stories, worth watching with the best video quality and sound you can find, taught me a much greater appreciation of his music post Dire Straits.
MK makes you stop and listen, his style is truly original, evocative, vivid, haunting, and insightful. I have never tired of any of his music, despite jibes from friends....who just dont get it.....too bad, so sad...
MK makes you stop and listen, his style is truly original, evocative, vivid, haunting, and insightful. I have never tired of any of his music, despite jibes from friends....who just dont get it.....too bad, so sad...
Thanks Ben, for the tip, and for saying what I'm thinking.
For all the MK fans out there, be sure and watch the Sky Arts production - Mark Knopfler: Guitar Stories, worth watching with the best video quality and sound you can find, taught me a much greater appreciation of his music post Dire Straits.
MK makes you stop and listen, his style is truly original, evocative, vivid, haunting, and insightful. I have never tired of any of his music, despite jibes from friends....who just dont get it.....too bad, so sad...
MK makes you stop and listen, his style is truly original, evocative, vivid, haunting, and insightful. I have never tired of any of his music, despite jibes from friends....who just dont get it.....too bad, so sad...
ShockwaveRider wrote:
I couldn't agree more... Bits of me were dying listening to the lyrics. MK is obviously a boating man. I have new respect for him.
Saddest song about an inanimate object ever.
I couldn't agree more... Bits of me were dying listening to the lyrics. MK is obviously a boating man. I have new respect for him.
Another gem I had not heard. Mark Knopfler is the whole package, guitarist, song writer, hearty/heart-felt vocals, composer etc. etc.
Saddest song about an inanimate object ever.
Knoffler's style and sound is definitely recognizable! I had an old Strat; the guy who sold it to me showed me the "Dire Straits" position on the pickup-selector lever. No kidding! It's actually one that David Gilmour likes, too, but they each have their unique after-tweaks...
nutrod42 wrote:
A couple of guitar notes in I knew it was Knopfler (never heard the song before). I can't put my finger on what's so distinctive about his playing but it is unique.
Part of it is that, like Jeff Beck, he doesn't use a plectrum (pick). The consummate story teller and finest guitarist. Hard to not to give all his songs a "10."
I have travelled a lifetime with MK's music, from Dire Straits (the first album) and first seeing a performance of Sultans of Swing on the BBC's Old Grey Whistle Test though to hearing this, again, today. Every piece I've heard has made me stop & listen, what he evokes from his guitar is like another voice. Simply brilliant.
nutrod42 wrote:
Most of his songs are the same in this regard - not that it's a bad thing! Love this one and I don't even like boats! :)
A couple of guitar notes in I knew it was Knopfler (never heard the song before). I can't put my finger on what's so distinctive about his playing but it is unique.
Most of his songs are the same in this regard - not that it's a bad thing! Love this one and I don't even like boats! :)
A couple of guitar notes in I knew it was Knopfler (never heard the song before). I can't put my finger on what's so distinctive about his playing but it is unique.
Actually the ships are ran aground on beaches in south Asia, and workers swarm aboard with cutting torches. There is no occupational health and safety, and no environmental protection that "far from the Clyde".
What a beautiful song. It reminds me of my great grandfather"s Clyde built ship the County of Roxburgh. I would love to use the song in my website www.county-of-Roxburgh.com. Please advise. Barbara Seeley
supposed to be working—-not crying over a boat. I do love this song
Superbly written and performed!!!
Foot wrote:
Amen!
Flat out excellent!
Amen!
Is there a day that goes by here in Paradise that we don't hear Mark Knopfler? Maybe, but it sure doesn't feel like it.
Wow ! The Choir
'' And he drives her hard crew into the shore.''
'' And he drives her hard crew into the shore.''
Barryelvis wrote:
I have crossed the Clyde by ferry a few times. A really beautiful place.
I believe this beautiful ballad is about a ship that was built on the River Clyde, Scotland and sent to the breakers yard for demolition.
I too lived on ships and they DO have souls.
Great song, Mark!
Privateering is another great seafaring song from MK.
I too lived on ships and they DO have souls.
Great song, Mark!
Privateering is another great seafaring song from MK.
I have crossed the Clyde by ferry a few times. A really beautiful place.
crogers wrote:
Well said.
To me, this is a song for those who see life and entropy for what it really is. Humans attach emotions to objects — no one knows why. But where we find value in our tools and our trappings, we can also find reminders of what it means to love and to be loved. Days go by in our busy little worlds. And then we're dead. It's really nice to have someone like Mark to remind us that it's not all about us — that there is love to be found in the most unexpected places. Just have to pay attention...
Well said.
Damn you, Knopfler... hitting me right in the 'feelings'.
Superb
Superb
Flat out excellent!
I believe this beautiful ballad is about a ship that was built on the River Clyde, Scotland and sent to the breakers yard for demolition.
I too lived on ships and they DO have souls.
Great song, Mark!
Privateering is another great seafaring song from MK.
I too lived on ships and they DO have souls.
Great song, Mark!
Privateering is another great seafaring song from MK.
fredriley wrote:
What are the others? I'm curious - I can't think offhand of any other songs about wrecked ships.
"The Wreck of The John B" by The Weavers is one...and of course, this classic.
What are the others? I'm curious - I can't think offhand of any other songs about wrecked ships.
"The Wreck of The John B" by The Weavers is one...and of course, this classic.
To me, this is a song for those who see life and entropy for what it really is. Humans attach emotions to objects — no one knows why. But where we find value in our tools and our trappings, we can also find reminders of what it means to love and to be loved. Days go by in our busy little worlds. And then we're dead. It's really nice to have someone like Mark to remind us that it's not all about us — that there is love to be found in the most unexpected places. Just have to pay attention...
hencini wrote:
Yup, Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald was the other one I was thinking of. If I've heard other shipwreck songs, I've forgotten them. : )
"Mary Ellen Carter"....rise again. And, If you count wrecked sailors, "Barrett's Privateers". Both by Canada's late lamented Stan Rogers.
Yup, Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald was the other one I was thinking of. If I've heard other shipwreck songs, I've forgotten them. : )
"Mary Ellen Carter"....rise again. And, If you count wrecked sailors, "Barrett's Privateers". Both by Canada's late lamented Stan Rogers.
planet_lizard wrote:
yeah....me too ! 8 > 9
8>9
yeah....me too ! 8 > 9
Has the same oily, fishy smell as "The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald"...
All those lyrics and verses and choruses are just a vehicle to deliver the real treat; MK coaxing sweet sounds from his Strat.
This and Privateering have been the songs sticking in my head when I am out riding the motorcycle ever sice I mentioned another song was doing that.
Now I can't even remember which song that was.
Now I can't even remember which song that was.
Gordon Lightfoot did the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. He also did an earlier shipwreck song called The Ballad of the Yarmouth Castle in the late 60's/early 70's, again based on a true story. Worth a listen - as are most of Lightfoot's songs.
fredriley wrote:
What are the others? I'm curious - I can't think offhand of any other songs about wrecked ships.
Yup, Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald was the other one I was thinking of. If I've heard other shipwreck songs, I've forgotten them. : )
What are the others? I'm curious - I can't think offhand of any other songs about wrecked ships.
Yup, Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald was the other one I was thinking of. If I've heard other shipwreck songs, I've forgotten them. : )
fredriley wrote:
What are the others? I'm curious - I can't think offhand of any other songs about wrecked ships.
"Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald"?
Check out this blog link and the comments therein for quite a few more...
https://shipsontheshore.wordpress.com/2011/09/27/shipwreck-culture-more-songs-some-old-some-new/
What are the others? I'm curious - I can't think offhand of any other songs about wrecked ships.
"Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald"?
Check out this blog link and the comments therein for quite a few more...
https://shipsontheshore.wordpress.com/2011/09/27/shipwreck-culture-more-songs-some-old-some-new/
Rmike wrote:
I lived (sick and well) aboard a 700 foot ship- three and a half years. Many years later i learned she was broke up for the steel in her.
It was hard to accept this news. Those were the most memorable life-changed years for me. This song always hits my gut.
Mark seems to be very much familiar with water borne life, and he is a man of two voices: flesh and metal. Master of both.
Nicely put. I've never lived aboard and have no special affection (or disaffection) for ships, but this song nearly gets me greeting* every time. 10 from the lachrymose Nottingham jury.
* Scots: 'crying'
I lived (sick and well) aboard a 700 foot ship- three and a half years. Many years later i learned she was broke up for the steel in her.
It was hard to accept this news. Those were the most memorable life-changed years for me. This song always hits my gut.
Mark seems to be very much familiar with water borne life, and he is a man of two voices: flesh and metal. Master of both.
Nicely put. I've never lived aboard and have no special affection (or disaffection) for ships, but this song nearly gets me greeting* every time. 10 from the lachrymose Nottingham jury. * Scots: 'crying'
hencini wrote:
What are the others? I'm curious - I can't think offhand of any other songs about wrecked ships.
One of my two or three most favorite songs about a wrecked ship.
What are the others? I'm curious - I can't think offhand of any other songs about wrecked ships.
One of my two or three most favorite songs about a wrecked ship.
reminds me "working class hero" a little bit ...
nice song
nice song
planet_lizard wrote:
8>9
8>9
ppaull wrote:
It,s a trick and he's repeating it for 30 years now, the same guitar licks over and over.. And I could be listening it for another 30 years ... Saw him on live recently and he is and will ever be a Master!!
It,s a trick and he's repeating it for 30 years now, the same guitar licks over and over..
kymoonshine wrote:
I lived (sick and well) aboard a 700 foot ship- three and a half years. Many years later i learned she was broke up for the steel in her.
It was hard to accept this news. Those were the most memorable life-changed years for me. This song always hits my gut.
Mark seems to be very much familiar with water borne life, and he is a man of two voices: flesh and metal. Master of both.
Ship Breaking always makes me sad...great song
I lived (sick and well) aboard a 700 foot ship- three and a half years. Many years later i learned she was broke up for the steel in her.
It was hard to accept this news. Those were the most memorable life-changed years for me. This song always hits my gut.
Mark seems to be very much familiar with water borne life, and he is a man of two voices: flesh and metal. Master of both.
stevendejong wrote:
Yes, two notes in I knew who was playing this guitar. Wonderful, unique musician.
It,s a trick and he's repeating it for 30 years now, the same guitar licks over and over..
Yes, two notes in I knew who was playing this guitar. Wonderful, unique musician.
It,s a trick and he's repeating it for 30 years now, the same guitar licks over and over..
Can we hear Gordon Lightfoot's "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" after this please? Decoy wrote:
Yes, two notes in I knew who was playing this guitar. Wonderful, unique musician.
I heard it too, instantly heard that guitar and knew it was Knopfler. Amazing how a person can stand out even by instrument.
Yes, two notes in I knew who was playing this guitar. Wonderful, unique musician.
dsd wrote:
Yes indeed. Well said. And maybe, just maybe, we can carry Ann's example with us.
I know what you mean. In the Internet discussion world where cleverness and cynicism have the loudest voice, I find nothing more beautiful than an honest heart with a wise voice who is unafraid of sentimentality and vulnerability. We have been fortunate. She is most certainly missed.
Yes indeed. Well said. And maybe, just maybe, we can carry Ann's example with us.
RedTopFireBelow wrote:
Silly as it may sound, every time I hear this song my eyes fill with tears. I know it's about a ship's last sail and tells the tale of the decline of Scotland's ship building industry... it doesn't matter. The story is so beautifully told and one can imagine it told about a person, a pet, and favorite car.....
One of my all-time favorite tunes. (drip, drip, drip)
Yep. Gets me every time too.One of my all-time favorite tunes. (drip, drip, drip)
unclehud wrote:
That's my grandfather's skipper. I haven't been able to find anything on my grandfather directly, but the ship had a crew of almost 900 (!)
The Wiki entry is short but gives some good highlights. It's still hard to imagine what those guys did. Still do.
Thanks!
Hey, cc_rider: Found your Grandfather -- "Pick out the biggest one and fire!" Sounds like the kind of guy I'd sail with any day. Can't figure out how to link the photo (and don't want explanations, thanks) so here's the link.
That's my grandfather's skipper. I haven't been able to find anything on my grandfather directly, but the ship had a crew of almost 900 (!)
The Wiki entry is short but gives some good highlights. It's still hard to imagine what those guys did. Still do.
Thanks!
bc wrote:
I heard it too, instantly heard that guitar and knew it was Knopfler. Amazing how a person can stand out even by instrument.
I heard the first few notes and the tone of the guitar and knew exactly who it was.
His sound and style are so unique, he just stands out, even on a simple intro.
His sound and style are so unique, he just stands out, even on a simple intro.
I heard it too, instantly heard that guitar and knew it was Knopfler. Amazing how a person can stand out even by instrument.
bc wrote:
I heard the first few notes and the tone of the guitar and knew exactly who it was.
His sound and style are so unique, he just stands out, even on a simple intro.
His sound and style are so unique, he just stands out, even on a simple intro.
I thought it was Tommy Emmanuel …
Silly as it may sound, every time I hear this song my eyes fill with tears. I know it's about a ship's last sail and tells the tale of the decline of Scotland's ship building industry... it doesn't matter. The story is so beautifully told and one can imagine it told about a person, a pet, and favorite car.....
One of my all-time favorite tunes. (drip, drip, drip)
One of my all-time favorite tunes. (drip, drip, drip)
james_of_tucson wrote:
Knofpler has many storytelling songs that are just literal. But I can see the fit.
Most people hear this song literally. Does anyone else hear this as an allegory on Britain's industrial decline?
Knofpler has many storytelling songs that are just literal. But I can see the fit.
I used to live on the Clyde when I was a wee boy - from about 1966 to 1972. My bedroom window looked out over the Clyde to the hills of Rothesay and Dunoon. Talk about not knowing what you have until it's gone.
We used to take the ferry from Wemyss Bay across the Clyde. A simpler time . . . in many ways I am so far from the Clyde, but I have never forgotten my time there or the kids I grew up with.
We used to take the ferry from Wemyss Bay across the Clyde. A simpler time . . . in many ways I am so far from the Clyde, but I have never forgotten my time there or the kids I grew up with.
Hey, cc_rider: Found your Grandfather -- "Pick out the biggest one and fire!" Sounds like the kind of guy I'd sail with any day. Can't figure out how to link the photo (and don't want explanations, thanks) so here's the link.
Byronape wrote:
I love MK's guitar playing and singing, and Dire Straits is one of my favorite bands. But I wish he'd pick up the pace a little on some of his newer stuff. Part of what made DS great was the energy and rocking. Now it's all ballads.
While I am getting a bit burned out with Mark Knopfler, I have to say that this is a compellingly deep and rich song.
It's like writing a song with a story this thoughtful is a lost art anymore.
It's like writing a song with a story this thoughtful is a lost art anymore.
I love MK's guitar playing and singing, and Dire Straits is one of my favorite bands. But I wish he'd pick up the pace a little on some of his newer stuff. Part of what made DS great was the energy and rocking. Now it's all ballads.
Ship Breaking always makes me sad...great song
I heard the first few notes and the tone of the guitar and knew exactly who it was.
His sound and style are so unique, he just stands out, even on a simple intro.
His sound and style are so unique, he just stands out, even on a simple intro.
After many years of boring music... a great record. Old rocker never dies...
Giving this a 10 because it doesn't go to 11!
Sawyer wrote:
Very well said.
Nothing better than MK's signiture guitar riffs.
Very well said.
Byronape wrote:
I love Knopfler, but this one is particularly deep and sweet.
While I am getting a bit burned out with Mark Knopfler, I have to say that this is a compellingly deep and rich song. It's like writing a song with a story this thoughtful is a lost art anymore.
I love Knopfler, but this one is particularly deep and sweet.Nothing better than MK's signiture guitar riffs.
RP making me like this guy and Dire Straits is really something :)
wonderful to hear this again ... makes me want to sit down with a stiff drink
While I am getting a bit burned out with Mark Knopfler, I have to say that this is a compellingly deep and rich song.
It's like writing a song with a story this thoughtful is a lost art anymore.
It's like writing a song with a story this thoughtful is a lost art anymore.
so bloody brilliant
dsd wrote:
I know what you mean. In the Internet discussion world where cleverness and cynicism have the loudest voice, I find nothing more beautiful than an honest heart with a wise voice who is unafraid of sentimentality and vulnerability. We have been fortunate. She is most certainly missed.
Beautifully put dsd...
I know what you mean. In the Internet discussion world where cleverness and cynicism have the loudest voice, I find nothing more beautiful than an honest heart with a wise voice who is unafraid of sentimentality and vulnerability. We have been fortunate. She is most certainly missed.
Beautifully put dsd...
ziakut wrote:
I know what you mean. In the Internet discussion world where cleverness and cynicism have the loudest voice, I find nothing more beautiful than an honest heart with a wise voice who is unafraid of sentimentality and vulnerability. We have been fortunate. She is most certainly missed.
I'm missing Cynaera right now. Ann...you are greatly missed and I hardly even knew you.
I know what you mean. In the Internet discussion world where cleverness and cynicism have the loudest voice, I find nothing more beautiful than an honest heart with a wise voice who is unafraid of sentimentality and vulnerability. We have been fortunate. She is most certainly missed.
I have become "The Clyde"
I'm missing Cynaera right now. Ann...you are greatly missed and I hardly even knew you.
This slays me. Beautiful.
Too many mournful songs from Mr. Knopfler.
So smooth
Phototrekker wrote:
Hmmm...
It seems Bill really likes a lot of MK.
But so what?
Nobody is perfect...
Bill has lots of credit...
Come on Bill...... admit your having a bromance with Mark - we won't judge you...seriously -
Hmmm...
It seems Bill really likes a lot of MK.
But so what?
Nobody is perfect...
Bill has lots of credit...
neuticle wrote:
Leave the old man alone - he turns 82 next month!
The world only needs one Bob Dylan
Leave the old man alone - he turns 82 next month!
neuticle wrote:
Yes, and we already have one. Fortunately we also have Mark Knopfler, and James Taylor, and dozens of other amazingly talented tellers of stories who make life more beautiful.
The world only needs one Bob Dylan
Yes, and we already have one. Fortunately we also have Mark Knopfler, and James Taylor, and dozens of other amazingly talented tellers of stories who make life more beautiful.
People who know him say Mark is an asshole,
when I saw him playing a full paid concert in 45 minutes
in....................MOSCOW!!!!
I knew this people, who knew him, must be right!
Still - when one hears his music, his voice and guitar,
it's hard to imagine this is really true!
PS
Just imagine!
Moscow - 1995!
5 years into freedom!
A hungry crowd waits for the master - for the first time!
European/US ticket-prices (in Moscow)!
45 minutes and the self-proclaimed guitar-god leaves the stage
and does not return, despite a crowd that hurt their hands, clapping,
begging for his return!
No way! God did not show up again!
The asshole-side of Mark...?
wondered all of my Russian friends, I saw the show with!
I felt ashamed for this working-class hero aka multi-million-$ superstar!
In the end they are all the same - arrogant pricks, once they got a status!
PPS
When he did the VERY SAME thing in Cologne,
a few years later,
I promised him and myself,
to take any chance to tell people about his true colors!
when I saw him playing a full paid concert in 45 minutes
in....................MOSCOW!!!!
I knew this people, who knew him, must be right!
Still - when one hears his music, his voice and guitar,
it's hard to imagine this is really true!
PS
Just imagine!
Moscow - 1995!
5 years into freedom!
A hungry crowd waits for the master - for the first time!
European/US ticket-prices (in Moscow)!
45 minutes and the self-proclaimed guitar-god leaves the stage
and does not return, despite a crowd that hurt their hands, clapping,
begging for his return!
No way! God did not show up again!
The asshole-side of Mark...?
wondered all of my Russian friends, I saw the show with!
I felt ashamed for this working-class hero aka multi-million-$ superstar!
In the end they are all the same - arrogant pricks, once they got a status!
PPS
When he did the VERY SAME thing in Cologne,
a few years later,
I promised him and myself,
to take any chance to tell people about his true colors!
Mark's transition to "historical" folk is quite soothing and very enjoyable.
See the 60 Minutes special. Describes everything in the song. https://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=2154127n
The world only needs one Bob Dylan