Meaning and Lyrics of Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits
Song Lyrics meaning of Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits
About Dire Straits
Dire Straits
Dire Straits was a British rock band formed in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (lead vocals and lead guitar), David Knopfler (rhythm guitar and vocals), John Illsley (bass), and Pick Withers (drums). Known for their unique blend of rock, blues, and jazz influences, Dire Straits achieved worldwide success with their distinctive sound and thoughtful lyrics. One of Dire Straits’ most iconic songs is “Sultans of Swing,” released in 1978 as the band’s debut single and featured on their self-titled debut album. The song showcases Mark Knopfler’s intricate fingerpicking guitar style and storytelling lyrics, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. Throughout their career, Dire Straits released a number of hit albums and singles, solidifying their place as one of the most influential rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s. Despite disbanding in the 1990s, their music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans around the world.
Dire Straits was a British rock band formed in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (lead vocals and lead guitar), David Knopfler (rhythm guitar and vocals), John Illsley (bass), and Pick Withers (drums). Known for their unique blend of rock, blues, and jazz influences, Dire Straits achieved worldwide success with their distinctive sound and thoughtful lyrics. One of Dire Straits’ most iconic songs is “Sultans of Swing,” released in 1978 as the band’s debut single and featured on their self-titled debut album. The song showcases Mark Knopfler’s intricate fingerpicking guitar style and storytelling lyrics, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. Throughout their career, Dire Straits released a number of hit albums and singles, solidifying their place as one of the most influential rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s. Despite disbanding in the 1990s, their music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans around the world.
Meaning of Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits
“Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits is a classic rock song that tells the story of a band playing in a jazz club in London. The song captures the essence of live music, the dedication of musicians, and the diverse audience that appreciates different genres.
In the verses, the lyrics describe the setting of the club, with references to rainy weather, the beauty of music, and the unique characters involved. The first verse sets the scene with a shiver in the dark, a band playing Dixie music, and the sense of joy music brings to the listener. The second verse focuses on the atmosphere inside the club, where faces are scarce but the music is rich, with the horns blowing a soulful sound that captures the essence of southern music.
In the third verse, “Guitar George” is introduced as a skilled musician who knows all the chords but prefers to stick to rhythm rather than showing off. Despite his modest means, he shines when he plays his guitar under the spotlight. Harry, another character in the song, is portrayed as a musician with a daytime job but a passion for playing music in the evenings, especially on Fridays, creating a contrast between his professional and musical life.
The lyrics in the fifth verse depict a group of rowdy young boys in the corner of the club, dressed in a rebellious fashion and not caring much for traditional rock music. Despite their indifference, the Sultans of Swing, the band playing jazz, continue to perform their unique style, a blend of various influences like Creole music.
The guitar solos in the song add a dynamic and expressive element to the narrative, capturing the emotional depth and technical prowess of the musicians. The final verse underlines the band’s identity as the Sultans of Swing, signifying their mastery and command of their musical domain.
In conclusion, “Sultans of Swing” is a song that celebrates the passion, dedication, and artistry of musicians, highlighting the power of music to unite diverse audiences and create memorable moments in live performances.
In the verses, the lyrics describe the setting of the club, with references to rainy weather, the beauty of music, and the unique characters involved. The first verse sets the scene with a shiver in the dark, a band playing Dixie music, and the sense of joy music brings to the listener. The second verse focuses on the atmosphere inside the club, where faces are scarce but the music is rich, with the horns blowing a soulful sound that captures the essence of southern music.
In the third verse, “Guitar George” is introduced as a skilled musician who knows all the chords but prefers to stick to rhythm rather than showing off. Despite his modest means, he shines when he plays his guitar under the spotlight. Harry, another character in the song, is portrayed as a musician with a daytime job but a passion for playing music in the evenings, especially on Fridays, creating a contrast between his professional and musical life.
The lyrics in the fifth verse depict a group of rowdy young boys in the corner of the club, dressed in a rebellious fashion and not caring much for traditional rock music. Despite their indifference, the Sultans of Swing, the band playing jazz, continue to perform their unique style, a blend of various influences like Creole music.
The guitar solos in the song add a dynamic and expressive element to the narrative, capturing the emotional depth and technical prowess of the musicians. The final verse underlines the band’s identity as the Sultans of Swing, signifying their mastery and command of their musical domain.
In conclusion, “Sultans of Swing” is a song that celebrates the passion, dedication, and artistry of musicians, highlighting the power of music to unite diverse audiences and create memorable moments in live performances.
Lyrics of Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits
Verse 1
You get a shiver in the dark
It's raining in the park, but meantime
South of the river, you stop, and you hold everything
A band is blowing Dixie, double-four time
You feel alright when you hear the music ring
Verse 2
Well, now you step inside
But you don't see too many faces
Coming in out of the rain to hear the Jazz go down
Competition in other places
Ah, but the horns, they blowing that sound
Way on down south
Way on down south, London town
Verse 3
Check out guitar George
He knows all the chords
Mind, it's strictly rhythm
He doesn't want to make it cry or sing
Yes and an old guitar is all he can afford
When he gets up under the lights to play his thing
Verse 4
And Harry doesn't mind if he doesn't make the scene
He's got a daytime job, he's doing alright
He can play the Honky Tonk like anything
Saving it up for Friday night
With the Sultans
With the Sultans of Swing
Yeah
Verse 5
And a crowd of young boys
They're fooling around in the corner
Drunk and dressed in their best brown baggies
And their platform soles
They don't give a damn
About any trumpet playing band
It ain't what they call Rock and Roll
And the Sultans
Yeah, the Sultans, they play Creole
Creole
Guitar Solo – 3:20-4:13
Verse 6
And then the man, he steps right up to the microphone
And says at last, just as the time bell rings
“Goodnight, now it's time to go home”
Then he makes it fast with one more thing
“We are the Sultans—
We are the Sultans of Swing”
Guitar Solo – 4:46-5:49
You get a shiver in the dark
It's raining in the park, but meantime
South of the river, you stop, and you hold everything
A band is blowing Dixie, double-four time
You feel alright when you hear the music ring
Verse 2
Well, now you step inside
But you don't see too many faces
Coming in out of the rain to hear the Jazz go down
Competition in other places
Ah, but the horns, they blowing that sound
Way on down south
Way on down south, London town
Verse 3
Check out guitar George
He knows all the chords
Mind, it's strictly rhythm
He doesn't want to make it cry or sing
Yes and an old guitar is all he can afford
When he gets up under the lights to play his thing
Verse 4
And Harry doesn't mind if he doesn't make the scene
He's got a daytime job, he's doing alright
He can play the Honky Tonk like anything
Saving it up for Friday night
With the Sultans
With the Sultans of Swing
Yeah
Verse 5
And a crowd of young boys
They're fooling around in the corner
Drunk and dressed in their best brown baggies
And their platform soles
They don't give a damn
About any trumpet playing band
It ain't what they call Rock and Roll
And the Sultans
Yeah, the Sultans, they play Creole
Creole
Guitar Solo – 3:20-4:13
Verse 6
And then the man, he steps right up to the microphone
And says at last, just as the time bell rings
“Goodnight, now it's time to go home”
Then he makes it fast with one more thing
“We are the Sultans—
We are the Sultans of Swing”
Guitar Solo – 4:46-5:49
Discography Dire Straits
Live 1978 - 1992
Release: 2023-11-03
Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Popularity: 👏👏
Money For Nothing (Remastered 2022)
Release: 2022-06-17
Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Popularity: 👏👏
Live At The BBC
Release: 1995-06-26
Label: EMI
Popularity: 👏👏
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