Down to the Waterline
Dire Straits
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Sweet surrender on the quayside You remember we used to run and hide In the shadow of the cargoes I take you one time And we're counting all the numbers down to the waterline Near misses on the dog leap stairways French kisses in the darkened doorways A foghorn blowing out wild and cold A policeman shines a light upon my shoulder Up comes a coaster fast and silent in the nihgt Over my shoulder all you can see are the pilot lights No money in our jackets and our jeans are torn Your hands are cold but your lips are warm She can see him on the jetty where they used to go She can feel him in the places where the sailors go When she's walking by the river and the railway line She can still hear him whisper Let's go down to the waterline
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Written by: MARK KNOPFLER
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Composition"Down to the Waterline" is the opening track on Dire Straits' self-titled debut album. The song, like the rest of the album, was written by lead vocalist and guitarist Mark Knopfler.
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Recollection of YouthThe lyrics of "Down to the Waterline" are reportedly inspired by Mark Knopfler's experiences and surroundings during his youth in Newcastle, England, particularly the area around the River Tyne.
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Nature Inspired IllustrationThe term 'waterline' actually pertains to the line where the hull of a ship meets the surface of the water, metaphorically used by Knopfler to depict scenes from his youth.
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RecognitionThough not released as a single, "Down to the Waterline" has been recognized by fans and critics alike for its evocative storytelling and standout guitar work, showcasing Mark Knopfler's signature fingerpicking style.
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Album SuccessThe Dire Straits album, which included "Down to the Waterline", helped to establish the band's popularity, reaching number two on the UK Albums Chart and number five on the US Billboard 200.
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Live Performances"Down to the Waterline" featured prominently in Dire Straits' early live shows and was included in the concert set list during their initial 1978 tour. It continued to feature in shows until the mid-1980s, not as frequent in the band's later gigs.
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Iconic IntroThe track starts off with a soundscape that mimics the noises of a city street, followed by Knopfler's reverberating guitar, this intro is considered as one of the highlights of the song.
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Personal ReferencingA couple of lines in the song, "Sweet surrender on the quay" and "A foghorn blowing out wild and cold", have been interpreted as Knopfler's nod towards his teenage years spent in and around the ports of Newcastle.
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Other Appearances"Down to the Waterline" also appears on Dire Straits' 1978 four-song demo tape which was the original material that got them signed with Phonogram Inc.
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Versatility ShowoffAlthough the song is not among Dire Straits' biggest hits, "Down to the Waterline" often receives appreciation for its complex guitar arrangement, vivid lyrics, and shifting rhythms, proving the band's versatility.
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