The Trawlerman's Song
Mark Knopfler
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We're taking on water diesel and stores Laying up awhile before I'm back on board They're patching her up to go fishing again They're welding her rudder scrubbing her keel Scars on her belly need time to heal In the dock with the trawler men I know all the people there's nobody new Soon we'll be leaving with the same old crew On the green water the tumbling sea They ain't running like the good old days Time's just slipping down the old slipways In the dock so dear to me Dark is the night I need a guiding light to keep me From foundering on the rocks My only prayer Is just to see you there at the end Of my wandering back in the dock I could use a layoff getting my strength back But there's a loan to pay off and a few skip jack So it's a turnaround back in the southerly wind Pirates coming in to steal our gold You can count yourself lucky with a profit in the hold In the dock when we come in Dark is the night I need a guiding light to keep me From foundering on the rocks My only prayer Is just to see you there at the end Of my wandering Back in the dock
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Written by: MARK KNOPFLER
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Artist and Album"The Trawlerman's Song" is by Mark Knopfler, a British singer-songwriter and guitarist known as the lead singer of the band Dire Straits.
- The song "The Trawlerman's Song" is included in his fifth studio album, "Shangri-La," released in September 2004.
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Song InspirationLike many of his songs, "The Trawlerman's Song" draws heavily on Knopfler's experiences growing up in the North East of England.
- The song is said to pay tribute to the hard lives of those who work at sea, particularly fishermen, a common occupation in his hometown of Newcastle.
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Song WritingAs with all his songwriting, Knopfler crafted "The Trawlerman's Song" with a strong narrative driven by rich and evocative lyrics.
- The lyrics conjure images of the unforgiving, cold North Sea, and the trawlermen working tirelessly, illustrating Knopfler's gift for storytelling through music.
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Musical StyleLike most of Knopfler’s work, "The Trawlerman's Song" is characterized by its blend of rock, folk, and country elements.
- The song features Knopfler’s distinct fingerpicking guitar style, which adds a unique texture to the song.
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Song Reception"The Trawlerman's Song" was well-received by critics due to its detailed narrative and evocative depictions of seaward life.
- The song’s poignant lyrics and compelling storytelling have made it a favourite among many Mark Knopfler fans.
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Live PerformanceKnopfler has performed "The Trawlerman's Song" at many of his concerts, often as part of an acoustic set, highlighting its popularity with audiences.
- In 2005, Mark Knopfler recorded a live performance of ‘The Trawlerman's Song’ in Berlin, revealing an intimate and atmospheric rendition of the tune.
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Song SignificanceThrough "The Trawlerman's Song", Mark Knopfler showcases his ability to capture the essence of everyday life and transform it into something universally relatable.
- The song has become emblematic of Knopfler's deep understanding of working-class Northern English culture and life.
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Charity ConnectionsBeing closely associated with the fishing community, Mark Knopfler has used the fame of 'The Trawlerman's Song' to raise awareness and funds for community-based and ocean conservation charities.
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Song LegacyOver the years, "The Trawlerman's Song" has become one of Mark Knopfler's most beloved songs, frequently covered by other artists and often featured in music and fishing documentaries for its evocative narration of the fishing community's life.
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Symbolism in the SongMetaphorically, 'The Trawlerman's Song' can also be seen as a reflection of life's struggles wherein the 'storm' refers to life challenges and the 'harbor' signifies safety and relief. This interpretive perspective has added a deeper sense of meaning to the song.
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"The Trawlerman's Song Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 11 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/31243606/Mark+Knopfler/The+Trawlerman%27s+Song>.
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