Industrial Disease
Dire Straits
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Warning lights are flashing down at Quality Control Somebody threw a spanner and they threw him in the hole There's rumors in the loading bay and anger in the town Somebody blew the whistle and the walls came down There's a meeting in the boardroom they're trying to trace the smell There's leaking in the washroom there's a sneak in personnel Somewhere in the corridors someone was heard to sneeze 'goodness me could this be Industrial Disease? The caretaker was crucified for sleeping at his post They're refusing to be pacified it's him they blame the most The watchdog's got rabies the foreman's got fleas And everyone's concerned about Industrial Disease There's panic on the switchboard tongues are ties in knots Some come out in sympathy some come out in spots Some blame the management some the employees And everybody knows it's the Industrial Disease The work force is disgusted downs tools and walks Innocence is injured experience just talks Everyone seeks damages and everyone agrees That these are 'classic symptoms of a monetary squeeze' On ITV and BBC they talk about the curse Philosophy is useless theology is worse History boils over there's an economics freeze Sociologists invent words that mean 'Industrial Disease' Doctor Parkinson declared 'I'm not surprised to see you here You've got smokers cough from smoking, brewer's droop from drinking beer I don't know how you came to get the Betty Davis knees But worst of all young man you've got Industrial Disease' He wrote me a prescription he said 'you are depressed But I'm glad you came to see me to get this off your chest Come back and see me later - next patient please Send in another victim of Industrial Disease' I go down to Speaker's Corner I'm thunderstruck They got free speech, tourists, police in trucks Two men say they're Jesus one of them must be wrong There's a protest singer singing a protest song - he says 'they want to have a war to keep us on our knees They want to have a war to keep their factories They want to have a war to stop us buying Japanese They want to have a war to stop Industrial Disease They're pointing out the enemy to keep you deaf and blind They want to sap your energy incarcerate your mind They give you Rule Brittania, gassy beer, page three Two weeks in Espana and Sunday striptease' Meanwhile the first Jesus says 'I'd cure it soon Abolish Monday mornings and Friday afternoons' The other one's on a hunger strike he's dying by degrees How come Jesus gets Industrial Disease
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Written by: MARK KNOPFLER
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
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20 facts about this song
Band HistoryDire Straits is a British rock band that formed in London in 1977. Composed of some of the top names in the music industry like Mark Knopfler, David Knopfler, John Illsley, and Pick Withers, they gained international acclaim for their innovative style, which blends roots-infused rock with elements of jazz, folk, and country.
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Album"Industrial Disease" is a track from the band's 1982 album "Love over Gold." This is the band’s fourth studio album, and it marked a departure from their previous works by featuring more complex song structures and longer tracks.
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Song ThemeThe song depicts the harsh reality of British industrial life during the early ’80s. It captures the challenges faced by workers such as physical ailments caused by their working conditions, job dissatisfaction, strikes, and the inability to receive attention or aid from doctors or management due to the large scale of the problem.
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SongwritingThe song was written by the band's lead vocalist and guitarist, Mark Knopfler. Known for his observant, story-telling style of songwriting, Knopfler drew inspiration from real-life incidents and societal issues of the time period.
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Music VideoThe music video for the song was one of the earliest examples of computer-animated music videos. The animation style used in the video was quite novel for the time and added a unique visual element to the song's message.
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Aspect of IronyDespite discussing serious issues such as work-related sickness, industrial strikes, and unemployment, the song carries a sarcastic and satirical undertone, delivered especially through the keyboard's jaunty, infectious melody.
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Chart PerformanceDespite its poignant commentary on industrialism, "Industrial Disease" did not chart high upon release. The track peaked at No. 75 on UK Singles Chart and it, however, gained traction over time due to its poignant message. On US Billboard Hot 100, it reached No. 75, while reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Top Tracks chart.
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Unique Musical ApproachOne of the unique aspects of the song is its rhythm, which imitates the rhythm of a slowed-down version of a Morse code message. This added an industrial edge to its sound in line with its theme.
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Enduring LegacyOver the years, "Industrial Disease" has earned recognition for its biting commentary on the dehumanizing aspects of modern industrial life, and for its vivid, storytelling lyrics. As of today, it remains one of Dire Straits' most recognizable tracks.
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Live PerformancesInterestingly, "Industrial Disease" was never frequently played in Dire Straits concerts. According to setlist.fm, it's been played live only 5 times by the band. However, Mark Knopfler occasionally performs it during his solo concerts.
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Release Information"Industrial Disease" is a song by the British rock band Dire Straits from their 1982 album, "Love over Gold."
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SongwritingThe lead vocalist and guitarist of Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler, wrote the song. His lyrics are often noted for their critical social commentary.
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Song's ThemeThe song comments on the societal ambivalence toward industrial progress, suggesting that it often leads to 'industrial disease' – a term used to describe ailments caused directly by one's work environment.
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Musical Style"Industrial Disease" is a departure from Dire Straits' usual blues-infused rock style. The song features keyboards and synthesizers, giving it a slicker, pop-oriented sound.
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Chart PerformanceDespite its striking commentary, the song didn't perform as well on the charts as other Dire Straits hits. In the United States, it reached number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100.
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TriviaThis track is commonly interpreted as a commentary on the rise of Thatcherite economics in Britain during the early 1980s.
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Notable LineOne of the best-known lines from the song is, "Two men say they're Jesus, one of them must be wrong," which demonstrates Knopfler's knack for clever wordplay.
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VideoThough not as well-known as some of Dire Straits' later videos, "Industrial Disease" did have a promotional video, featuring footage of industrial factory workers.
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Legacy"Industrial Disease" has been covered by several artists over the years and remains a staple on classic rock radio stations.
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ReviewDespite its modest chart performance, "Industrial Disease" received positive reviews from critics. Rolling Stone, for instance, praised the song's biting social commentary and infectious melody.
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Citation
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"Industrial Disease Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/4066660/Dire+Straits/Industrial+Disease>.
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