Knopfler played rhythm guitar and appeared on Dire Straits' first two albums: 1978's Dire Straits and 1979's Communiqué. The stress of composing, arranging songs, recording the then-requisite two albums and tours to support them took its toll on the brothers, and Knopfler left the band during the recording of their third album, Making Movies, leaving him uncredited on the album.
Knopfler has been fortunate enough to reach a wide audience without compromising his art and while he's enjoyed the respect and admiration of his musical peers, widespread critical acclaim, international awards and worldwide chart successes, has managed, in his own country, Britain, to keep a profile so low as to be nearly invisible. He lives quietly in the English countryside, notching up an impressive list of writing credits.
A regular panelist at music conventions, a once-married family man and lifelong member of organizations like Amnesty International and Adopt a Minefield, David has always made uncompromising life choices: "I don't regard what I do as remotely glamorous. I write, record and perform my music because I completely love doing it and despite any so called celebrity status that sometimes comes with the job."
Ship of Dreams, released in 2004 and co-produced with Harry Bogdanovs (Westerhagen) features guest appearances by Chris Rea and Alan Clark (Dire Straits) amongst others. The album's cover features a painting generously supplied by Scotland's most successful living artist, Jack Vettriano.
As well as having produced a clutch of underscores for film and TV projects, David's first book of poetry was entitled Blood Stones and Rhythmic Beasts.
How many times
David Knopfler Lyrics
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How many times?
How many times can we be denied?
How many times must a baby cry?
How many times? How many times?
I wanna know, I gotta know,
How many times?
How many times can a people burn?
How many times? How many times?
I wanna know, I gotta know,
How many times?
The lyrics to David Knopfler's song, "How Many Times" express frustration about the recurring patterns of suffering and injustice that persist in the world. The repetition of the phrase "how many times?" emphasizes the idea that these problems are not isolated incidents, but rather systemic issues deeply ingrained in society. The line "how many times can we be denied?" suggests a feeling of helplessness among those who have been repeatedly marginalized or discriminated against. Similarly, the question "how many times must a baby cry?" evokes a sense of innocence and vulnerability that is often met with indifference or neglect.
The second verse continues this theme, asking "how many times can a people burn?" in reference to acts of violence or oppression committed against entire communities. The phrase "until we learn" implies that there is a lesson to be gained from these experiences, but also suggests a despairing outlook that change may never come. The repetition of the chorus reinforces this sense of hopelessness, as the singer desperately seeks an answer to the question of how many more times the same cycles of suffering must be endured.
Overall, the lyrics of "How Many Times" convey a powerful message about the need for social justice and the frustratingly slow pace of progress towards that goal. The song's repeated refrain echoes the countless voices throughout history who have asked the same question, and serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for equality and human rights.
Line by Line Meaning
How many times? How many times?
The artist is asking the question repeatedly to emphasize its importance.
How many times?
The artist is questioning a situation that has occurred many times before.
How many times can we be denied?
The artist is frustrated with a situation where they are being constantly refused or rejected.
How many times must a baby cry?
The artist is questioning the harmful effects of a negative situation on innocent individuals, such as a baby crying in distress.
How many times? How many times?
The artist is questioning the situation repeatedly to emphasize its importance.
I wanna know, I gotta know,
The artist expresses a desire to understand the situation completely.
How many times can a people burn?
The artist is questioning the number of times a group or society can suffer significant losses or damages before reaching a breaking point.
How many times until we learn?
The artist is criticizing a repeated mistake, questioning when individuals or society will finally learn from it.
How many times? How many times?
The artist is questioning the situation repeatedly to emphasize its importance.
I wanna know, I gotta know,
The artist expresses a desire to understand the situation completely.
How many times?
The artist is questioning a situation that has occurred many times before.
Contributed by Lily K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.