what it is
Dire Straits Lyrics

The drinking dens are spilling out
The bars and pubs are overflowing with people who are drinking and partying.

There's staggering in the square
People are swaying and stumbling around in the public square due to intoxication.

There's lads and lasses falling about
Young men and women are collapsing from excessive drinking and partying.

And a crackling in the air
There is an electric energy in the atmosphere due to the excitement and chaos of the partying crowd.

Down around the dungeon doors
Near the places where homeless people seek shelter and food.

The shelters and the queues
Homeless people are lining up for shelters to spend the night.

Everybody's looking for
Everyone is seeking something or someone to help them get through the night.

Somebody's arms to fall into
People need physical support and affection to feel safe and cared for.

And it's what it is
This is the reality of the situation.

It's what it is now
This is the present state of things.

There's frost on the graves and the monuments
The weather is cold and freezing, as evidenced by ice on graves and monuments.

But the taverns are warm in town
Despite the cold weather, the bars and pubs are warm and welcoming inside.

People curse the government
Individuals are expressing anger and frustration towards the government and its policies.

And shovel hot food down
People are eating their food quickly and hungrily to warm themselves from the cold weather.

The lights are out in city hall
The government buildings and offices are not illuminated at the moment.

The castle and the keep
The historical buildings and monuments are also not illuminated at night.

The moon shines down upon it all
The only light comes from the moon shining on the dark city streets.

The legless and asleep
Those who are unable to walk or move are sleeping on the cold streets.

And it's cold on the tollgate
The tollgate is freezing and exposed to the harsh elements.

With the wagons creeping through
The slow-moving wagons are barely making their way through the icy tollgate.

God knows what I could do with you
I am uncertain of how I could be of help to you in this situation.

The garrison sleeps in the citadel
The soldiers are sleeping in the fortress.

With the ghosts and the ancient stones
The presence of ghosts and ancient stones contributes to the eerie and supernatural energy of the citadel.

High up on the parapet
A piper is playing high on the wall of the fortress.

A Scottish piper stands alone
A lone Scottish musician is playing traditional music on the walls of the citadel.

And high on the wind
The music is carried on the wind, heightening the ethereal feel of the moment.

The highland drums begin to roll
The traditional highland drums are being played, adding to the powerful music in the air.

And something from the past just comes
Memories of the past are evoked by the music and atmosphere in the citadel.

And stares into my soul
The music and memories have a deep emotional impact on my inner self.

With the Caledonian blues
The Scottish atmosphere and music create a feeling of nostalgia and longing.

There's a chink of light, there's a burning wick
Small lights can be seen in the distance, indicating the presence of civilization and hope.

There's a lantern in the tower
A lantern is providing light in a nearby tower.

Wee Willie Winkie with a candlestick
A reference to a children's nursery rhyme about a boy with a candle who checks on sleeping children.

Still writing songs in the wee wee hours
The creative process does not stop, even in the early hours of the morning.

On Charlotte Street I take
Walking down Charlotte street.

A walking stick from my hotel
Taking a walking stick from the hotel for support.

The ghost of Dirty Dick
The spirit of a notorious figure named Dirty Dick is still believed to roam the streets of London.

Is still in search of Little Nell
Dirty Dick is searching for a young girl named Little Nell, who he is said to have befriended in life.

Oh it's what it is
This is simply the way things are.

What it is now
This is the current reality.