Wanderlust
Mark Knopfler;Paul Franklin Lyrics


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Big black cloud
On a yellow plain
Sure enough it
Looks like rain
Packin' up all our
Faith and trust
Me and the wanderlust
Open window
Empty bed and chair
Who's that callin'
Ain't nobody there
I look behind me
And I see there's just
Me and the wanderlust

Dead of night
I had a dream
Sky was bright yes and the
Fields were green
I was down the road
In a cloud of dust
Me and the wanderlust

And I'm on the egde
Of an endless fall
Sure enough
He's come to call
Got to go now




Get on that bus
Me and the wanderlust

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Wanderlust by Mark Knopfler and Paul Franklin delve deep into the theme of longing and desire for something that is beyond the reach of a person. The song essentially speaks to the idea of wandering, a human drive to seek out new experiences, new places and new horizons. The opening lines, "Big black cloud on a yellow plain, sure enough it looks like rain" set the mood for the song, hinting at the turbulent times ahead.


The lyrics go on to describe a feeling of restlessness, a sense of being pulled towards something unknown, something beyond the horizon. The imagery of an empty bed and chair and the refrain of "Me and the wanderlust" create a melancholic atmosphere that speaks to the human desire for adventure and change. The dream sequence in the middle of the song is particularly striking, with the bright sky and green fields creating a stark contrast to the dark and ominous opening lines.


Ultimately, the song is a meditation on the human need for chasing after one's dreams, and the sacrifice that comes with it. The final lines, "And I'm on the edge of an endless fall, sure enough he's come to call, got to go now, get on that bus, me and the wanderlust" is a poignant ending to a song that speaks to the courage and determination that every wanderer and traveller possesses.


Line by Line Meaning

Big black cloud
The sky is filled with ominous clouds


On a yellow plain
The singer is on a flat, open field


Sure enough it Looks like rain
The dark clouds indicate that it will start raining soon


Packin' up all our Faith and trust
The artist is gathering their belongings and preparing to leave


Me and the wanderlust
The artist is traveling with a strong desire to explore and wander


Open window
There is a window that is not closed


Empty bed and chair
The room is vacant and unoccupied


Who's that callin' Ain't nobody there
The artist hears a sound, but there is no one around


I look behind me And I see there's just Me and the wanderlust
The artist realizes that they are alone, with only their desire to travel


Dead of night
It is late at night when the artist has a dream


I had a dream Sky was bright yes and the Fields were green
The singer has a dream where the sky is clear and the fields are lush


I was down the road In a cloud of dust
The artist is driving down a road, kicking up dust behind them


Me and the wanderlust
The desire to travel is a constant companion to the singer


And I'm on the egde Of an endless fall
The singer is close to a dangerous or uncertain situation


Sure enough He's come to call
The singer's desire to travel has become overwhelming and overpowering


Got to go now Get on that bus
The artist needs to leave immediately to satisfy their wanderlust


Me and the wanderlust
The journey is a solitary one, with only the artist and their internal desire to explore




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MARK KNOPFLER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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