Since Dire Straits disbanded in 1995, Knopfler has recorded and produced nine solo albums and, as with his previous band, produced many hit songs. He has composed and produced film scores for nine films, including Local Hero (1983), Cal (1984), The Princess Bride (1987), Wag the Dog (1997) and Altamira (2016).
In addition to his work with Dire Straits, Knopfler has, as a solo artist, recorded and performed with many prominent musicians, including B.B. King, Chet Atkins, Chris Botti, John Anderson, the Chieftains, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Bryan Ferry, George Jones, Phil Lynott, Donal Lunny, Van Morrison, Steely Dan, Sting, Emmylou Harris , James Taylor and Sonny Landreth , sometimes working as a session musician. He has produced albums for Tina Turner, Bob Dylan, and Randy Newman.
Knopfler is a fingerstyle guitarist and was ranked 27th on Rolling Stone's list of 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. Knopfler and Dire Straits have sold in excess of 120 million records to date. A four-time Grammy Award winner, Knopfler is the recipient of the Edison Award, the Steiger Award and the Ivor Novello Award, as well as holding three honorary doctorate degrees in music from universities in the United Kingdom. Knopfler was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Dire Straits in 2018.
A Night in Summer Long Ago
Mark Knopfler Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Forgive a knight who knows no shame
My lady may I have this dance
And lady may I have your name
You danced upon a soldier's arm
And I felt the blade of love so keen
And when you smiled you did me harm
Now these boots may take me where they will
Though they may never shine like his
There is no knight I would not kill
To have my lady's hand to kiss
Yes and they did take me through the hall
To leave me not one breath from you
And they fell silent one and all
And you could see my heart was true
Then I did lead you from the hall
And we did ride upon the hill
Away beyond the city wall
And sure you are my lady still
A night in summer long ago
The stars were falling from the sky
And still, my heart, I have to know
Why do you love me, lady, why?
The lyrics to Mark Knopfler's song "A Night in Summer Long Ago" tell the story of a knight who falls in love with a mysterious lady who he meets at a dance. He is so taken by her, that he is willing to kill any knight who stands in his way to be with her. The knight and the lady go on to ride away from the city and fall deeply in love. However, the knight cannot understand why the lady chose to love him, and questions her love for him.
Overall, the song emphasizes the strong emotions of love and the extent to which one will go to be with the person they love. The knight is so infatuated with the mysterious lady at the dance that he is willing to do whatever it takes to have her love him. The song also highlights the theme of mystery, as the lady is portrayed as enigmatic and captivating, leaving the knight bewitched by her presence.
The lyrics and the melody of the song work together to create a romantic and dreamy atmosphere, transporting the listener to a different time and place. The song is a testament to their love, which has managed to stand the test of time.
Line by Line Meaning
My lady may I have this dance
As a knight, I humbly ask for the honor of this dance from an exalted lady.
Forgive a knight who knows no shame
Pardon me, as I implore you to look past my audacity to ask for your company.
And lady may I have your name
Out of respect, may I know my partner's name for this dance?
You danced upon a soldier's arm
You once danced with a brave soldier, and I felt envious of his closeness with you.
And I felt the blade of love so keen
Your radiance and allure cut deep into my heart, leaving a lasting impact.
And when you smiled you did me harm
The beauty of your smile gripped me, causing emotional wounds that only you can heal.
And I was drawn to you, my Queen
Your regal bearing enraptured me, causing me to yearn for your love.
Now these boots may take me where they will
I am a wanderer and will go wherever fate takes me.
Though they may never shine like his
My boots may never be as polished as another man's, but that doesn't detract from my love for you.
There is no knight I would not kill
I would do anything to earn the right to hold your hand and be with you.
To have my lady's hand to kiss
I yearn for an opportunity to display my devotion to you by kissing your delicate hand.
Yes and they did take me through the hall
My feet took me through the hall full of people, but you were the only one I saw.
To leave me not one breath from you
Our proximity ignited a fire in my heart, leaving me breathless with longing.
And they fell silent one and all
The sound of your voice silenced everyone else around us, as they could sense our connection.
And you could see my heart was true
You alone saw how sincere and earnest my intentions were towards you.
Then I did lead you from the hall
I had the honor of escorting you away from the crowd of people.
And we did ride upon the hill
We ventured outside the city walls and rode together towards the hills.
Away beyond the city wall
We journeyed farther than any other lovers in the city, deep into the wilderness.
And sure you are my lady still
Despite any shifting circumstances of life, my devotion to you will remain the same.
A night in summer long ago
The memory of a particular, special night spent together in the past still lingers.
The stars were falling from the sky
The beauty of the night sky seemed otherworldly, as if the stars were falling all around us.
And still, my heart, I have to know
After all this time, I still can't help but wonder - why did you choose me, my love?
Why do you love me, lady, why?
I am humbled and grateful for your love but remain curious as to why you chose me above all others.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MARK KNOPFLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@deomarmar4467
If you dont feel this, you dont have a heart 💘 😍...
" My lady may I have this dance
Forgive a knight who knows no shame
My lady may I have this dance
And lady may I have your name
You danced upon a soldier's arm
And I felt the blade of love so keen
And when you smiled you did me harm
And I was drawn to you, my Queen
Now these boots may take me where they will
Though they may never shine like his
There is no knight I would not kill
To have my lady's hand to kiss
Yes and they did take me through the hall
To leave me not one breath from you
And they fell silent one and all
And you could see my heart was true
Then I did lead you from the hall
And we did ride upon the hill
Away beyond the city wall
And sure you are my lady still
A night in summer long ago
The stars were falling from the sky
And still, my heart, I have to know
Why do you love me, lady, why? "
@jesseemullen
The brilliant Liam O'Flynn adds such beauty to this song with the bagpipes. Love when Mark branches out into different styles of music.
@dormerhouse1
Uillean pipes
@joanstylsvigpetersen9998
There is no one like you Mark. And there never will be. This is so beautiful✨Thank you from my heart, for all your beautifull songs. They each, have their very own special place and moment❤️
@jamesadams6009
Well said.
@mahmoudoudiallo3809
Yes Ms your right. Thanks for your nice comment 💌
@giuseppedelrio5351
@@jamesadams6009 q⁰ppp
@giuseppedelrio5351
Q
@giuseppedelrio5351
👍
@thespeedytraumahealer
I've been an MK fan all of my life... this is one of the most beautiful songs ever!
@andrewdavies7073
A beautiful song that reminds me of my late Nan and Grandad...My Nan was Scottish and was in the womans Air Force and my Grandad was in the army in WW2 when they first met. They married and lasted until they both passed. They were my hero’s and kept the family together. I miss them still and thank them for the person I am now...Love you Jack and Janet xx