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.
Alison
Mark Knopfler Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And with the way you look, I understand that you were not impressed
But I heard you let that little friend of mine
Take off your party dress
I'm not gonna get too sentimental
Like those other sticky valentines
'Cause I don't know if you are loving somebody
Allison, I know this world is killing you
Oh, Allison, my aim is true
Well, I see you've got a husband now
Did he leave your pretty fingers lying in the wedding cake?
You used to hold him right in your hand
But it took all that he could take
Sometimes I wish that I could stop you from talking
When I hear the silly things that you say
I think somebody better put out the big light
'Cause I can't stand to see you this way
Allison, I know this world is killing you
Oh, Allison, my aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
The song "Alison" by Mark Knopfler tells a story of a man who reunites with a former lover, Alison, after a long time. He acknowledges that her appearance suggests she is not impressed to see him. He then recalls a moment when a friend of his took off Alison's party dress, implying that they had some kind of intimate encounter. The man then explains that he does not want to get too emotional with Alison because he does not know whether she is with someone and it hurts to think about it not being him.
In the second verse, the man reveals that Alison has gotten married since they were last together, but the marriage seems unhappy as he wonders if her husband left her fingers in the wedding cake. He remembers how he used to hold her in his hands, but her husband could not handle it. He then expresses his discomfort with the things Alison says and wishes someone would put out the big light because he cannot stand to see her in this way. The chorus repeats the lines "Allison, I know this world is killing you, Oh, Allison, my aim is true" as a message of support and a reminder that he still cares.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, it's so funny to be seeing you after so long, girl
It's amusing to finally see you after a long time.
And with the way you look, I understand that you were not impressed
I can tell that you're not impressed with how I look.
But I heard you let that little friend of mine
Take off your party dress
I heard that you let my friend undress you.
I'm not gonna get too sentimental
Like those other sticky valentines
I won't be overly emotional like typical love letters.
'Cause I don't know if you are loving somebody
I only know it isn't mine
I don't know if you're in love with anyone, but I do know it's not me.
Allison, I know this world is killing you
Oh, Allison, my aim is true
I know that the world is hurting you, but I promise that my intentions are honest.
Well, I see you've got a husband now
Did he leave your pretty fingers lying in the wedding cake?
I see that you're now married. Did he make a mess with the wedding cake on your fingers?
You used to hold him right in your hand
But it took all that he could take
You used to take care of him, but he couldn't handle it anymore.
Sometimes I wish that I could stop you from talking
When I hear the silly things that you say
Sometimes I want to interrupt you when you say ridiculous things.
I think somebody better put out the big light
'Cause I can't stand to see you this way
It's painful to see you like this, so someone should turn off the lights.
My aim is true
I'll always be honest and sincere in my intentions.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Elvis Costello
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@LJLW0629
I love how they just come on the stage and perform - no backup singers and dancers - no crazy costumes - no theatrics - pure talent!
@frankgasperini930
Absolutely. When you are that good--- you don't need any tricks or gimmicks at all!
@paulreutemann5953
YES!
@IvanVangansen-gf4eg
Happy birthday .. perfect song.
.Dire Straits.. M
Mike Knopfler
@MichaelBuchanan-qg8ii
I never realized until very recently how stunningly beautiful Emmy Lou's voice was, and together with Mark's vocals and guitar, sounds like something straight out of heaven, the harmony is perfect. It absolutely captured my heart and soul. Must be the most soulful song I've ever heard.
@oldnatty61
Wake the fuck up mother fucker! Not just voice.
@WildPhotoShooter
Emmylou has one of the most recognisable voices in the world, in harmony she cuts through beautifully, always complimenting the other vocalists.
@Peace_nJoy
I was thinking exactly same..
@michaelwells6797
Go back and listen to the Records recorded by Gram Parsons and Emmy Lou,they are some of the greatest duets ever sung. The Lady is Pure Class.
@philipnorman201
Hi all, I'm 72 years old. I live on a small Atlantic island in my retirement. Mark knopfler gets me through my day, I listen to his music every night. Thankyou Mark for the wonderful music you have created over the years, I will die a happy man.