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.
Poor Boy Blues
Mark Knopfler Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do I need you? baby you know it's true
But I ain't got nothin' that you can use
So I'm sittin' on my own here, with these poor boy blues
One day, baby, you will see
You're gonna give all your love to me
I'm the one, babe, that you're gonna choose
Pick it son, pick it nice
Things won't always be the same
Someday soon, everything will change
You'll tell your mama her baby's got good news
But until then, well, I got these poor boy blues
But until then, well, I got these poor boy blues
The lyrics of Mark Knopfler's song "Poor Boy Blues" express the singer's deep affection and longing for a woman who seems to be out of his reach due to his lack of material possessions. The singer admits that he wants and needs her in his life, but he is aware that he has nothing to offer her, which makes him feel powerless and melancholic. He acknowledges the discrepancy between his emotions and his situation, as shown in the lines "Do I want you? yes I do/Do I need you? baby you know it's true/But I ain't got nothin' that you can use." The emotional intensity of the lyrics is expressed through the repetition of the phrase "poor boy blues," which becomes a refrain that emphasizes the singer's emotional state and reflects his internal struggle.
However, despite his current limitations, the singer remains hopeful that one day the woman will notice his love and choose him over others. He believes that his sincerity and passion will eventually win her over and make her realize that he is the one for her. He sings, "One day, baby, you will see/You're gonna give all your love to me/I'm the one, babe, that you're gonna choose/But in the meantime, I got these poor boy blues." The song closes with a note of optimism, as the singer anticipates a brighter future in which the woman will finally acknowledge his love and recognize him as her true soulmate.
Line by Line Meaning
Do I want you? yes I do
I have a strong desire for you and I am willing to acknowledge it
Do I need you? baby you know it's true
You are essential in my life, and I am confident you already know this
But I ain't got nothin' that you can use
I lack any material possession or quality that you may desire or find helpful
So I'm sittin' on my own here, with these poor boy blues
As a result, I am lonely, with nothing but my woes to keep me company
One day, baby, you will see
At some point in the future, you will realize
You're gonna give all your love to me
You will give me all of your affectionate attention
I'm the one, babe, that you're gonna choose
I am the person you will eventually select
But in the meantime, I got these poor boy blues
However, until that time comes, I am stuck with these blues of want and lack
Pick it son, pick it nice
Play your guitar wonderfully and passionately
Things won't always be the same
The current situation is only temporary; it shall not always be so
Someday soon, everything will change
In the not too distant future, there will be a significant alteration to the status quo
You'll tell your mama her baby's got good news
You will have an exciting event to share with your mother
But until then, well, I got these poor boy blues
But until that day arrives, I am still stuck with these unhappy feelings of longing
But until then, well, I got these poor boy blues
But until that day arrives, I am still stuck with these unhappy feelings of longing
Writer(s): PAUL KENNERLEY
Contributed by Gabriella P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@bobbylong7197
Two of the best guitar players ever playing together. You can see the respect they have for each others ability. A treasure.
@arnsteinmelgaard5411
2 of the greatest guitar players ever playing a great song
@OrlandoLirbe
Unforgettable ! Beautiful song! The best guitars players.
@DanielWoodenJr.-cm4qd
Absolutely the best guitar duo in history...love it...this is the theme of the way life and values should be😊🤗
@liquidefreet
Timeless is what this music is. 30 years later and it's still the freshest sound a man can have the delight to listen to.
@michaelbrown656
Yes Sir enjoy 👍
@flyerphil
Sure is beautiful and everlasting, with 5M hits to date, that'a mind-blowing
@dinodog
Awesome song with two of the best guitarists ever. Love it
@gaetangoudot9186
Mark is one of the best guitarist players i've ever heard in my life.
A genius!💕
Thank you so much Mark !🎶🎶🎸
@legibby
And while he is one of the greatest rock guitarists ever it must be noted that he worshipped Chet like he was a God