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.
Redbud Tree
Mark Knopfler Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A place of ferns and grass
Gathered to a redbud tree
And now their footsteps pass
Where I crouch in dread
Discovery my certain death
Bur leaves reaching for my head
As I suspend my breath
Redbud tree shelter me shelter me
Redbud tree shelter me shelter me
Those days of fear are gone
Yet I am pledged to her
As to my only one
My lovely protector
Redbud tree shelter me shelter me
Redbud tree shelter me shelter me
Redbud tree shelter me shelter me
Redbud tree shelter me shelter me.
In Mark Knopfler's song Redbud Tree, the singer describes a moment of fear and danger which escalates into a feeling of protection and safety. The singer stumbled upon a group of hunters and in their pursuit, he found refuge under a redbud tree. The description of the tree’s leaves reaching for his head and his suspended breath suggests the singer’s immediate awareness of the safety this tree can offer. As he repeats "Redbud tree, shelter me", we understand his plea for safety and his clinging to the memory of the safety he once found.
Later in the song, the singer suggests that he is no longer afraid, but still pledged to this tree as he would to a lover. The repetition of the chorus suggests it as a mantra, a reminder of the safety, and protection he feels under this tree. The redbud tree may symbolize a place of safety or sanctuary, as many folklore tales suggest. Alternatively, the redbud tree may represent an individual in the singer's life who provided support and safety in a moment of danger. The lyrics are ambiguous enough to invite multiple interpretations. The song, therefore, captures the essence of the human condition - the need for safety, protection, and a sense of security.
Line by Line Meaning
Hunted down I came upon
I was actively pursued and I stumbled upon a location with lots of ferns and grass.
A place of ferns and grass
The location I stumbled upon had a lot of ferns and grass.
Gathered to a redbud tree
The ferns and grass seemed to be surrounding a specific redbud tree.
And now their footsteps pass
I can hear people nearby walking past me.
Where I crouch in dread
I am crouching in fear trying to hide from the people passing by.
Discovery my certain death
If I am discovered, I am certain to be killed.
Bur leaves reaching for my head
The leaves of the redbud tree above me are hanging low, almost touching my head.
As I suspend my breath
I am holding my breath to avoid making any noise that could give away my position.
Redbud tree shelter me shelter me
I am asking the redbud tree to shelter and protect me from danger.
Those days of fear are gone
Looking back on the situation, I realize that I am no longer in danger and the days of fear are gone.
Yet I am pledged to her
Even though the danger has passed, I still feel indebted and devoted to the redbud tree for sheltering me.
As to my only one
I feel as strongly about the redbud tree as I would a significant other.
My lovely protector
I see the redbud tree as a beautiful and protective force in my life.
Redbud tree shelter me shelter me
I continue to ask the redbud tree to shelter and protect me, showing my reverence for it.
Redbud tree shelter me shelter me
Continuing to repeat my request for protection from the redbud tree.
Redbud tree shelter me shelter me
Repeating once more for emphasis, showing the importance of the redbud tree's protection to me.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MARK KNOPFLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@michelasacco_singer
Hunted down I came upon
A place of ferns and grass
Gathered to a redbud tree
And now their footsteps pass
Where I crouch in dread
Discovery my certain death
Her leaves reaching for my head
As I suspend my breath
Redbud tree shelter me shelter me Redbud tree shelter me shelter me
Those days of fear are gone
Yet I am pledged to her
As to my only one
My lovely protector
Redbud tree shelter me shelter me Redbud tree shelter me shelter me Redbud tree shelter me shelter me Redbud tree shelter me shelter me
@lovesloudcars
Another of many songs that I consider "my favorite Mark Knopfler song".
3 times live in concert for me - so far. Calgary, Denver and Seattle. "Will travel to see Mark Knopfler"
@laurageloni183
Good morning, thank you for this. A wonderful surprise, a wonderful start to the day.
@spomenkazlokolica3061
I like the Privateering album a lot and all the songs are top quality.👍✨️🎸✨️
@armandogomes3742
Always présent...!!!!
@spomenkazlokolica3061
@@armandogomes3742 Dear Armando, I support Marko and his work whenever I can. You know, is a wonderful Man and artist! Pure Genius! Greetings from Belgrade!👍🎸🎸🎸🎸👍🍀🙋♀️
@deborahdobbs9309
There’s not a bad song on that album. But then Mark doesn’t seem to know how to write a bad song.
@mehrantashari4559
@@spomenkazlokolica3061 0⁰0000❤000a0⁰0😊pppllllll😊00😅00😅io😅😅i0😅00
@user-zz8nq6cl2e
Как же я люблю песни Марка!❤️❤️❤️
@user-tb7mj5uj9e
Для меня нет лучше гитариста и его произведений!
@user-zy1is5ym8j
Я вам завидую...