It was first recorded as a demo at Pathway Studios, North London, and quickly acquired a following after it was put in the rotation at Radio London. It did not take long for the popularity to find its way to record executives, and Dire Straits were offered a contract with Phonogram, a British record company. The song was then re-recorded and released in both the United Kingdom and the United States, though the demo version remained on the original UK Vertigo single.
It entered the American music pop charts in early 1979. Unusually, the success of this single release came more than six months after the relatively unheralded release of the band's debut album in October of 1978; the song reached the top 10 in both the UK and the U.S., reaching number 8 on the UK Singles Chart and number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helped drive sales of the album, which also became a hit.
With its Dylanesque lyrics and economic guitar fills, the song was a marked change from the waning disco style and the nascent punk movement. The arrangement of "Sultans of Swing" was straightforward: two guitars, a bass, and a straight 4/4 beat on the drums. Dire Straits' original lineup has Mark Knopfler on vocals and lead guitar, David Knopfler on rhythm guitar, John Illsley on bass, and Pick Withers on drums.
The song's story is that of the diverse members of a working-class jazz group who only want to play their distinctive sound in a small London club, and don't care how popular they are. One player mentioned by name, "Guitar George", may have been a reference to musician George Borowski.
Although he was not given co-writer's credits on the song, Columbia recording artist Bill Wilson is said to have written many of the lyrics to the song while he and Knopfler were both studio musicians working a session in Nashville . During a live performance of the song in Indianapolis, circa 1991, Wilson had this to say before the song:
"I do this thing I cowrote about, I guess, it's been about 12 years ago I wrote the lyrics and a friend of mine used to work a lot of sessions for my old producer, Bob Johnston, and worked a session with this fellow from England by the name of Mark Knopfler. Has his own group over there called Dire Straits. He had this little melody. It sounded like "Walk, Don't Run". And he had this little story concerning a band that nobody wanted to listen to. Only a few people show up to hear. So we got together one night after the session and tossed these lyrics around on a napkin and I guess I wound up writing most of the lyrics to the tune. made enough money to buy a new Blazer that year I remember, so... didn't do too bad. It goes like this...".
The album version of the song featured a critically acclaimed extended guitar solo, reaching #22 on Guitar World's list of the greatest guitar solos. Knopfler improvised and expanded that solo many times during live performances. The definitive live version of the song came as an 11-minute epic performance at the 1988 Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert in London when Eric Clapton teamed up with the band to play the song.
* This song was often covered live by alternative metal band System of a Down.
* Former Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio covered this song periodically on his post-Phish solo tours.
Sultans Of Swing
Mark Knopfler DIRE STRAITS Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's a raining in the park but meantime-
South of the river you stop and you hold everything
A band is blowing Dixie, double four time
You feel alright when you hear the music ring
Well now you step inside but you don't see too many faces
Coming in out of the rain they hear the jazz go down
Competition in other placesUh but the horns they blowin' that sound
Way on downsouth
Way on downsouth
London town
Check out guitar george, he knows-all the chords
Mind he's strictly rhythm he doesn't want to make them cry or sing
They said an old guitar is all, he can afford
When he gets up under the lights to play his thing
And Harry doesn't mind, if he doesn't, make the scene
He's got a daytime job, he's doing alright
He can play the honky tonk like anything
Savin' it up, for Friday night
With the Sultans
We're the Sultans of Swing
Then a crowd a young boys they're a foolin' around in the corner
Drunk and dressed in their best brown baggies and their platform soles
They don't give a damn about any trumpet playin' band
It ain't what they call rock and roll
Then the Sultans
Yeah the Sultans they play creole, creole
And then the man he steps right up to the microphone
And says at last just as the time bell rings
Goodnight, now it's time to go home
We are the Sultans
We are the Sultans of Swing
The opening lines of “Sultans of Swing” by Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits skillfully paint a picture of a rainy evening in London. The shiver in the dark and the band blowing Dixie are examples of sensory language that set the scene for the listener. As the song unfolds, we are introduced to a struggling band that plays a blend of jazz and rock’n’roll in a small club frequented by a small crowd looking for something that is a little bit different. The lyrics effortlessly capture the mood and feel of the time and place with an air of authenticity that is difficult to replicate.
The song goes on to describe the band’s lead guitarist, Guitar George, who is a master of the blues and all the chords. The description of Guitar George, who’s rhythm only he can play, delivers a sense of admiration for his musical ability. The song also introduces Harry, who plays the honky-tonk piano and has a daytime job to support himself. The lyrics of “Sultan of swing” not only present characters who work hard to pursue their musical dreams, but they also applaud their resilience.
Although the crowd is relatively small, the band still put on a great show, and in the end, the band members are proud of what they do. They are the Sultans of Swing. The final chorus repeats their title with a sense of pride, making it the song’s central message. “Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits is a song that celebrates the love of music, the hard work of pursuing musical dreams, and the small joys that come with making music.
Line by Line Meaning
You get a shiver in the dark,
You feel a sudden chill and excitement in anticipation of what's to come.
It's a raining in the park but meantime-
Although it may be dreary and rainy outside, there's still excitement in the air.
South of the river you stop and you hold everything
As you enter the venue south of the river, everything else fades away and the focus is solely on the music.
A band is blowing Dixie, double four time
The band is playing a groovy, swinging style of jazz in 4/4 time.
You feel alright when you hear the music ring
The music resonates with you and makes you feel alive and happy.
Well now you step inside but you don't see too many faces
Although you've entered the venue, it's not very crowded yet.
Coming in out of the rain they hear the jazz go down
People are coming in from the rain and are able to hear the jazz music clearly.
Competition in other places
There may be other music venues around, but this one still stands out.
Uh but the horns they blowin' that sound
The horns are playing a distinctive and impressive sound.
Way on downsouth
The music has a southern flair to it.
Way on downsouth
The music has a southern flair to it.
London town
But despite the southern sound, this is still happening in London town.
Check out guitar george, he knows-all the chords
The guitar player, George, is highly skilled and knowledgeable, able to play any chord.
Mind he's strictly rhythm he doesn't want to make them cry or sing
George is focused on providing a solid rhythm section for the band, rather than trying to show off with flashy solos.
They said an old guitar is all, he can afford
George may not have the newest or fanciest guitar, but he can still make great music with what he has.
When he gets up under the lights to play his thing
Once he takes the stage and starts playing, his skill and talent shine through.
And Harry doesn't mind, if he doesn't, make the scene
The band's drummer, Harry, doesn't mind if George doesn't try to steal the spotlight.
He's got a daytime job, he's doing alright
George may not be a full-time musician, but he's still able to make a living and support himself with a separate job.
He can play the honky tonk like anything
George's versatile playing style allows him to play any genre of music, including honky tonk.
Savin' it up, for Friday night
George is saving his energy and excitement for the next gig on Friday night.
With the Sultans
Together with the rest of the band, they call themselves the Sultans of Swing.
We're the Sultans of Swing
This is their band name and they're proud of it.
Then a crowd a young boys they're a foolin' around in the corner
In the corner of the venue, a group of young men are messing around and having fun.
Drunk and dressed in their best brown baggies and their platform soles
They're probably under the influence of alcohol and wearing fashionable brown trousers and platform shoes.
They don't give a damn about any trumpet playin' band
They're not interested in listening to the brass instruments in the band.
It ain't what they call rock and roll
The music being played by the Sultans of Swing isn't quite what these young men consider true rock and roll music.
Then the Sultans
Despite the disinterest of this group, the Sultans of Swing continue to play their music.
Yeah the Sultans they play creole, creole
Their music has a Creole and southern vibe to it.
And then the man he steps right up to the microphone
The band leader steps up to the microphone to address the audience.
And says at last just as the time bell rings
As the gig is coming to a close, the band leader speaks up before the last song.
Goodnight, now it's time to go home
The concert is over and it's time for the audience to head home.
And he makes it fast with one more thing
The band leader quickly adds one final message before the end of the night.
We are the Sultans
The Sultans of Swing are proud of their band name and their music.
We are the Sultans of Swing
Their band name once again is stated, and it's clear they're proud of it.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MARK KNOPFLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind