About the song
Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits, now that’s a song that takes me back. Released in 1978, it wasn’t just a hit, it was a revelation. Dire Straits, a young band from the UK, weren’t your typical rock and roll outfit. They brought a refreshing dose of musicianship and technical prowess to the scene.
The mastermind behind the song, and indeed the band itself, was Mark Knopfler. A guitarist of exceptional talent, Knopfler wasn’t afraid to weave intricate fingerpicking patterns and jazz-influenced licks into his rock songs. Sultans of Swing became a calling card for this style, a masterclass in how to make complex music sound effortless and downright cool.
The song itself is a fascinating look at the lives of working musicians, those toiling away in smoky clubs for a passionate, yet often small, audience. The lyrics paint a vivid picture – the “sweat dripping off the stage,” the “tired old drummer” keeping the beat, and the “young girl with her ear to the radio” yearning for a taste of the music scene. It’s a celebration of the dedication and passion that fuels these lesser-known artists, the “Sultans of Swing” as Knopfler cleverly calls them.
But Sultans of Swing isn’t just about the lyrics. It’s the music that truly elevates the song to iconic status. The intro, now instantly recognizable to any classic rock fan, starts with a simple yet evocative drum beat. Then, Knopfler’s fingers dance across the fretboard, laying down a melody that’s both catchy and sophisticated. It’s a masterclass in fingerpicking, each note carefully chosen to create a sense of groove and anticipation.
The song then explodes into a full-fledged rock track, with Knopfler’s soaring guitar solo taking center stage. His playing is both technically impressive and melodically rich, showcasing his blues and jazz influences without ever losing sight of the song’s core rock energy. It’s a solo that demands your attention, one that leaves you wanting more.
Sultans of Swing wasn’t just a hit for Dire Straits; it became an anthem for a generation of musicians who valued technical proficiency and musicality alongside raw energy. It showed that rock music could be intelligent and sophisticated, that a catchy melody didn’t have to come at the expense of intricate musicianship. So, when you hit play on Sultans of Swing, prepare to be transported to a smoky pub filled with passionate music and the dedication of those who live and breathe for the swing.
Video
Lyrics
“Sultans Of Swing”
It’s 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 to hear the jazz go down
Competition in other places
Ah, but the horns, they’re blowing that sound
Way on down south
Way on down south, London town
Check out guitar George
He knows all the chords
Mind, it’s strictly rhythm
He doesn’t wanna make it cry or sing
Yes and 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
Saving it up for Friday night
With the Sultans
With the Sultans of Swing
Yeah
And a crowd of young boys
They’re fooling 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-playing band
It ain’t what they call “Rock and Roll”
And 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”
Then he makes it fast with one more thing
“We are the Sultans—
We are the Sultans of Swing”