Meaning of What It Is (Remastered 2021) - Mark Knopfler
In "What It Is," Mark Knopfler weaves a tapestry of vivid imagery and poignant observations that transport listeners to the heart of Scotland. The song is a masterclass in storytelling, painting a picture of everyday life, social struggles, and personal introspection.
As the song unfolds, we find ourselves amidst the bustling streets of a Scottish town, where the sounds of revelry fill the air. People are gathered at taverns, sharing tales and seeking comfort from the cold outside. The lyrics capture the atmosphere with remarkable precision, immersing us in the scene: "The drinking dens are spilling out / There's staggering in the square / There's lads and lasses falling about / And a crackling in the air." This vivid portrait sets the tone for the song, which explores themes of community, isolation, and resilience.
At its core, "What It Is" is a song about people. Knopfler captures the essence of human experience, from the struggles to find connection and purpose to the quiet moments of introspection. The lyrics touch on politics ("People curse the government / And shovel hot food down"), highlighting the tension between social change and personal desire. Through this lens, we see a Scotland where tradition and progress coexist.
As we delve deeper into the song, we find that "What It Is" is as much about the past as it is about the present. Knopfler's narrator wanders through history, referencing ancient stones, ghosts of old, and legendary characters like Dirty Dick and Little Nell. This blend of fact and fiction creates a rich tapestry of storytelling, where personal and collective memories converge.
The song's greatest strength lies in its ability to bridge the gap between individual experience and shared human emotion. The narrator's search for connection, purpose, and meaning is mirrored in our own experiences. We see ourselves in their struggles and triumphs, recognizing that we are not alone in this quest.
Knopfler's mastery of language is evident throughout the song. His use of metaphors ("A chink of light, there's a burning wick"), imagery ("The moon shines down upon it all"), and wordplay ("Caledonian Blues") creates a sonic tapestry that is at once evocative and mesmerizing.
"What It Is" is a triumph of storytelling, weaving together the threads of human experience to create a rich and immersive world. Knopfler's masterful craftsmanship brings us closer to ourselves and those around us, reminding us that our stories are intertwined with the stories of others. As we listen to this song, we are left pondering what it is that truly connects us – and the answer lies in the very essence of human experience.
As the song unfolds, we find ourselves amidst the bustling streets of a Scottish town, where the sounds of revelry fill the air. People are gathered at taverns, sharing tales and seeking comfort from the cold outside. The lyrics capture the atmosphere with remarkable precision, immersing us in the scene: "The drinking dens are spilling out / There's staggering in the square / There's lads and lasses falling about / And a crackling in the air." This vivid portrait sets the tone for the song, which explores themes of community, isolation, and resilience.
At its core, "What It Is" is a song about people. Knopfler captures the essence of human experience, from the struggles to find connection and purpose to the quiet moments of introspection. The lyrics touch on politics ("People curse the government / And shovel hot food down"), highlighting the tension between social change and personal desire. Through this lens, we see a Scotland where tradition and progress coexist.
As we delve deeper into the song, we find that "What It Is" is as much about the past as it is about the present. Knopfler's narrator wanders through history, referencing ancient stones, ghosts of old, and legendary characters like Dirty Dick and Little Nell. This blend of fact and fiction creates a rich tapestry of storytelling, where personal and collective memories converge.
The song's greatest strength lies in its ability to bridge the gap between individual experience and shared human emotion. The narrator's search for connection, purpose, and meaning is mirrored in our own experiences. We see ourselves in their struggles and triumphs, recognizing that we are not alone in this quest.
Knopfler's mastery of language is evident throughout the song. His use of metaphors ("A chink of light, there's a burning wick"), imagery ("The moon shines down upon it all"), and wordplay ("Caledonian Blues") creates a sonic tapestry that is at once evocative and mesmerizing.
"What It Is" is a triumph of storytelling, weaving together the threads of human experience to create a rich and immersive world. Knopfler's masterful craftsmanship brings us closer to ourselves and those around us, reminding us that our stories are intertwined with the stories of others. As we listen to this song, we are left pondering what it is that truly connects us – and the answer lies in the very essence of human experience.
