Heavy Fuel

Dire Straits

About Heavy Fuel

"Heavy Fuel" is a song by British rock band Dire Straits, from its 1991 album On Every Street. The song was also released as a single, and reached number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart in the United States, after "Money for Nothing," the band's second song to do so. In "Heavy Fuel," Mark Knopfler ironically extols the virtues of such vices as cigarettes, hamburgers, Scotch, lust, money and violence. The phrase "You got to run on heavy fuel" is from the novel Money by Martin Amis, on which Knopfler based his lyric.  


Year:
1998
4:54
275 
#1

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Last time I was sober, man I felt bad
Worst hangover that I ever had
It took six hamburgers and scotch all night
Nicotine for breakfast just to put me right
'cause if you want to run cool
If you want to run cool
If you want to run cool, you got to run
On heavy, heavy fuel

My life makes perfect sense
Lust and food and violence
Sex and money are my major kicks
Get me in a fight I like dirty tricks
'cause if you want to run cool
Yes if you want to run cool, you got to run
On heavy, heavy fuel

My chick loves a man who's strong
The things she'll do to turn me on
I love the babes, don't get me wrong
Hey, that's why I wrote this song

I don't care if my liver is hanging by a thread
Don't care if my doctor says I ought to be dead
When my ugly big car won't climb this hill
I'll write a suicide note on a hundred dollar bill
'cause if you want to run cool
If you want to run cool
Yes if you want to run cool, you got to run
On heavy, heavy fuel

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Dire Straits

Dire Straits were a British rock band, formed in 1977 by former journalist and teacher Mark Knopfler, initially composed of Knopfler (lead vocals and lead guitar), his younger brother David Knopfler (rhythm guitar and backing vocals), John Illsley (bass guitar and backing vocals), and Pick Withers (drums and percussion). more »

8 fans

Written by: MARK KNOPFLER

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Release
"Heavy Fuel" by Dire Straits was released in 1991 as part of the band's sixth and final studio album "On Every Street."
Musical Genre
The song belongs to the rock genre, more specifically roots rock, consistent with the band’s sound.
Songwriter
As with most of Dire Straits' songs, "Heavy Fuel" was written by the band's frontman, Mark Knopfler.
Chart Performance
"Heavy Fuel" reached number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart in the US.
Music Video
The music video, directed by Steve Barron, was set in a professional boxing match backdrop, featuring a boxer and his struggle to the top.
Controversy
The song's lyrics sparked some controversy as it openly glorifies unhealthy foods, alcoholic beverages, and cigarettes. Critics deemed it irresponsible because it seemed to promote a wild and unhealthy lifestyle.
Interpretation
However, others interpret "Heavy Fuel" to be satirical, and a commentary on the American lifestyle and its obsession with indulgence.
Band Disbandment
Unfortunately, Dire Straits disbanded only a year after releasing this track, making "Heavy Fuel" one of the final hits from the band.
Cover Version
American country music artist, Hank Williams Jr., covered "Heavy Fuel" in 2012 for his album "Old School New Rules."
Live Performances
The song has been performed live in several concerts, notable among them is the "On Every Street" tour.

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