Private Investigations

Dire Straits

About Private Investigations

"Private Investigations" is a song by the British rock band Dire Straits from their album Love over Gold. It reached number 2 in the United Kingdom (despite its length), and is one of their biggest chart successes in the UK. The track has appeared on the compilation albums Money for Nothing and Sultans of Swing: The Very Best of Dire Straits, and is the title track to the more recent 2005 compilation, Private Investigations: The Best of Dire Straits & Mark Knopfler. The song begins with a deep-pitched synthesizer orchestration, leading into a slow piano progression accompanying a classical guitar, followed by several spoken verses. The single edit removes the opening synthesisers, beginning with acoustic guitar. After the verses, the song opens into a slow, bass-driven beat, with strident electric guitar chords at the end, before the gradual diminuendo featuring extended interplay between Mark Knopfler's acoustic guitar and marimba played by Mike Mainieri. On the Sultans of Swing: The Very Best of Dire Straits DVD, Mark Knopfler said this about the song: "It's just about the Private Investigations... "What have you got at the end of the day" – Nothing more than you started out with..." It is said the song was inspired by author Raymond Chandler. This song was also modified by Mark Knopfler into a film score for the Bill Forsyth movie Comfort and Joy in 1984, where you can hear the song broken up into portions and used for certain scenes. 


Year:
1988
5:50
142 
#1

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It's a mystery to me, the game commences
For the usual fee, plus expenses
Confidential information, it's a diary
This is my investigation, it's not a public inquiry

I go checking out the reports, digging up the dirt
You get to meet all sorts in this line of work
Treachery and treason, there's always an excuse for it
And when I find the reason I still can't get used to it

And what have you got at the end of the day?
What have you got to take away?
A bottle of whiskey and a new set of lies
Blinds on the window and a pain behind the eyes
Scarred for life, no compensation
Private investigations

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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


12 facts about this song

Song Identification
"Private Investigations" is a song by the British rock band Dire Straits from their fourth studio album, "Love over Gold."
Song Creation
The song was written by the band's lead vocalist and lead guitarist, Mark Knopfler.
Release Date
"Private Investigations" was released as a single in 1982, a year after Dire Straits' successful album "Making Movies."
Critical Reception
It reached number 2 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming one of Dire Straits' most successful singles.
Unique Features
Unlike most other Dire Straits songs, "Private Investigations" is a slow, atmospheric track with minimal percussion. It features a unique blend of acoustic and electric instruments and includes haunting passages of spoken word poetry.
Musical Style
The song's moody, noir-like atmosphere and its lyrical theme of a bitter, disillusioned private investigator are heavily influenced by Mark Knopfler's love of film.
Performance History
The song continues to be a staple of Mark Knopfler's live performances to this day. His solo version often features extended improvisations.
Chart Success
"Private Investigations" achieved international chart success, making it to the top 5 spots in numerous countries including Australia, Belgium, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
Instrumental Composition
The song features a complex, layered arrangement that includes piano, synthesizer, spanish guitar, and a string section.
Awards and Recognition
The song has been included in several "best of" lists and compilations, and it helped Dire Straits to win their first Brit Award for Best British Group in 1983.
Inspiration
Mark Knopfler has often highlighted American novelist Raymond Chandler, known for his detective stories, as a major influence on "Private Investigations".
Official Video
The song's official video, which was directed by filmmaker Julien Temple, further emphasizes its detective theme. It features Mark Knopfler acting out the role of a private investigator.

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