The Trawlerman's Song

Mark Knopfler

About The Trawlerman's Song

The Trawlerman's Song is an EP by British singer-songwriter and guitarist Mark Knopfler, released on 26 April 2005 by Mercury Records. The EP contains the album version of "The Trawlerman's Song" from the 2004 album Shangri-La and live in-studio versions of five other songs recorded in one take at Shangri-la Studios in Malibu, California.


Year:
2005
5:02
49 
#1

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We're taking on water diesel and stores
Laying up awhile before I'm back on board
They're patching her up to go fishing again
 
They're welding her rudder scrubbing her keel
Scars on her belly need time to heal
In the dock with the trawler men
 
I know all the people there's nobody new
Soon we'll be leaving with the same old crew
On the green water the tumbling sea
 
They ain't running like the good old days
Time's just slipping down the old slipways
In the dock so dear to me
 
Dark is the night
I need a guiding light to keep me
From foundering on the rocks
 
My only prayer 
Is just to see you there at the end
Of my wandering back in the dock
 
I could use a layoff getting my strength back
But there's a loan to pay off and a few skip jack
So it's a turnaround back in the southerly wind
 
Pirates coming in to steal our gold
You can count yourself lucky with a profit in the hold
In the dock when we come in
 
Dark is the night
I need a guiding light to keep me
From foundering on the rocks
 
My only prayer
Is just to see you there at the end
Of my wandering
Back in the dock

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Mark Knopfler

Mark Freuder Knopfler, OBE (born 12 August 1949) is a British guitarist, singer, songwriter, record producer and film score composer. He is best known as the lead guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for the British rock band Dire Straits, which he co-founded in 1977. After Dire Straits disbanded in 1995, Knopfler went on to record and produce seven solo albums, including Golden Heart (1996), Sailing to Philadelphia (2000), The Ragpicker's Dream (2002), Shangri-La (2004), Kill To Get Crimson (2007), Get Lucky (2009) and Privateering (2012). He has composed and produced film scores for eight films, including Local Hero (1983), Cal (1984), The Princess Bride (1987), and Wag the Dog (1997). In addition to his work with Dire Straits and as a solo artist and compos… more »

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Written by: MARK KNOPFLER

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist and Album
"The Trawlerman's Song" is by Mark Knopfler, a British singer-songwriter and guitarist known as the lead singer of the band Dire Straits. - The song "The Trawlerman's Song" is included in his fifth studio album, "Shangri-La," released in September 2004.
Song Inspiration
Like many of his songs, "The Trawlerman's Song" draws heavily on Knopfler's experiences growing up in the North East of England. - The song is said to pay tribute to the hard lives of those who work at sea, particularly fishermen, a common occupation in his hometown of Newcastle.
Song Writing
As with all his songwriting, Knopfler crafted "The Trawlerman's Song" with a strong narrative driven by rich and evocative lyrics. - The lyrics conjure images of the unforgiving, cold North Sea, and the trawlermen working tirelessly, illustrating Knopfler's gift for storytelling through music.
Musical Style
Like most of Knopfler’s work, "The Trawlerman's Song" is characterized by its blend of rock, folk, and country elements. - The song features Knopfler’s distinct fingerpicking guitar style, which adds a unique texture to the song.
Song Reception
"The Trawlerman's Song" was well-received by critics due to its detailed narrative and evocative depictions of seaward life. - The song’s poignant lyrics and compelling storytelling have made it a favourite among many Mark Knopfler fans.
Live Performance
Knopfler has performed "The Trawlerman's Song" at many of his concerts, often as part of an acoustic set, highlighting its popularity with audiences. - In 2005, Mark Knopfler recorded a live performance of ‘The Trawlerman's Song’ in Berlin, revealing an intimate and atmospheric rendition of the tune.
Song Significance
Through "The Trawlerman's Song", Mark Knopfler showcases his ability to capture the essence of everyday life and transform it into something universally relatable. - The song has become emblematic of Knopfler's deep understanding of working-class Northern English culture and life.
Charity Connections
Being closely associated with the fishing community, Mark Knopfler has used the fame of 'The Trawlerman's Song' to raise awareness and funds for community-based and ocean conservation charities.
Song Legacy
Over the years, "The Trawlerman's Song" has become one of Mark Knopfler's most beloved songs, frequently covered by other artists and often featured in music and fishing documentaries for its evocative narration of the fishing community's life.
Symbolism in the Song
Metaphorically, 'The Trawlerman's Song' can also be seen as a reflection of life's struggles wherein the 'storm' refers to life challenges and the 'harbor' signifies safety and relief. This interpretive perspective has added a deeper sense of meaning to the song.

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