Sultans of Swing

Dire Straits

About Sultans of Swing

"Sultans of Swing" is a song by British rock band Dire Straits from their eponymous debut album, written by frontman Mark Knopfler. Released in 1978, its 1979 rerelease made it a hit in the United Kingdom and United States. The demo of the song was recorded at Pathway Studios, North London, in July 1977 and quickly acquired a following after it was put on rotation at Radio London. Its popularity soon reached record executives, and Dire Straits were offered a contract with Phonogram Records. The song was then re-recorded in February 1978 at Basing Street Studios for the band's debut album. The record company wanted a less-polished rock sound for the radio, so an alternative version was recorded at Pathway Studios in April 1978 and released as the single in some countries including the United Kingdom and Germany. 


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You get a shiver in the dark
It's a 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 they hear the jazz go down
Competition in other places
Uh but the horns they blowin' that sound
Way on down south
Way on down south
London town

You check out guitar George, he knows-all the chords
Mind, it's strictly rhythm he doesn't want to make it cry or sing
They said 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
Savin' it up, for Friday night
With the Sultans
We're the Sultans of Swing

Then a crowd a young boys they're a foolin' 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 playin' 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"

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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 »

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Written by: Mark Knopfler

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


14 facts about this song

Origins
"Sultans of Swing" is a song by British rock band Dire Straits from their eponymous debut album, released in 1978.
Songwriting
Frontman, Mark Knopfler, wrote "Sultans of Swing" after observing a jazz band playing in the corner of a virtually deserted pub on a rainy British night.
Inspiration
The band playing in the pub was called "The Sultans of Swing", hence providing the name for the song.
Genre
Although Dire Straits are typically known as a rock band, "Sultans of Swing" is often praised for its jazz influences.
Musical Recognition
The song is renowned for Mark Knopfler’s signature finger-picking guitar playing style, which gives the song its distinctive sound.
Billboard Performance
It was initially released in 1978, but it didn't make a significant impact until it was re-released in 1979, eventually reaching number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Worldwide Success
The song turned out to be a major international success, reaching Top 10 positions in several countries, including the UK, US, France, and the Netherlands.
Enduring Popularity
"Sultans of Swing" consistently ranks on lists of the greatest guitar songs of all time.
Demo Version
The demo version of the song was recorded on a cassette, with only Mark Knopfler and his brother, David, playing.
Equipment
Mark Knopfler used a Fender Stratocaster to play the song's iconic riffs and solos. This guitar eventually became his signature instrument.
Awards
"Sultans of Swing" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2018.
Studio Recording
Contrary to most songs that generally take numerous takes, "Sultans Of Swing" was reportedly recorded in a single take.
Complexity
Mark Knopfler once described the initial learning process of the track as a 'two-day ordeal', highlighting the complexity of the composition.
Album Sales
Powered by the success of "Sultans of Swing", Dire Straits' debut album sold over six million copies.

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1979

    Billboard #4


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