Sultans of Swing
Dire Straits
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
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"
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
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.
|
SongwritingFrontman, 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.
|
InspirationThe band playing in the pub was called "The Sultans of Swing", hence providing the name for the song.
|
GenreAlthough Dire Straits are typically known as a rock band, "Sultans of Swing" is often praised for its jazz influences.
|
Musical RecognitionThe song is renowned for Mark Knopfler’s signature finger-picking guitar playing style, which gives the song its distinctive sound.
|
Billboard PerformanceIt 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 SuccessThe 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 VersionThe demo version of the song was recorded on a cassette, with only Mark Knopfler and his brother, David, playing.
|
EquipmentMark 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 RecordingContrary to most songs that generally take numerous takes, "Sultans Of Swing" was reportedly recorded in a single take.
|
ComplexityMark Knopfler once described the initial learning process of the track as a 'two-day ordeal', highlighting the complexity of the composition.
|
Album SalesPowered by the success of "Sultans of Swing", Dire Straits' debut album sold over six million copies.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Sultans of Swing Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 10 Nov. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/37066560/Dire+Straits/Sultans+of+Swing>.
Discuss the Sultans of Swing Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In