Skateaway

Dire Straits is well-known for pioneering the music video era in the early 80s. The song, "Skateaway," was one of the first songs to have a music video, featuring Jayzik Azikiwe roller-skating and singing the song lyrics in London streets. Although MTV was not in existence at the time of this release, the music video was played frequently once the channel started broadcasting.

Reportedly, Mark Knopfler was inspired to write "Skateaway" after seeing a woman roller-skating while listening to a Walkman on a London street.

Some believe that "Skateaway" foreshadowed the era of personal music enjoyment, as it mentions a woman listening to rock music on her "JVC" portable cassette player, which was somewhat of a novelty at the time.

Although it wasn't a commercial success, the song received strong critical acclaim for its brilliant lyrics, Knopfler's distinctive guitar play, and overall composition, which melds rock and jazz.

The duration of the song is 6 minutes and 19 seconds on the album.

Unlike many of Dire Straits songs that slowly build in intensity, "Skateaway" maintains a consistent rhythm and pace throughout the song, aligning with the steady movement of a skater.

Despite its lack of commercial success, the song regularly featured in Dire Straits live performances and is considered a fan favorite.

"Making Movies," the album that features the "Skateaway," charted at No. 4 in the US and No. 1 in several European countries, certifying it as Platinum in the US and the UK.

Noted country singer Mary Chapin Carpenter performed a cover version of "Skateaway" for the soundtrack of the 1996 film "The Thing Called Love."