What It Is

Aubrey Haynie, Mark Knopfler

About What It Is

"What It Is" is a song written and recorded by the British rock musician Mark Knopfler. It was released on 4 September 2000 as the lead single from his second solo studio album, Sailing to Philadelphia (2000). The song's lyrics pay homage to the city of Edinburgh, Scotland.


Year:
2000
4:57
391 
#3

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The drinking dens are spilling out
There's staggering in the square
There's lads and lasses falling about
And a crackling in the air

Down around the dungeon doors
The shelters and the queues
Everybody's looking for
Somebody's arms to fall into

   And it's what it is
It's what it is now

There's frost on the graves and the monuments
But the taverns are warm in town
People curse the government
And shovel hot food down

The lights are out in city hall
The castle and the keep
The moon shines down upon it all
The legless and asleep

And it's cold on the tollgate
With the wagons creeping through
Cold on the tollgate
God knows what I could do with you
It's what it is
It's what it is now

The garrison sleeps in the citadel
With the ghosts and the ancient stones
High up on the parapet
A Scottish piper stands alone

And high on the wind
The highland drums begin to roll
And something from the past just comes
And stares into my soul

And it's cold on the tollgate
With the Caledonian blues
Cold on the tollgate
God knows what I could do with you

And it's what it is
It's what it is now
What it is
It's what it is now

There's a chink of light, there's a burning wick
There's a lantern in the tower
Wee Willie Winkie with a candlestick
Still writing songs in the wee wee hours

On Charlotte Street I take
A walking stick from my hotel
The ghost of Dirty Dick
Is still in search of Little Nell

It's what it is
It's what it is now
Oh it's what it is
What it is now, now, now

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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 »

6 fans

Written by: MARK KNOPFLER

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Songwriter
Mark Knopfler wrote the song "What It Is." It's an expression and representation of his songwriting prowess.
First Release
The song "What It Is" was first released on September 26, 2000 as part of his second solo studio album "Sailing to Philadelphia."
Musical Style
The song exhibits Knopfler's signature guitar playing style and storytelling lyricism, much loved by fans of his work with Dire Straits and his solo repertoire.
Chart Performance
The song did well on the charts, reaching number 36 on the UK Singles Chart, exemplifying Knopfler's staying power as a musical force into the new millennium.
Song Theme
Knopfler said the song is about "the regeneration of cities," putting it into the broader social context.
Notable Live Performance
"What It Is" was included in Mark Knopfler's setlist during his concert at the Shepherd's Bush Empire in London on July 23, 2002, which was recorded and later released as the live album/DVD "A Night in London."
Popular in Knopfler's Concerts
Since its release, the song has been a staple in Knopfler's concerts, demonstrating its popularity among fans and the artist himself.
Song Length
The song runs for 5 minutes and 10 seconds, providing ample time for listeners to enjoy Knopfler's guitar craft and lyrical storytelling.
Recording Locations
"What It Is" was recorded in both New York City and London, adding an international layer to its production.
Collaborators
On this track, Mark Knopfler collaborated with several talented musicians such as Guy Fletcher on keyboards and Jim Cox on piano, which contributed to the song's rich arrangement.

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