What It Is
Aubrey Haynie, Mark Knopfler
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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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Written by: MARK KNOPFLER
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
SongwriterMark Knopfler wrote the song "What It Is." It's an expression and representation of his songwriting prowess.
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First ReleaseThe song "What It Is" was first released on September 26, 2000 as part of his second solo studio album "Sailing to Philadelphia."
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Musical StyleThe 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.
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Chart PerformanceThe 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.
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Song ThemeKnopfler said the song is about "the regeneration of cities," putting it into the broader social context.
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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."
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Popular in Knopfler's ConcertsSince its release, the song has been a staple in Knopfler's concerts, demonstrating its popularity among fans and the artist himself.
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Song LengthThe song runs for 5 minutes and 10 seconds, providing ample time for listeners to enjoy Knopfler's guitar craft and lyrical storytelling.
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Recording Locations"What It Is" was recorded in both New York City and London, adding an international layer to its production.
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CollaboratorsOn 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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Citation
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"What It Is Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 16 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/4072069/Mark+Knopfler/What+It+Is>.
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