 The Ragpicker's Dream (2002) [ larger cover art ] |
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We had no way of staying afloat,
We had to leave on a ferryboat.
Economic refugees,
On the run to Germany.
We had the back of Maggie's hand,
Times were tough in Geordie-land.
We got our tools and working gear
And humped it all from Newcastle to here.
Why aye man.
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man,
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man.
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man,
Why aye, why aye man.
We're nomad tribes, travelling boys,
In the dust and dirt and the wrecking noise.
Drills and hammers, diggers and picks,
Mixing concrete, laying bricks.
There's English, Irish, Scots, the lot.
United Nations what we got.
Brickies, chippies, every trade.
German building, British made.
Why aye man.
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man,
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man.
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man,
Why aye, why aye man.
Nay more work on Maggie's farm.
Head away down the autobahn.
Mine's a Portakabin bed,
Or a bunk in a Nissen hut instead.
There's plenty Deutschmarks here to earn.
And German tarts are wunderschön.
German beer is chemical free.
Germany's alright with me.
Sometimes I miss my River Tyne,
But you're my pretty fraulein.
Tonight we'll drink the old town dry,
Keep our spirit levels high.
Why aye man.
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man,
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man.
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man,
Why aye, why aye man.
Sometimes I miss my River Tyne,
But you're my pretty fraulein.
Tonight we'll drink the old town dry,
Keep our spirit levels high.
Sometimes I miss my River Tyne,
But you're my pretty fraulein.
Tonight we'll drink the old town dry,
Keep our spirit levels high.
| Hannio (Austin, TX) | Posted: Mar 18, 2013 - 09:17 westslope wrote: Great song. Especially interesting given current economic and financial circumstances in Europe.
My family was victimized by Nazi Germans during WW II. But I rather like the current Green-influenced Germany. I sometimes wish the Americans were more like Germans..... Yes, the soft, cuddly Germans are so much better. |
| AlanJ (N.Z.) | Posted: Feb 15, 2013 - 00:21 In fact, have a watch of "Auf Wiedersehen Pet"- It's all about this very topic. |
| AlanJ (N.Z.) | Posted: Feb 15, 2013 - 00:16 Good sense of humour these guys! "When The Boat Comes In", "Boys from The Black Stuff" and "Auf Wiedersehen Pet" now there's quality Gordie TV!! |
| sajitjacob (Christchurch NZ) | Posted: Jan 14, 2013 - 16:35 TV for morons ziggytrix wrote: So, speaking of Geordies, this is apparently a thing... |
| Baby_M (a 100+-year old building in downtown Akron, Ohio) | Posted: Dec 14, 2012 - 07:31 Keep our spirit levels high.... Love that line. |
| krysthal (Toronto, Canada) | Posted: Oct 12, 2012 - 14:00 Love this track. Lots of energy and a beautiful softer section sections (middle and towards the end with the guitar solo). Of course, Knopfler's composing and guitar performance make it all happen! |
| ziggytrix (Dallas, TX) | Posted: Aug 10, 2012 - 12:56 So, speaking of Geordies, this is apparently a thing... |
| SCTRANS (Always changing) | Posted: Jul 14, 2012 - 05:46 zatxela wrote: Is there a sweeter sounding guitar anywhere? Correct answer is NO... I'll echo that! |
| westslope (BC coast) | Posted: Jun 08, 2012 - 09:18 Great song. Especially interesting given current economic and financial circumstances in Europe.
My family was victimized by Nazi Germans during WW II. But I rather like the current Green-influenced Germany. I sometimes wish the Americans were more like Germans..... |
| zatxela (Calgary) | Posted: May 07, 2012 - 14:57 Is there a sweeter sounding guitar anywhere? Correct answer is NO... |
| Carl (The Summit City) | Posted: Apr 05, 2012 - 21:34 "Brothers In Arms" was one of the first CDs I bought (ca. 1985, and blew my old speakers out with—but that's another story), and I've grown to like Mark Knopfler more and more ever since. His songs really tell a story besides being well-turned musically, IMHO. |
| martinc (Ottawa Canada) | Posted: Mar 05, 2012 - 04:53 Stingray wrote: Did he play exactly 60 minutes again? Nope - Came back for about a 30 minute encore, featuring telegraph road. Maybe his Canadian set list is more expansive! I got my money's worth. |
| meinthecorner (Past the gravy, far beyond the golden fries) | Posted: Feb 02, 2012 - 12:45 Cynaera wrote: I haven't heard very many songs by Knopfler that I don't like. This isn't one of them - it's so savvy and musical... THanks for the reprint, Cynaera. I've got to laugh - 'cause I bought this disc soon after it came out, gave it a few listens and, for some reason, back then it just didn't fit into my life. And now that I'm hearing it here in rotation, and my life has changed, I'm gaining a greater appreciation for this whole album, and how it fits into this very talented musician/writer's body of work. We had no way of staying afloat We had to leave on the ferry boat Economic refugees On the run to germany We had the back of maggie's hand Times were tough in geordieland We got wor tools and working gear And humped it all from newcastle to here Why aye man, why aye, why aye man We're the nomad tribes, travelling boys Why aye man, why aye, why aye man Nae more work on maggie's farm There's plenty deutschmarks here to earn Why aye man, why aye, why aye man |
| Cynaera (South of Neanderthal) | Posted: Mar 23, 2011 - 16:40 I haven't heard very many songs by Knopfler that I don't like. This isn't one of them - it's so savvy and musical... We had no way of staying afloat We had to leave on the ferry boat Economic refugees On the run to germany We had the back of maggie's hand Times were tough in geordieland We got wor tools and working gear And humped it all from newcastle to here Why aye man, why aye, why aye man We're the nomad tribes, travelling boys Why aye man, why aye, why aye man Nae more work on maggie's farm There's plenty deutschmarks here to earn Why aye man, why aye, why aye man |
| lmic (Harmless Little Bunny) | Posted: Mar 23, 2011 - 16:39 Congrats, Germany, for kicking the nuclear habit... |
| Beclipsed (Pfalz,Germany) | Posted: Dec 19, 2010 - 15:25 You're my pretty Fräulein.... |
| nicolewe | Posted: Dec 19, 2010 - 14:38 Why, aye like this song...nice groovy kick.     I love that sexy album cover. |
| cohifi (Denver) | Posted: Nov 17, 2010 - 20:55 mandolin wrote: ...i bet mark knopfler and robbie robertson could collaborate wonderfully... that would be interesting to hear! this song is a 9, especially after the last one! |
| Stingray (EUROPE) | Posted: Sep 15, 2010 - 10:23 martinc wrote: Saw him here in Ottawa last year. Great show and they knocked this one out of the park. Did he play exactly 60 minutes again? |
| Stingray (EUROPE) | Posted: Sep 15, 2010 - 10:22 Knopfler on the run down the Autobahn...! Times are tuff in Geordieland! |
| 1wolfy (Mission Viejo California) | Posted: Jun 11, 2010 - 15:36 sounds like 'play on'...got soccer on me brain heute |
| h8rhater | Posted: Jan 04, 2010 - 14:37 Papernapkin wrote: Well said. I totally agree. You would. |
| martinc (Ottawa Canada) | Posted: Dec 04, 2009 - 05:54 Saw him here in Ottawa last year. Great show and they knocked this one out of the park. |
| JonnyBase (UK) | Posted: Dec 04, 2009 - 05:54 Ha'way the lads! |
| Lexapro_Headrush | Posted: Nov 02, 2009 - 20:49 fredriley wrote: adib wrote: Mine's a bottle of dog! Not for me, mate - Newky Brown gives me a god-awful hangover every time. Nice bit of modern folk here, and a sad reminder of Thatcher's 80s when unemployment was high and many UK workers had to go abroad to find work, particularly to the pre-unification Germany. For those outside the UK who've not heard of Geordies and their very peculiar dialect (reputedly descended from Norse, I've heard, though don't quote me) see the Wikipedia entry. Glad to hear that Mark isn't trying too hard with a Geordie accent, as it's a hard one to pick up, though it's become familiar to UK TV viewers on account of the voiceover guy on Big Brother. Canny tune, like - 7 from the Nottingham jury. Why aye all right, and haddaway 'n shite Thatcher. wow. this is interesting stuff to read. Now you got me digging around wikipedia reading up on Geordies |
| g4ege | Posted: Aug 31, 2009 - 19:01 Pazzat wrote: I try really hard, and I admire his guitar playing, but there's always something about Knopfler's voice that just leaves me cold. I like plenty of singers with idiosyncratic voices that harsh critics could label as bad: Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Howard Devoto, Richard Thompson, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, Colin Meloy from the Decemberists, so I'm not after purity. Am I alone in this? YES |
| claire_k | Posted: Jun 29, 2009 - 11:47 Good song to hit the road...All of Mark Knopfler is by the way |
| Papernapkin (Mountain View, CA) | Posted: Jan 22, 2009 - 09:32 Pazzat wrote: I try really hard, and I admire his guitar playing, but there's always something about Knopfler's voice that just leaves me cold. I like plenty of singers with idiosyncratic voices that harsh critics could label as bad: Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Howard Devoto, Richard Thompson, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, Colin Meloy from the Decemberists, so I'm not after purity. Am I alone in this? Well said. I totally agree. |
| fredriley (Nottingham, UK) | Posted: Jan 22, 2009 - 09:32 adib wrote: Mine's a bottle of dog! Not for me, mate - Newky Brown gives me a god-awful hangover every time. Nice bit of modern folk here, and a sad reminder of Thatcher's 80s when unemployment was high and many UK workers had to go abroad to find work, particularly to the pre-unification Germany. For those outside the UK who've not heard of Geordies and their very peculiar dialect (reputedly descended from Norse, I've heard, though don't quote me) see the Wikipedia entry. Glad to hear that Mark isn't trying too hard with a Geordie accent, as it's a hard one to pick up, though it's become familiar to UK TV viewers on account of the voiceover guy on Big Brother. Canny tune, like - 7 from the Nottingham jury. Why aye all right, and haddaway 'n shite Thatcher. |
| GINRUSH (Rochester, MI) | Posted: Aug 17, 2008 - 11:02 "Why Aye Outta Murda Ya!" Moe Howard - 3 Stooges    |
| Daddyfire (Land of Hmmmmm) | Posted: Jul 16, 2008 - 19:43 Fantabulous  |
| luca77 (Melbourne,Australia) | Posted: Jun 15, 2008 - 07:09 First time I've heard this song, I reckon it would go OFF with a didge. Or maybe Yothu Yindi should cover it. |
| inindian (Ring of Fire) | Posted: May 14, 2008 - 20:49 Pazzat wrote: I try really hard, and I admire his guitar playing, but there's always something about Knopfler's voice that just leaves me cold. I like plenty of singers with idiosyncratic voices that harsh critics could label as bad: Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Howard Devoto, Richard Thompson, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, Colin Meloy from the Decemberists, so I'm not after purity. Am I alone in this?
Quite possibly! |
| NoEnzLefttoSplit | Posted: Dec 09, 2007 - 12:39 Give us a job. I could do that. |
| Pazzat (Winchester, England) | Posted: Sep 06, 2007 - 06:56 I try really hard, and I admire his guitar playing, but there's always something about Knopfler's voice that just leaves me cold. I like plenty of singers with idiosyncratic voices that harsh critics could label as bad: Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Howard Devoto, Richard Thompson, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, Colin Meloy from the Decemberists, so I'm not after purity. Am I alone in this? |
| trekhead (Oooh, I could just give you SUCH a Pinch!) | Posted: Sep 06, 2007 - 06:55 mandolin wrote: ...i bet mark knopfler and robbie robertson could collaborate wonderfully...
Nice.  Good catch! |
| mandolin (...drifting...) | Posted: Sep 06, 2007 - 06:52 ...i bet mark knopfler and robbie robertson could collaborate wonderfully... |
| adib (Derbyshire, UK) | Posted: Sep 06, 2007 - 06:51 Mine's a bottle of dog! Is that Jimmy Nail singing along? |
| dixiedeb (Augusta, GA) | Posted: Jul 05, 2007 - 08:15 This entire CD is excellent. |
| canadave (Ottawa, ON) | Posted: Jul 05, 2007 - 08:13 This one sound a bit Gordon Lightfoot inspired to anyone else? Not that that's ever a bad thing! |
| inindian (Victor on the ocean) | Posted: Jun 04, 2007 - 00:30 I luv this..and I can't help but have a soft spot for this and Mark  We have the same Geordie roots
|
| nigelr (Coffs Harbour, Australia) | Posted: Jun 04, 2007 - 00:11 Love this guitar? Why, aye man! |
| sunnysoul03 (Huntington Beach, CA) | Posted: May 03, 2007 - 14:46 TreborG2 wrote: all I know.. is I've heard this song quiet a few times.. and it never struck a cord with me until this evening.. er.. early am... when I heard him sing "german beer has no additives" or something to that effect..
the next time it comes on I'm going to try to remember to listen more closely... :D Enjoy some german beer while you're at it..couldn't get much better |
| Peter_g (Aberdeen) | Posted: Apr 24, 2003 - 05:00 Your Right mark knopfler is and amazing singer/songwriter I think you'd agree just gonna say get his album sailing to philadelphia if you havent its just ace, Give the big man respect lol   |
| Shimmer (Bethesda, MD) | Posted: Apr 08, 2003 - 07:41 I doubt that even Mrs. Knopfler hears this song as often as we do.  |
| mperry (Columbia, MO) | Posted: Mar 08, 2003 - 15:38 Originally Posted by MsfStl:
Knopfler just has that distinctive sound; like a great French red wine, a bit of distinctive earthiness to it. I'll buy this bottle! nice bouquet ;) yum  |
| MsfStl (Clayton, MO) | Posted: Feb 17, 2003 - 10:08 Knopfler just has that distinctive sound; like a great French red wine, a bit of distinctive earthiness to it. I'll buy this bottle! |
| MsfStl (Clayton, MO) | Posted: Feb 17, 2003 - 10:08 Knopfler just has that distinctive sound; like a great French red wine, a bit of distinctive earthiness to it. I'll buy this bottle! |
| Patti_M. (Mission Viejo (519 miles SE of RP), CA) | Posted: Feb 17, 2003 - 10:07 Great CD, as anything is by Mark Knopfler. Bill, got anything from the Neck and Neck album that he did with Chet Atkins? pbm 8^) |
| dtbgaac (Cambridge, UK) | Posted: Jan 24, 2003 - 03:29 FYI this was the theme song for a BBC tv series "Auf Wiedersehn Pet", brought back to life after about 20 years from its original versions on ITV. The title comes from the fact that in the original series they were Geordie builders going to work in Germany. According to the BBC there should be another series. Originally Posted by Heathen:
Its not Scottish man!! Its Geordie. Mark Knopfler is a Geordie like me (from the North East of England) This is an amazin' song... lyrically anyways. Its soo true.. most people move away from the North East due to lack of work... but we all miss it in someway. Why Aye man... giz a canny bag-a Tudor!! :D |