- published: 14 Dec 2014
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Dire Straits were a British rock band, formed in 1977 by former journalist and teacher Mark Knopfler, initially composed of Knopfler (lead vocals and lead guitar), his younger brother David Knopfler (rhythm guitar and backing vocals), John Illsley (bass guitar and backing vocals), and Pick Withers (drums and percussion).
Dire Straits' sound drew from a variety of musical influences, including jazz, folk, blues, and came closest to beat music within the context of rock and roll. Despite the prominence of punk rock during the band's early years, the band's stripped-down sound contrasted with punk, demonstrating a more "rootsy" influence that emerged out of pub rock. Many of Dire Straits' compositions were melancholic.
Dire Straits' biggest selling album, Brothers in Arms, has sold over 30 million copies. They also became one of the world's most commercially successful bands, with worldwide album sales of over 120 million. Dire Straits won numerous music awards during their career, including four Grammy Awards, three Brit Awards—winning Best British Group twice, and two MTV Video Music Awards. The band' most popular songs include "Sultans of Swing", "Romeo and Juliet", "Tunnel of Love", "Private Investigations", "Money for Nothing", "Walk of Life", "So Far Away" and "Brothers in Arms".
with all the clarity of dream
the sky so blue, the grass so green
the rank and file and the navy blue
the deep and strong, the straight and true
the blue line they got the given sign
the belts and boots marched forward in time
the wood and the leather the club and shield
swept like a wave across the battlefield
now with all the clarity of dream
the blood so red, the grass so green
the gleam of spur on the chestnut flank
the cavalry did burst upon the ranks
oh the iron will and the iron hand
in england's green and pleasant land
no music for the shameful scene
that night they said it had even shocked the queen
well alas we've seen it all before
knights in armour, days for yore
the same old fears and the same old crimes