About the song
“Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits is a classic rock song that has captivated listeners since its release in 1978. Written by the band’s frontman, Mark Knopfler, this track is featured on their debut self-titled album, “Dire Straits”. The song’s intricate guitar work and Knopfler’s distinctive fingerstyle playing, combined with its catchy melody and vivid storytelling, have made it an enduring favorite among rock enthusiasts.
Mark Knopfler was inspired to write “Sultans of Swing” after witnessing a mediocre jazz band performing in a nearly empty pub in Ipswich, England. The band called themselves the “Sultans of Swing,” a name that Knopfler found both ironic and evocative. The song captures the contrast between the band’s grandiose name and their modest circumstances, while also celebrating the joy and dedication of playing music, regardless of the audience size.
Upon its initial release, “Sultans of Swing” received widespread acclaim for its unique sound, blending elements of rock, jazz, and blues. The song’s success helped propel Dire Straits into the limelight, with the single reaching number 4 on the UK Singles Chart and number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. The track’s popularity was a testament to Knopfler’s songwriting prowess and the band’s tight musicianship.
“Sultans of Swing” has since become a staple of classic rock radio and is often considered one of Dire Straits’ signature songs. It showcases the band’s ability to craft memorable, narrative-driven songs with sophisticated musical arrangements. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its rich, textured guitar solos and Knopfler’s smooth, expressive vocals, which together create a timeless anthem that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.
In addition to its commercial success, “Sultans of Swing” has been praised by critics and fellow musicians alike. It has been featured in numerous “greatest songs” lists and remains a beloved track in Dire Straits’ discography, exemplifying the band’s talent and creativity at the very start of their career.
Video
Lyrics
You get a shiver in the dark
It’s a raining in the park but meantime-
South of the river you stop and you hold everything
A band is blowing Dixie, double four time
You feel alright when you hear the music ring
Well now you step inside but you don’t see too many faces
Coming in out of the rain they hear the jazz go down
Competition in other places
Uh but the horns they blowin’ that sound
Way on down south
Way on down south
London town
You check out guitar George, he knows-all the chords
Mind, it’s strictly rhythm he doesn’t want to make it cry or sing
They said an old guitar is all, he can afford
When he gets up under the lights to play his thing
And Harry doesn’t mind, if he doesn’t, make the scene
He’s got a daytime job, he’s doing alright
He can play the Honky Tonk like anything
Savin’ it up, for Friday night
With the Sultans
We’re the Sultans of Swing
Then a crowd a young boys they’re a foolin’ around in the corner
Drunk and dressed in their best brown baggies and their platform soles
They don’t give a damn about any trumpet playin’ band
It ain’t what they call Rock and Roll
And the Sultans
Yeah, the Sultans, they play Creole
Creole
And then the man he steps right up to the microphone
And says at last just as the time bell rings
“Goodnight, now it’s time to go home”
Then he makes it fast with one more thing
“We are the Sultans
We are the Sultans of Swing”