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Dire Straits — When It Comes To You
Album: On Every Street
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1965









Released: 1991
Length: 4:34
Plays (last 30 days): 2
If we can't get along we oughtta be apart
And I'm wondering where'd you get that cold, cold heart
Set me free - sign my release
I'm tired of being the villain of the piece

You been givin' me a bad time
Tell me what'd I do
How come I always get a hard time
Honey when it comes to you
Sayin' things that you didn't have to
How come I always get a hard time
Honey when it comes to you

You only get one life - this I know
I wanna get my licks in now before I go
The fire of love is dead and cold
I gotta satisfy the hunger in my soul

And you been givin' me a bad time
Tell me what'd I do
How come I always get a hard time
Honey when it comes to you
Sayin' things that you didn't have to
How come I always get a hard time
Honey when it comes to you

If we can't get along we oughtta be apart
And I'm wondering where'd you get that cold, cold heart
Set me free - sign my release
I'm tired of being the villain of the piece

You been givin' me a bad time
Tell me what'd I do
How come I always get a hard time
Honey when it comes to you
Sayin' things that you didn't have to
How come I always get a hard time
Honey when it comes to you

How come I always get a hard time
Honey when it comes to you
How come I always get a hard time
Honey when it comes to you
Comments (107)add comment
Interesting anti-segue @BillG
 stormesailor wrote:






Bong!
 FourFortyEight wrote:

Someone woke up on the wrong side of the litter box. {#Biggrin}



Damn, has the music of any other 80s band aged as well as Dire Straits?
(OK, strictly speaking, late 70s to early 90s, but essentially an 80s band.)
Last  DS album, also  end of classic rock era.
I´m waiting for Telegraph Road! That´s my favourite DS Track!
Sometimes less is more.  
Beautiful song by MK. Reminds me of JJ Cale
 malvey254 wrote:

Although not as flashy as some of their hits, this has become one of my favorite Dire Straits songs, if not favorite songs outright.  The production and composition are just so flawless.  Bumped to a 10.



you have persuaded me.  hard to imagine how it could be improved.
Johnny Depp theme song?
This track always gives me the 'ghersebermps' especially when the inevitable train of thoughts go back to my ex... I hate it but love it enough to give it a 10, how does that even make sense?
Although not as flashy as some of their hits, this has become one of my favorite Dire Straits songs, if not favorite songs outright.  The production and composition are just so flawless.  Bumped to a 10.
This song is great when it's really loud, so you can really hear all the layers.
Good Tune! Not their best.
Well recorded, but a bit bland.
My favorite Dire Straights CD, but I've never heard my 2 favorite DS songs "Ticket To Heaven" or "How Long" on RP; darn. Also "There'll Be Some Changes Made" on Neck and Neck, how about it?
Mark Knopfler at his best......love this track
If I could be blessed with guitar-playing talent (alas I'm not), I would like to play like MK.
 CoYoT51 wrote:
I do love Dire Straits and do respect Knopfler's work but THIS tune is by itself what I don't like in both of them... this entire tune sounds like a MK "cliché". A 6 for me.
 
Your argument might hold a drop or two of water if there were anything cliche about Mark Knopfler.  But, no.  
 kcar wrote:
Why didn't this album do better when it came out? MK makes playing the guitar sound so effortless.
 

Grunge was taking over
Simply sublime. 
One of the top guitarists of all time. Like another favorite of mine, David Gilmour, the sound is never overly showy or rushed, just beautifully emotional and communicative. 
 FlatCat wrote:
I used to like DS and Mark Knopfer, but after getting my multiple daily doses from RP for the last long while, I find them overproduced and flat. And every song sounds the same after a while. 

 
Someone woke up on the wrong side of the litter box. {#Biggrin}
I can't say enough good things about this song.
 CoYoT51 wrote:
I do love Dire Straits and do respect Knopfler's work but THIS tune is by itself what I don't like in both of them... this entire tune sounds like a MK "cliché". A 6 for me.

 
I'm not sure the first half of your sentence is true.
 nagsheadlocal wrote:
Mark Knopfler is one of those artists whose sound is so distinctive you always know who is is within a note or two. 

They were so overplayed at first that it took  me a while to realize what a talent he is. I've followed his work for a long time and few people are as consistently interesting.

 
Very true. Now include several superlative movie soundtracks as well, and that's a truly distinctive musicography. 
Mark Knopfler is one of those artists whose sound is so distinctive you always know who is is within a note or two. 

They were so overplayed at first that it took  me a while to realize what a talent he is. I've followed his work for a long time and few people are as consistently interesting.
DS does JJ Cale; love it.
I do love Dire Straits and do respect Knopfler's work but THIS tune is by itself what I don't like in both of them... this entire tune sounds like a MK "cliché". A 6 for me.
 kcar wrote:
Why didn't this album do better when it came out? MK makes playing the guitar sound so effortless.
 
Maybe because everyone had been over-exposed to DS at that time. I remember not caring much for this album back then either, but it surely is good to hear it again now.
this is some awfully fine and sweet guitar work.
well the Villain of that piece wrote and played one sweet boppin' number! Typical MK high quality imo : )
I used to like DS and Mark Knopfer, but after getting my multiple daily doses from RP for the last long while, I find them overproduced and flat. And every song sounds the same after a while. 
 Foot wrote:
Now that's great!  9+

 
{#Hearteyes}
Now that's great!  9+
 Skydog wrote:
The first time I heard this I thought it was J J Cale

 
This may be the first time I've heard this (not just background, at least).  When it first started, I was sure it was JJ Cale ...
 
The first time I heard this I thought it was J J Cale
 myersei wrote:

Fourthed.  Unfortunately, so many people don't give MK or the Straits the credit they deserve.  In my top 20 acts of all time. 

 
Fifthed.
The one problem with a CD was that it didn`t fit a hip pocket like a fifth did. 
Why didn't this album do better when it came out? MK makes playing the guitar sound so effortless.
 subgyro wrote:

Thirdeded.

 
Fourthed.  Unfortunately, so many people don't give MK or the Straits the credit they deserve.  In my top 20 acts of all time. 
MK one of my favorites, John Anderson gets a mention, No?
Just in time for my road trip.
 HearsayDave wrote:
Synth80s wrote:
Knoplfer can do no wrong.  Seriously, while some were stronger releases than others, neither Knopfler nor Dire Straits ever released a bad album, let alone a mediocre one.  That level of consistent talent and effort is even more worthy of appreciation than fleeting talent alone.
 


Seconded.
 
Thirdeded.
This album is really great for the most part but I am not sure if this is in fact a Dire Straits as a band record or a MK solo project with the Dire Straits name. There seemed to be several people in and out of the band with John Illsley being the only holdover from the early days. 
 shutter wrote:
This is one of my absolute favorite DIre Straits tracks.  Gets cranked as loud as possible every time.

 
money for nothing gets that treatment from me....
I'll never get enough of Mark Knopfler's guitar-playing, I don't guess.
couldn't agree more...one of my favourite bands...let's hear more songs from this cd...
This could be the only DS song that I like.  Goooood stuff.
aaahhjh !! so good it hurts !!!
A DS song that I like?  Remarkable, but this song says it just could be true!
The more I hear DIRE STRAITS,
the more I know how good KNOPFLER-solo is!
This is one of my absolute favorite DIre Straits tracks.  Gets cranked as loud as possible every time.
 Synth80s wrote:
Knoplfer can do no wrong.  Seriously, while some were stronger releases than others, neither Knopfler nor Dire Straits ever released a bad album, let alone a mediocre one.  That level of consistent talent and effort is even more worthy of appreciation than fleeting talent alone.
 


Seconded.
so-so
Kinda dull for the Mark Knopfler gang...
Knoplfer can do no wrong.  Seriously, while some were stronger releases than others, neither Knopfler nor Dire Straits ever released a bad album, let alone a mediocre one.  That level of consistent talent and effort is even more worthy of appreciation than fleeting talent alone.
 4merdj wrote:
One of the best albums from DS, IMHO {#Sunny}
 


When I got this CD when it came out I shelved after a few listenings. After all how could follow up Brothers in Arms? I dug it out a couple of years ago and realized that with exception of two or three lackluster songs the other stuff is about good as it gets and this tune is one of those.
 flatpicker wrote:

There really is a strong JJ Cale vibe happening.

That's fine by me... I totally dig JJ Cale, and Dire Straits too.
 

Indeed!

JJ and Knopfler should do an album together!
A poignant cri de coeur which I'm sure resonates with many other folk trapped in a failing marriage. I'm just glad I was never in that situation. I do like this one, though the rest of the album is a bit hit and miss. 8 from the Nottingham jury.
I'm pretty surprised about the high ratings the songs of this DS album get... Not that i don't agree, always loved this album even though it's so different in many ways from what they did before this...
9
This is their only album I do not know at all!

Maybe this terrible-terrible cover design has to do with it?

 4merdj wrote:
One of the best albums from DS, IMHO {#Sunny}
 
IMHO Too!
Fond memories of this song from my London days..
One of the best albums from DS, IMHO {#Sunny}
it would be more efficient if there was a button I could just click once to rate every single Straits song "10"
 keving98 wrote:

I should mention that I absolutely love Radio Paradise.  Thanks Bill.

 

You're a nice hater :)
Love this song by the way - may be I am not an old RP listener enough?
As for dying happy, of that I am certainly not sure {#Meditate} with or without these guys in my ears
 keving98 wrote:
Okay I can't take it... If never hear a Mark Knopfler, Tracy Chapman, Tom Waits, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Beck or increasingly Eddie Vedder (unless it's off of Pearl Jam - Ten) song again I'll die a happy man.  Pleghhh!!!

Sorry for being a hater but I had to get that off my chest.
 
I should mention that I absolutely love Radio Paradise.  Thanks Bill.

Okay I can't take it... If never hear a Mark Knopfler, Tracy Chapman, Tom Waits, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Beck or increasingly Eddie Vedder (unless it's off of Pearl Jam - Ten) song again I'll die a happy man.  Pleghhh!!!

Sorry for being a hater but I had to get that off my chest.
 choiceimage wrote:
When a JJ Cale song comes on, does it remind you of Mark?
 
Strangely... no.
But it might from now on.

 ThePoose wrote:
JJ Cale meets Bob Dylan—in the UK!

 
There really is a strong JJ Cale vibe happening.

That's fine by me... I totally dig JJ Cale, and Dire Straits too.


When a JJ Cale song comes on, does it remind you of Mark?
 ciapia wrote:
Three years ago, in a cafe in some Euro trash tourist town in Goa, India, a Dire Straits album was playing.  I've been in love ever since.
 
Only THREE years ago?!?!?!
Yinz got some catchin' up to do.

Great band
JJ Cale meets Bob Dylan—in the UK!

Beck-Beautiful Way
DS-When It Comes to You

smiley emoticon
I thought at first that this was J.J. Cale. Well done Mark Knopfler.
Three years ago, in a cafe in some Euro trash tourist town in Goa, India, a Dire Straits album was playing.  I've been in love ever since.
Too much mediocre Mark Knopfler, RP.
 algrif wrote:
Sounds more and more like J.J.Cale every time I hear it.
But that's good in itself.
 

With a touch of Richard Thompson.
nice.
 meydele wrote:


Ditto.

Is this a remake? Anyone know?
 
Didn't Mark write this with John Anderson(country)? John sings this one as well.

jeremyleo wrote:
I really like the production on this album. There are some real gems, including this tune!
i agree, except of "ticket to heaven"! especially "you and your friend" is awesome!
I really like the production on this album. There are some real gems, including this tune!
I put this album away for a long time but got it out again recently. Really digging it again. ed 11/15: had to go and request "Calling Elvis". Then I had to request "Heavy Fuel". I can't seem to stop on this one :-)
algrif wrote:
Sounds more and more like J.J.Cale every time I hear it. But that's good in itself.
Ditto. Is this a remake? Anyone know?
Sounds more and more like J.J.Cale every time I hear it. But that's good in itself.
1:41 pm - Dire Straits - When It Comes To You 1:36 pm - Tony Joe White - Can't Go Back Home (w/ Shelby Lynne) 1:31 pm - Richard Shindell - Confession 1:26 pm - Bonnie Raitt - When the Spell Is Broken That's a helluva set you got going there, Bill!
Imkirok wrote:
Maybe, but they'd still be better than 99% of the schlock on the radio.
:nodhead: 99.9% GREAT song!
I think his 4 solo albums often surpass his work with Dire Straits, which was stellar. I've recently been grooving on Shangri-La from last year... Old_Pool_Skunk wrote:
C'mon, Mark, time to get the Straits together again... miss you.
Shimmer wrote:
Generic Dire Straits. I think Mark Knopfler could write 1000 more just like this one without even waking up from slumber.
Maybe, but they'd still be better than 99% of the schlock on the radio.
MK and DS are the ultimate LA Freeway drivin' music (only other passable music is George Bensen). You need something SMMMMMM0000000OOOOOOOOOOOTH for the hassle. It *does* have that J.J. Kale sound from #5.
C'mon, Mark, time to get the Straits together again... miss you.
Epic smooth guitar in the light of a Western sunset...that's Dire Straights to me
Dire Straits is so overlooked in my opinion, and the great storytelling of MK. Love this smooth roll along sound.
I love the smooth guitar work here, very nice!
Ambles along just fine, thank you.
manbirdexperiment wrote:
Is this s JJ Cale cover? Sounds just like him.
I can hear the similarities, too. Knopflers voice is a little more rounded and filled out, though.
What a great set, Bill. Bonnie Raitt singing a Richard Thompson song, and now DS. I rate Richard Thompson AND Mark Knopfler as two modern day troubadors....and you just can't beat Mark's guitar playing! This is a good CD, but my all time favorite DS CDs are "Brothers in Arms" and "Love Over Gold".
Is this s JJ Cale cover? Sounds just like him.
MK is one of the best musician/storytellers around....I just wish I knew what those stories WERE some time. Still, a 9. :D/
archrrone wrote:
I'd love to hear more cuts from this album..
Agree... this is an excellent and frequently overlooked album that all Knopfler and DS fans really should have.
Generic Dire Straits. I think Mark Knopfler could write 1000 more just like this one without even waking up from slumber.
Good track from an underappreciated album- I think people were looking for a followup to Brothers in Arms, with three hit singles right off the bat.
I'm really sorry, Dire Straits never did it for me. To each his own.
I'd love to hear more cuts from this album..
Love this song.
Mark Knopfler is one of the few that has remained true to his art.