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Length: 4:31
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The river rolls away in the night
Little Gypsy Moth she's all tied down
She quiver in the wind and the light
Yeah and the sailing ship just held down in chains
From the lazy days of sail
She's just a lying there in silent pain
He lean on the tourist rail
A mother and her baby and the College of war
In the concrete graves
You never wanna fight against the river law
Nobody rules the waves
Yeah, and on a night when the lazy wind is a-wailing
Around the Cutty Sark
The single-handed sailor goes sailing
Sailing away in the dark
He's up on the bridge on the self-same night
The mariner of dry dock land
Two in the morning but there's one green light
And a man on a barge of sand
She's a gonna slip away below him
Away from things he's done
But he just shouts, "Hey man what you call this thing?"
He Could have said "Pride of London"
On a night when the lazy wind is wailing
Around the Cutty Sark
Yeah the single-handed sailor goes sailing
Sailing away in the dark
The song makes sense when you know the Gypsy Moth, the boat that Robin Knox-Johnson used in the first single-handed circumnavigation of the Globe in IIRC 1969, was for some 40 years open display next to the Thames in a pedestrian area at Greenwich adjacent to the Curry Sark, the tea clipper on public display in a dry dock, and one of the staircases to the Thames pedestrian tunnel. I visited it many times with my kids when I lived nearby for 10 years. Happy memories. Alas, she was moved a few years ago when the area was revamped alongside the Curry Sark
I think Gypsy Moth was Sir Francis Chichester's boat.
A typical dire straits song from the late 70's. Very nice!
Indeed. Very different from Calling Elvis et al
definitely top 3 or 4 IMO.


There was no sophomore slump with this album.
So, so very hard to choose. Even just from this album.
Bit of a nautical theme going on here today ( a single handed sailor with a salty dog on the sea).

Does the single-handed sailor have a pirate hook or just a stump? Knopfler never tells.
hear, hear

Fully ok with that
hear, hear



Are you this unhappy with everything, or just RP?
Bit of a nautical theme going on here today ( a single handed sailor with a salty dog on the sea).

Nah, there are over 30 other Dire Straits tunes and another 37 Mark Knopfler numbers on the playlist.
It is you. If by 'they', you mean RP.
Brother in Arms, for example, was played 3 times this past month.
The sailing connection always reminds me of the 1979 Fastnet Race disaster. The Fastnet Race took place from Cowes, Isle of Wight, off the southern England coast, out into the Atlantic to the Fastnet Rock at the mouth of Roaringwater Bay, County Cork, Ireland, The competitors were caught in a storm, boats capsized and lives lost.
song & lyrics: 7
singer: 3
an average 6
pretty fair.

There is a soul in this statement, I would suggest as heartfelt as any on this site, that should be an example to all. I doff my humble cloth hat to you, my friend, for staring down the trolls and nonbelievers with your utter faith in the primacy of art.
Not to pile on, LowPhreak, but I'm pretty sure norbertZ's English is better than your German.
"Pretty sure", are you? I'm 100% sure that you have no idea of how fluent I may or may not be in German. I'm "pretty sure" that you made an ignorant assumption there.

Thanks for playing, though.
Too bad you haven't yet learned to spell or write beyond 3rd-grade level.
Not to pile on, LowPhreak, but I'm pretty sure norbertZ's English is better than your German.
This song takes me to a nice place...evocative and dreamy.
And a J.J. Cale feel to the guitar sound (similar riff to Cajun Moon).
he just picks at my strings.....

Me too! This song takes me back to 1984 when I was stationed in England. I remember driving to Ispwich and having this cassette playing most of the way. It would still be ringing in my ears when I took the train to London and would spend the weekend there.
Great days, great memories.
he just picks at my strings.....

Too bad you haven't yet learned to spell or write beyond 3rd-grade level.
Could it be, that you haven't passed exam in good manners and behaviours this year again?
There is obviously no reason to get abusive against me, just because we don't share the same taste of music.
Meine Fehlschreibung war Absicht

I had to cry out loud - 'bo(a)ring' - my feelings.

richlister wrote:

This album is such a jewel...

Too bad you haven't yet learned to spell or write beyond 3rd-grade level.







Must be one of the mainstay songs of RP.
Bill likes Mark Knopfler. Rightly so; technically excellent; lyrics are superb; and he plays several different styles. This one's a 9, even after hearing it ten million times.
Must be one of the mainstay songs of RP.
The song also mentions the Gipsy Moth---the sailboat that Chichester single handedly sailed around the globe in the 60s. She's displayed next to the Cutty Sark in Greenwich (or was prior to the Cutty Sark fire; I assume she's still there).
Mark Knopfler and Dire Straights have done some of my favorite music, but I have to agree here on this point. Not sure if it is because I listen to RP all-day every day at work, and quite a bit on the weekends as well, but I do hear a some repetitiveness seeping in...
I don't notice repetition of specific Dire Straits/Knopfler songs, but there are over 70 tunes featuring some manifestation of Mark Knopfler on the RP playlist, so that could make it likely that he does get a lot of airtime here.
Mark Knopfler and Dire Straights have done some of my favorite music, but I have to agree here on this point. Not sure if it is because I listen to RP all-day every day at work, and quite a bit on the weekends as well, but I do hear a some repetitiveness seeping in...
interesting.... i too listen almost all day, almost every day and i can't recall hearing this in a very long time and certainly not very frequently. I hadn't even rated it until now... 7.5, rounded down for now
Totally agree bb, another fine example how commercial radio has destroyed a lot of great music.
hit = lowest common denominater...... that is why blues musians go broke .they play their hearts out but the bubblegummers who buy music fads do not " ge it" oh well we do.....


Mark Knopfler and Dire Straights have done some of my favorite music, but I have to agree here on this point. Not sure if it is because I listen to RP all-day every day at work, and quite a bit on the weekends as well, but I do hear a some repetitiveness seeping in...
bb_matt wrote:
The big hits now sound terribly dated and have been played to death, whilst the lesser know stuff is great.
Nice one Bill!
Like this :)
.............The Police - Walking On The Moon
The Wailin' Jennys - Storm Comin'
Solomon Burke - None Of Us Are Free
S.E. Rogie - Kpindigbee
Jerry Douglas - Route Irish
Dire Straits - Single Handed Sailor
Counting Crows - Anna Begins................
Well, I think there will be no radio stations around the world, presenting a "set" (30 min.) equal or even similar. Why? There may be many whys .... or do not know, or do not want, or are not interested, or lack of independence, or is not profitable (market dependency). Or all reasons combined. RP is different. "None Of Us Are Free". Is true. Like says no one are completly independent. Because we are subject, permanently, changes and alterations, that is the nature of the world in which we live. But, it is proven, it is possible to combine all the factors, market, industry, diversity, entertainment, without losing the "cable", without losing "sight", without sacrificing the values, artistic quality, memories, authenticity, tradition, talent, innovation, harmony. Because it takes know-how & art. When it seems that everything is already done, everything is invented, this is a terrible mistake. Because you have to pass the "baton" to new generations. You need to reinvent. Music can not be just an entertainment factor. This is reductive and alienating. Music can not or should become, to submit to a mere product of industrial manufacturing, and its creators in some "automata" handlers of electronic artifacts. The music has to have soul. Music has always, to be associated with the culture of the peoples in all its aspects, social, cultural, historical, political, spiritual. Only then will reach its goal. Producing well-being and satisfaction to those who hear and feel. This requires "know-how" and Art.
The worst thing about RP may be this forum. Its not contributing much due to the stoners, losers, and haters trying to seem "cool".
There is a cottage industry of comment board gripers out there. There is nothing stopping you from putting us all to shame, stepping up, and contributing the type of quality comments that you feel is lacking. I won't hold my breath.
Needless to say, I don't agree with you at all. If you want music journalism, then a comment board is not the place.
The big hits now sound terribly dated and have been played to death, whilst the lesser know stuff is great.
Nice one Bill!
Like this :)
Totally agree bb, another fine example how commercial radio has destroyed a lot of great music.
The big hits now sound terribly dated and have been played to death, whilst the lesser know stuff is great.
Nice one Bill!
Like this :)
Other way around for me. I love DS, but find MK's solo stuff to be a little repetitive and slow. He's still my all-time favorite guitarist, but I have a particular fondness for the time he was with the band.
Seconded whole-heartedly. I love his solo work but there was a special spark in Dire Straits.
Other way around for me. I love DS, but find MK's solo stuff to be a little repetitive and slow. He's still my all-time favorite guitarist, but I have a particular fondness for the time he was with the band.
there are some pretty decent people contributing to this format. i found many to be intelligent and very(very) knowledgeable about music and so much more....politics,religion,socially aware. I've never learned more about music than after i began reading the posts, researching to back up my responses, other comments, and interacting with other rp listeners. many(most) are astute, caring compassionate individuals. we all have some song or artist we dont care for and it can be fun to kinda slam 'em at times...it's smashing pumpkins and new rem for me currently. the "loser and stoner"comment is just pure ignorance on your part. if you're that unhappy about the forum then why are you here? we won't miss u when u go...I promise
...nor I
There are not!!!

And I'm thrilled because so am I



The worst thing about RP may be this forum. Its not contributing much due to the stoners, losers, and haters trying to seem "cool".
there are some pretty decent people contributing to this format. i found many to be intelligent and very(very) knowledgeable about music and so much more....politics,religion,socially aware. I've never learned more about music than after i began reading the posts, researching to back up my responses, other comments, and interacting with other rp listeners. many(most) are astute, caring compassionate individuals. we all have some song or artist we dont care for and it can be fun to kinda slam 'em at times...it's smashing pumpkins and new rem for me currently. the "loser and stoner"comment is just pure ignorance on your part. if you're that unhappy about the forum then why are you here? we won't miss u when u go...I promise
The worst thing about RP may be this forum. Its not contributing much due to the stoners, losers, and haters trying to seem "cool".
People are entitled to their opinions. Anyhow, there seem to be more compliments for this tune than there are adverse comments. I like this tune, but I don't need to go and buy all of Mr. Knopfler's material, or even like it.


I second that well spoken madaxeman .. as soon as the first 2 bars were played I reached for the volume control.. wonderful guitar and a pleasing voice .. such an acomplished musician a true proffesional. Sad that some people find this offensive..
The worst thing about RP may be this forum. Its not contributing much due to the stoners, losers, and haters trying to seem "cool".
Which must be why my 16 and 18 year-olds enjoy so much of what's on Radio Paradise along with their Dad.
I'm accustomed to hearing the new music that Bill and Rebecca find from new bands that we've never heard of, and we appreciate the old treasures that have passed us by over the years, which RP dusts off and plays.
We enjoy most everything, and the occasional song that doesn't do anything for us, or grates on our nerves, doesn't deter us from listening. It's still better than any FM or XM station that I know of.
That said, I think that RP could use the occasional Enrico Caruso masterpiece now and then. ;-)
Very well said sici my sentiments indeed,,, and like you an occasional nerve grater but I just hit the mute button for that artist and track until its over.. no good running around with musical Blinkers on and complaining. Although I have been guilty of that but always try to put a Jocular slant to it.
Unfortunately RP caters to old people who mostly like hearing things from 30 years ago.
Which must be why my 16 and 18 year-olds enjoy so much of what's on Radio Paradise along with their Dad.
I'm accustomed to hearing the new music that Bill and Rebecca find from new bands that we've never heard of, and we appreciate the old treasures that have passed us by over the years, which RP dusts off and plays.
We enjoy most everything, and the occasional song that doesn't do anything for us, or grates on our nerves, doesn't deter us from listening. It's still better than any FM or XM station that I know of.
That said, I think that RP could use the occasional Enrico Caruso masterpiece now and then. ;-)
Recently re-opened!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-17835225
The only business rock stars have being aboard boats is making poor decisions with drugs and putting groupies lives at risk.
Still amazed by the insane solo at the end. Not insane in a "Buckethead/Steve Vai" shredding way, but insane as in complex and beautiful yet within the boundaries of "normal" rock music.
Lazy listener tuning in to a station rather than playing their own original mix.
How many DJs do you think they have? Ever have to DJ, and if so for more than an hour? I will bet you every penny I have that if I asked you to entertain a large (100+) group of people for the next four hours with your music collection that:
1. You'll repeat an artist. Probably more than one.
2. There will be people in the audience who dislike a song now and then... perhaps even questioning your DJ ability and taste in music in general.
Right on.....point. !
just bubbles up, don't it? True mastery = the difficult made to seem effortless instinct.
Knopfler's playing just flows, but mostly it doesn't stand up and SHOUT. I think many listeners don't appreciate his ability because of it, unfortunately. He may not be at a point in his life where he wants to play hard, but I wish he would just let fly if only to show another side of his talents.
And yes, I agree with fredriley as well, although at times I wish Bill and Rebecca would speed up the evolution of RP's playlist. Overall RP is one of the best Internet radio stations you'll find, largely because you can tell that there are real people running it and real people listening.
fredriley wrote:
I strongly disagree. I tune to RP not to hear old stiff's music, though I do appreciate some of the older music such as this track, but to hear new music. My CD collection has at least quadrupled since I began listening to RP, with bands and artists of this millennium, this decade even. Porcupine Tree, Bat for Lashes, Black Keys, BRMC, and so many, many more, bands I'd never have heard, or even heard of, without RP. A gig thing I love about this station is that every day I hear something new. The other big thing is the eclectic mix, which I'd never hear elsewhere, and which continually surprises me. I think Bill and Becky do a terrific job.
Groove Shark, Pandora, iTunes. With so much options, I think Bill could do better. The challenge is to find fresh, new music. Unfortunately RP caters to old people who mostly like hearing things from 30 years ago. Every once in a while, Bill with play something new. When he does, and I happen to have it tuned here, I make a note.
fredriley wrote:
I strongly disagree. I tune to RP not to hear old stiff's music, though I do appreciate some of the older music such as this track, but to hear new music. My CD collection has at least quadrupled since I began listening to RP, with bands and artists of this millennium, this decade even. Porcupine Tree, Bat for Lashes, Black Keys, BRMC, and so many, many more, bands I'd never have heard, or even heard of, without RP. A gig thing I love about this station is that every day I hear something new. The other big thing is the eclectic mix, which I'd never hear elsewhere, and which continually surprises me. I think Bill and Becky do a terrific job.
We need a "LIKE" button for Fred's comment.
Groove Shark, Pandora, iTunes. With so much options, I think Bill could do better. The challenge is to find fresh, new music. Unfortunately RP caters to old people who mostly like hearing things from 30 years ago. Every once in a while, Bill with play something new. When he does, and I happen to have it tuned here, I make a note.
I strongly disagree. I tune to RP not to hear old stiff's music, though I do appreciate some of the older music such as this track, but to hear new music. My CD collection has at least quadrupled since I began listening to RP, with bands and artists of this millennium, this decade even. Porcupine Tree, Bat for Lashes, Black Keys, BRMC, and so many, many more, bands I'd never have heard, or even heard of, without RP. A gig thing I love about this station is that every day I hear something new. The other big thing is the eclectic mix, which I'd never hear elsewhere, and which continually surprises me. I think Bill and Becky do a terrific job.