Dire Straits — Brothers In Arms
Album: Brothers In ArmsAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 5933
Length: 6:34
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These mist covered mountains
Are a home now for me
But my home is the lowlands
And always will be
Some day you'll return to
Your valleys and your farms
And you'll no longer burn
To be brothers in arms
Through these fields of destruction
Baptisms of fire
I've witnessed your suffering
As the battle raged higher
And though they did hurt me so bad
In the fear and alarm
You did not desert me
My brothers in arms
There's so many different worlds
So many different suns
And we have just one world
But we live in different ones
Now the sun's gone to hell
And the moon's riding high
Let me bid you farewell
Every man has to die
But it's written in the starlight
And every line in your palm
We're fools to make war
On our brothers in arms
Are a home now for me
But my home is the lowlands
And always will be
Some day you'll return to
Your valleys and your farms
And you'll no longer burn
To be brothers in arms
Through these fields of destruction
Baptisms of fire
I've witnessed your suffering
As the battle raged higher
And though they did hurt me so bad
In the fear and alarm
You did not desert me
My brothers in arms
There's so many different worlds
So many different suns
And we have just one world
But we live in different ones
Now the sun's gone to hell
And the moon's riding high
Let me bid you farewell
Every man has to die
But it's written in the starlight
And every line in your palm
We're fools to make war
On our brothers in arms
Comments (880)add comment
This is a great example of how incredibly emotive Mark Knopfler's guitar playing is. Oftentimes when listening to his work, the guitar is saying much more than the lyrics which are almost more spoken than sung.
bindi wrote:
Bill could consider adding an 11 to the 1-10 Scale. Call it "Spinal Tap".
I don't give out too many "Godlikes", but I kind of wish that there was an 11 for this!
Bill could consider adding an 11 to the 1-10 Scale. Call it "Spinal Tap".
Such a great tune. How did I only have it rated a 9? Changing that right now. 10 all day long.
This post got me years ago, I needed to look it up again.
Bravo for this, Aegean.
Aegean wrote:
Really? Hmmm....
In the first verse, a chastened narrator laments his youthful eagerness for battle, which he now considers to have been a mistake (And you'll no longer burn/ To be brothers in arms), one that has forever torn him from the peaceful life he once knew (But my home is the lowlands/ And always will be) and left him irreparably damaged, alienated and isolated (These mist covered mountains/ Are a home now for me).
In the second verse, he wistfully recalls the bonds of loyalty a shared adversity had created between himself and his comrades (Through these fields of destruction/ Baptisms of fire.../ You did not desert me/ My brothers in arms).
In the third verse, he has shed the blinders of his youthful ignorance to realize that, although there are countless stars and planets in the vastness of the universe (There's so many different worlds/ So many different suns), we who inhabit one and the same planet have allowed the artificial barriers of culture and nationalism to fragmented us into mutually hostile camps (And we have just one world/ But we live in different ones).
In the final verse, he has stepped back to recognize what now has become obvious to him (But it's written in the starlight/ And every line on your palm), that those he and his brothers in arms had thought of as "the enemy" also considered themselves brothers in arms, within their own borders. He concludes that not only his comrades, but also their adversaries are his brothers in arms, and that he had been a fool to make war on them (Were fools to make war/ On our brothers in arms).
Seems pretty straightforward to me. Perhaps you had to be there. I learned my lessons in Vietnam. A new generation is now learning its lessons in Iraq which, like Vietnam, is a country that never attacked us.
"Brothers in Arms" is arguably the most melodically sublime antiwar song since Buffy Sainte-Marie's "Universal Soldier". If you don't know about Buffy Sainte-Marie, check her out here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGWsGyNsw00
Bravo for this, Aegean.
Aegean wrote:
Really? Hmmm....
In the first verse, a chastened narrator laments his youthful eagerness for battle, which he now considers to have been a mistake (And you'll no longer burn/ To be brothers in arms), one that has forever torn him from the peaceful life he once knew (But my home is the lowlands/ And always will be) and left him irreparably damaged, alienated and isolated (These mist covered mountains/ Are a home now for me).
In the second verse, he wistfully recalls the bonds of loyalty a shared adversity had created between himself and his comrades (Through these fields of destruction/ Baptisms of fire.../ You did not desert me/ My brothers in arms).
In the third verse, he has shed the blinders of his youthful ignorance to realize that, although there are countless stars and planets in the vastness of the universe (There's so many different worlds/ So many different suns), we who inhabit one and the same planet have allowed the artificial barriers of culture and nationalism to fragmented us into mutually hostile camps (And we have just one world/ But we live in different ones).
In the final verse, he has stepped back to recognize what now has become obvious to him (But it's written in the starlight/ And every line on your palm), that those he and his brothers in arms had thought of as "the enemy" also considered themselves brothers in arms, within their own borders. He concludes that not only his comrades, but also their adversaries are his brothers in arms, and that he had been a fool to make war on them (Were fools to make war/ On our brothers in arms).
Seems pretty straightforward to me. Perhaps you had to be there. I learned my lessons in Vietnam. A new generation is now learning its lessons in Iraq which, like Vietnam, is a country that never attacked us.
"Brothers in Arms" is arguably the most melodically sublime antiwar song since Buffy Sainte-Marie's "Universal Soldier". If you don't know about Buffy Sainte-Marie, check her out here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGWsGyNsw00
Knopfler, like Gilmour, coaxes some of the sweetest, fattest, almost sax-like notes out of his instrument...
I was just thinking about this song's placement in the final episode of The Americans. It was perfect.
Brilliant transition from Good People - Mumford & Sons. Time to donate.
As if this isn't a 10
Great song.
Malheureusement, des paroles toujours et trop souvent d'actualité
Genius.
lizardking wrote:
I also like 'Virgin Rock', a.k.a. Amy Shaferarts. Here's a link to her 'first listen' to Brothers in Arms.
I'm guessing it's either from the yt channel "Virgin Rock" (yt vid title matches William's comment) or "Doug Helvering" (one of my faves)
Doug's cool because he gives a good musical sense to what he hears, he's laid back too, and check out his reaction to Ren's "Hi Ren"
Long Live RP and all of William's, especially those that inspire additional discussion!!
Doug's cool because he gives a good musical sense to what he hears, he's laid back too, and check out his reaction to Ren's "Hi Ren"
Long Live RP and all of William's, especially those that inspire additional discussion!!
I also like 'Virgin Rock', a.k.a. Amy Shaferarts. Here's a link to her 'first listen' to Brothers in Arms.
This just came on during a thunderstorm in my area. Perfect timing.
bseib wrote:
I'm guessing it's either from the yt channel "Virgin Rock" (yt vid title matches William's comment) or "Doug Helvering" (one of my faves)
Doug's cool because he gives a good musical sense to what he hears, he's laid back too, and check out his reaction to Ren's "Hi Ren"
Long Live RP and all of William's, especially those that inspire additional discussion!!
@BillG you just mentioned a youtube video w/ a classical musicians reaction to this song, but there are actually several matching that search. Which one did you mean?
Doug's cool because he gives a good musical sense to what he hears, he's laid back too, and check out his reaction to Ren's "Hi Ren"
Long Live RP and all of William's, especially those that inspire additional discussion!!
Hey_Porter wrote:
This is what I envision every time I hear this song. Obviously the song stands on its own (!!!!), but this episode - this scene - and the series, for that matter - some of the best television ever!
I remember a season of West Wing wrapping up with this song playing, accompanied by an extreme closeup of President Bartlett (Martin Sheen) at a press conference before the screen went black.
This is what I envision every time I hear this song. Obviously the song stands on its own (!!!!), but this episode - this scene - and the series, for that matter - some of the best television ever!
@BillG you just mentioned a youtube video w/ a classical musicians reaction to this song, but there are actually several matching that search. Which one did you mean?
The minute this track starts I feel the tears falling .... even without words this track would break my heart. Absolutely beautiful. His guitar pulls at my heart.
Dire Straits, thank you.
❤️
Dire Straits, thank you.
❤️
Nice segue from Idan Raichel
BosniaMan wrote:
Rough translation: "I learned mathematics and physics by this album and a lamp. Beautiful times. hello."
Prekrasan komentar. Hvala. Beautiful comment. Thank you.
ucio fiziku i matematiku uz ovaj album i lampu., lijepa vremena., pozdrav
Rough translation: "I learned mathematics and physics by this album and a lamp. Beautiful times. hello."
Prekrasan komentar. Hvala. Beautiful comment. Thank you.
ucio fiziku i matematiku uz ovaj album i lampu., lijepa vremena., pozdrav
But it's written in the starlight
And every line in your palm
We're fools to make war
On our brothers in arms
Key line:
We're fools to make war
And every line in your palm
We're fools to make war
On our brothers in arms
Key line:
We're fools to make war
A Gorgeous song that closed an album that was a10! The organ work is brilliant along with the guitar. ALSO, one of the best videos ever on MTV!
every time this song comes on I crank the volume up to almost full blast!
859 comments in and I'm surprised no one has pointed out that the opening sounds a lot like Jean-Michel Jarre.
By the way, where are all those comments? I'm only seeing about 150 on this page.
Silvervanman wrote:
keeps you coming back for more :)
Never got why a solo going strong has to be faded out.
keeps you coming back for more :)
Gentle. Subtle. Beautiful.
Never got why a solo going strong has to be faded out.
ncarus wrote:
Indeed. Ukraine, Jemen, Syria, Afghanistan and too many more countries where having a roof over your head and a safe place to sleep isn't as logical as it is for most of us.
Realizing this makes you (me at least) a bit more appreciative of the lucky place I'm in. Cause sometimes it's just that: luck. A role of the dice.
A heart sent Thoughts and Prayers.
This awesome and emotive track takes a new level of significance of meaning with the dreadful events unfolding in Ukraine. Let's all play it every day to keep those poor and unbelievably brave people at the forefront of our minds.
Indeed. Ukraine, Jemen, Syria, Afghanistan and too many more countries where having a roof over your head and a safe place to sleep isn't as logical as it is for most of us.
Realizing this makes you (me at least) a bit more appreciative of the lucky place I'm in. Cause sometimes it's just that: luck. A role of the dice.
A heart sent Thoughts and Prayers.
you see...
a good guitar song...
is a good guitar song
a good guitar song...
is a good guitar song
kingart wrote:
Gee, that's very nice of you.
That Dire Straits has some nice tunes is quite an understatement.
Just another jerk who has never seen the best episode of Miami Vice.
Gee, that's very nice of you.
That Dire Straits has some nice tunes is quite an understatement.
Just another jerk who has never seen the best episode of Miami Vice.
I still remember the scene from "The West Wing" that used this song as the soundtrack. Powerful stuff!
Lovely song, but an absolute ripoff of Snowy White's "Bird of Paradise" :-(
This awesome and emotive track takes a new level of significance of meaning with the dreadful events unfolding in Ukraine. Let's all play it every day to keep those poor and unbelievably brave people at the forefront of our minds.
Un classic parmi les grands classics du rock et depuis 1985 j'en ai toujours les poils qui se lèvent.....
Good tune!
Through these fields of destruction ....... this song speaks to me, brings strong emotion, and someday we shall return to our valleys and our farms , wow i just love this.
Hey_Porter wrote:
One of the most memorable scenes of that incredibly fantastic show.
I remember a season of West Wing wrapping up with this song playing, accompanied by an extreme closeup of President Bartlett (Martin Sheen) at a press conference before the screen went black.
One of the most memorable scenes of that incredibly fantastic show.
When that last guitar solo comes in…
Song is still powerful and reminds me deeply of years when war raged in my country. Perfect 10.
Just in case you don't know about Mark Knopfler's live recorded concerts, he has played Brothers in Arms quite a bit over the years. You can buy the soundboard recordings on his web site and they are quite excellent, both in song selection from his long, illustrious career and the quality of the unedited recordings. Highly recommended and thanks for playing a wonderful, heartfelt song!
the beginning of the end of the Cold War - you could feel it in the air
First heard this in a Rememberance Day ceremony in high school, around 1992. Had to find out where it came from and I think out of that I bought the album. This is the first 10 I've given out. Still gives me shivers.
Yes, it gently weeps so beautifully Stratocaster wrote:
That guitar solo near the end.....OMG
i've been listening this song since 1985... still love it like the first time
Easter wrote:
Amen to what you say here, brother, especially to the organ part. Thanks for pointing that out.
You've got ears, my friend.
Had to look up if someone had the same idea about that organ part at the end. And yes, there are fellow listeners who are on the same level!
Amen to what you say here, brother, especially to the organ part. Thanks for pointing that out.
You've got ears, my friend.
Had to look up if someone had the same idea about that organ part at the end. And yes, there are fellow listeners who are on the same level!
A command to listen at any volume............... but 10 is best
That guitar solo near the end.....OMG
I don't give out too many "Godlikes", but I kind of wish that there was an 11 for this!
So beautiful song 
On_The_Beach wrote:
There are a few usual suspects. Some of them also have sock puppets.
37 listeners voted "Sucko Barfo"?
Ted Nugent? Kid Rock? Who are the other 35?
Ted Nugent? Kid Rock? Who are the other 35?
There are a few usual suspects. Some of them also have sock puppets.
37 listeners voted "Sucko Barfo"?
Ted Nugent? Kid Rock? Who are the other 35?
Ted Nugent? Kid Rock? Who are the other 35?
Pas de concurrence depuis toutes ces années !
Elsabe wrote:
Laughing a bit... I turned up the volume, then came over to see what others had to say about this one. HaHa! Seems like the thing to do.
- Faithful_Fool wrote:
I concur. Actually reached over a 2nd time to turn it up more.
Exactly - immediately reached for the volume button....
I concur. Actually reached over a 2nd time to turn it up more.
Exactly - immediately reached for the volume button....
Laughing a bit... I turned up the volume, then came over to see what others had to say about this one. HaHa! Seems like the thing to do.
- Faithful_Fool wrote:
I concur. Actually reached over a 2nd time to turn it up more.
Exactly - immediately reached for the volume button....
I concur. Actually reached over a 2nd time to turn it up more.
Exactly - immediately reached for the volume button....
expatlar wrote:
I concur. Actually reached over a 2nd time to turn it up more.
Funny how this one just keeps makin' ya' reach over and turn it up a little...
I concur. Actually reached over a 2nd time to turn it up more.
westslope wrote:
It's not just female vets. The suicide rate among Vietnam vets (not sure the percentage of females among Vietnam vets) is also very high.
Listened to an NPR podcast this morning that informed me of the very high suicide rates among American female veterans.
Tragic.
Tragic.
It's not just female vets. The suicide rate among Vietnam vets (not sure the percentage of females among Vietnam vets) is also very high.
AKMacAddict wrote:
And worth the repeat, to start the day off right!
A solid 10, for one of my all time top ten. Hadn't heard it on RP before. Quite a pleasant surprise when it came up in the rotation this evening. Thanks!
And worth the repeat, to start the day off right!
What is this today, some classic Rock playlist? Excellent choice! 
A solid 10, for one of my all time top ten. Hadn't heard it on RP before. Quite a pleasant surprise when it came up in the rotation this evening. Thanks!
Dosequis wrote:
Not gonna look at some stupid ass Hollywood TV show.
Are you always a little b*&ch?
Here is the link for anyone with taste:
Good Scene from a show that featured A+ music
Search: Miami Vice "Where the Buses Don't Run" ... So good. This song is great!
Are you always a little b*&ch?
Here is the link for anyone with taste:
Good Scene from a show that featured A+ music
yep - definately a glitch in this - while listening on the app for mac: rudely cut off in the middle of the climax on the end (a true crime
in a perfect flow)
in a perfect flow) Tippster wrote:
Dave Matthews fans, fckrs.
I'm just stunned that 37 people gave this a "1."
Dave Matthews fans, fckrs.
Listened to an NPR podcast this morning that informed me of the very high suicide rates among American female veterans.
Tragic.
Tragic.
Best musical indictment against war I've ever heard
Funny how this one just keeps makin' ya' reach over and turn it up a little...
I remember a season of West Wing wrapping up with this song playing, accompanied by an extreme closeup of President Bartlett (Martin Sheen) at a press conference before the screen went black.
One of their very, very best. You can almost fee; the mountains of Scotland, England, or many other countries. Thanks for playing.
This is one of the greatest tracks this station plays. Grabs me every time.
Whew.
Good memories, and can still listen to this any time....
Great tune - incredible lead guitar melody
Not a Dire Straits fan but this is a solid 9 all day long.
NY Times 12-23-16:
"President-elect Donald J. Trump on Friday intensified his threat to “expand” America’s nuclear arsenal, saying he was willing to restart a nuclear arms race . . ."
"President-elect Donald J. Trump on Friday intensified his threat to “expand” America’s nuclear arsenal, saying he was willing to restart a nuclear arms race . . ."
Gratitude for playing my fav song from their best album!
thanks Bill, healthy 2017 and beyond!
Very fine.
Cueburned wrote:
That'd be Bruce McGill. I ran a recording studio in Santa Barbara some time back and Bruce came in to do a commercial VO. I set up the studio and engineered the recording. We got a chance to chat between takes. I told him how much I liked Animal House and that I dug his performance as D-Day. He looked at me, stepped up to the mic and performed the Lone Ranger Theme by flicking his fingers on his throat - just like in the movie. What a cool thing to do for a fan.
That is really awesome! I LOLed. A life-changing moment, I bet.
"Daniel Simpson Day...has no grade point average."
That'd be Bruce McGill. I ran a recording studio in Santa Barbara some time back and Bruce came in to do a commercial VO. I set up the studio and engineered the recording. We got a chance to chat between takes. I told him how much I liked Animal House and that I dug his performance as D-Day. He looked at me, stepped up to the mic and performed the Lone Ranger Theme by flicking his fingers on his throat - just like in the movie. What a cool thing to do for a fan.
That is really awesome! I LOLed. A life-changing moment, I bet.
"Daniel Simpson Day...has no grade point average."
Absolutely outstanding. It is one of their finest songs.
So much feeling.
I would rate his guitar playing as one of the finest around, and very close to Dave Gilmour.
Thanks for playing it this evening!
jimtyrrell wrote:
Amen to what you say here, brother, especially to the organ part. Thanks for pointing that out.
You've got ears, my friend.
This is the best of one the best albums ever. 9
War is such bullshit! Great lyrics and guitar and I love the organ part towards the end.
War is such bullshit! Great lyrics and guitar and I love the organ part towards the end.
Amen to what you say here, brother, especially to the organ part. Thanks for pointing that out.
You've got ears, my friend.
GuiltyFeat wrote:
Gee, that's very nice of you.
That Dire Straits has some nice tunes is quite an understatement.
Never been a Dire Straits fanboy. Never bought this album on CD. They have some nice tunes. This is one of their nicest.
Gee, that's very nice of you.
That Dire Straits has some nice tunes is quite an understatement.
LizK wrote:
If Mark Knopfler never did anything else....
Never been a Dire Straits fanboy. Never bought this album on CD. They have some nice tunes. This is one of their nicest.
In today's world nothing could be more apt 😢
ShaunJ wrote:
There is a simple explanation for that. Those 37 peeps only have taste in their mouths, not in music
LOL!
It was easy to rate this one a 10.
There is a simple explanation for that. Those 37 peeps only have taste in their mouths, not in music
LOL!
It was easy to rate this one a 10.
A few years ago I was taking a taxi to the airport in Brussels, Belgium at 4:00 AM. This song was playing on the radio in the cab as we rode through the dark streets. Needless to say, I enjoyed the ride.
Tippster wrote:
There is a simple explanation for that. Those 37 peeps only have taste in their mouths, not in music
I'm just stunned that 37 people gave this a "1."
There is a simple explanation for that. Those 37 peeps only have taste in their mouths, not in music
Sunman wrote:
Amen to that. An extraordinary track.
There aren't many songs I will listen to multiple times in a row but this is one of them.
Amen to that. An extraordinary track.
This song has always moved me, but hearing it today of all days is spine tingling.
Just a few hours ago I finally received a copy of Hell Upon Earth, a book about Canadian soldiers in WWI. It includes an account of my grandfather being wounded at Vimy Ridge.... before he returned to his farm in the valley.
I've been immersed in WWI memorabilia and history all day.
Thank you, Bill, for providing the soundtrack.
Just a few hours ago I finally received a copy of Hell Upon Earth, a book about Canadian soldiers in WWI. It includes an account of my grandfather being wounded at Vimy Ridge.... before he returned to his farm in the valley.
I've been immersed in WWI memorabilia and history all day.
Thank you, Bill, for providing the soundtrack.
10. Solid 10.
I'm just stunned that 37 people gave this a "1."
Out-freakin-standing. Along with David Gilmour, one of my favorite guitarists.
There aren't many songs I will listen to multiple times in a row but this is one of them.
Great tune, keep playing it
A masterwork. One of the best musical indictments against war I've ever listened to.
I always think of the Miami Vice episode this was used in. I think the guy that played D-Day in Animal House was in it.
March 15th - what a string ...
- Queen - show must go on (RIP Freddie)
- ELP - Karn Evil 9 (RIP Keith)
- Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms (is there something we don't know yet about Mr Knopffler?)
Anyway, what a haunting melody, beautiful mournful guitar...
- Queen - show must go on (RIP Freddie)
- ELP - Karn Evil 9 (RIP Keith)
- Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms (is there something we don't know yet about Mr Knopffler?)
Anyway, what a haunting melody, beautiful mournful guitar...
This is the best of one the best albums ever. 9
War is such bullshit! Great lyrics and guitar and I love the organ part towards the end.
War is such bullshit! Great lyrics and guitar and I love the organ part towards the end.
If James Joyce had written songs, instead of prose masterpieces, this would have been one of his.
What a timeless theme, perfectly expressed. +10.
What a timeless theme, perfectly expressed. +10.
together we stand , divided we fall brudder
Not gonna look at some stupid ass Hollywood TV show.
Search: Miami Vice "Where the Buses Don't Run" ... So good. This song is great!
Search: Miami Vice "Where the Buses Don't Run" ... So good. This song is great!
dickmahoon wrote:
There's not a bad song on this album, in my opinion...
there are a bunch that were/are overplayed and i never want to hear ever again... but they're still remarkably good songs.
This makes up for all the shite at the start of the album...
There's not a bad song on this album, in my opinion...
there are a bunch that were/are overplayed and i never want to hear ever again... but they're still remarkably good songs.
hayduke2 wrote:
The boast of heraldry, the pomp of pow'r,
And all that beauty, all that wealth e'er gave,
Awaits alike th'inevitable hour.
The paths of glory lead but to the grave
.
thank you for that
The boast of heraldry, the pomp of pow'r,
And all that beauty, all that wealth e'er gave,
Awaits alike th'inevitable hour.
The paths of glory lead but to the grave
.
thank you for that
If Mark Knopfler never did anything else....
OMG I woke up this morning with this song in my head.
This makes up for all the shite at the start of the album...
imklammer wrote:
The West Wing was never better than this. A 12!
Hey Bill
How about one 11 per person? Can change your mind over time?
Just suggesting
R
How about one 11 per person? Can change your mind over time?
Just suggesting
R
The West Wing was never better than this. A 12!
Hey Bill
How about one 11 per person? Can change your mind over time?
Just suggesting
R
How about one 11 per person? Can change your mind over time?
Just suggesting
R
transcendental..
Life pause.
It's a good job all songs aren't as good as this otherwise I'd never get anything done.
It's a good job all songs aren't as good as this otherwise I'd never get anything done.
8 > 9. A very moving and deeply heartfelt track. A guitar seldom or never gets more soulful.
hugogdt wrote:
How about a 12. This is so great. Read the wiki story when time allows
Can I put another 10 ?
How about a 12. This is so great. Read the wiki story when time allows
So good 
Heavy summer rain and thunderstorms at the moment ... song fits the weather
I used to play Dungeons and Dragons. This was my theme song I'd play in my head. I kid you not...
fredriley wrote:
Well, I never thought I'd see 'Ull mentioned on RP. I spent 10 mostly happy years in Tenfoot City back in the 90s, and still return there regularly. It's a small world, eh? ;-)
See you there for the European City of Culture next year then...
Well, I never thought I'd see 'Ull mentioned on RP. I spent 10 mostly happy years in Tenfoot City back in the 90s, and still return there regularly. It's a small world, eh? ;-)
See you there for the European City of Culture next year then...
divis wrote:
Goosebumps, every time.
AGREED