Mark Knopfler — El Macho
Album: Sailing to PhiladelphiaAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1634
Length: 5:19
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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Your date has gone home
Now you're left on your own sweet own
Your tough - talkin' friend
Split on you in the bitter end
And you look like a fine thing Jerry
Yeh you look like a fine thing Jerry
They say you're a star
That's what the boys all say you are
I don't see much TV
So you don't mean shit to me
But you look like a fine thing Jerry
Yeh you look like a fine thing Jerry
They got a name for people like you
Yeh they do
And they got a name for people like me too
El Macho, El Macho
Now they want you to sing
Don't get shy or anything
The boys are all here
Gonna buy you another beer
'Cos you look like a fine thing Jerry
Yeh you look like a fine thing Jerry
El Macho, El Macho
Now you're left on your own sweet own
Your tough - talkin' friend
Split on you in the bitter end
And you look like a fine thing Jerry
Yeh you look like a fine thing Jerry
They say you're a star
That's what the boys all say you are
I don't see much TV
So you don't mean shit to me
But you look like a fine thing Jerry
Yeh you look like a fine thing Jerry
They got a name for people like you
Yeh they do
And they got a name for people like me too
El Macho, El Macho
Now they want you to sing
Don't get shy or anything
The boys are all here
Gonna buy you another beer
'Cos you look like a fine thing Jerry
Yeh you look like a fine thing Jerry
El Macho, El Macho
Comments (106)add comment
Best album cover !
(++rating)
marysclark wrote:
Rupert Murdoch smooth talking Jerry Hall ... hahahha
This is the only explanation of the lyrics that makes any sense to me. I think you are bang on.
Edit:
I guess the fact that this album was released sixteen years before Jerry Hall married Rupert Murdoch might disqualify your interpretation. I still choose to believe it is correct.
My favorite song on RP from Mark. Just love the mellow vibe it has. And the flugelhorn (by Mike Haynes I believe) is brilliant.
the_jake wrote:
Not sure if this is the Jerry referred to in the lyrics of this song.
Does any know?
These are the actual lyrics?? What are you talking about?
Not sure if this is the Jerry referred to in the lyrics of this song.
Does any know?
These are the actual lyrics?? What are you talking about?
He has so many. Thi like Privateer are underestimated!
Rupert Murdoch smooth talking Jerry Hall ... hahahha
https://images.app.goo.gl/4n66X7NhPN53RY6TA
EXCELLENT!! Thanx RP! 
My favorite MK solo album.
MJMJ wrote:
Not sure if this is the Jerry referred to in the lyrics of this song.
Does any know?
They say you're a star
That's what the boys all say you are
I don't see much TV
So you don't mean shit to me
But you look like a fine thing Jerry
Yeh you look like a fine thing Jerry
That's what the boys all say you are
I don't see much TV
So you don't mean shit to me
But you look like a fine thing Jerry
Yeh you look like a fine thing Jerry
Not sure if this is the Jerry referred to in the lyrics of this song.
Does any know?
SpencerAR wrote:
For an Englishman, it is perfect.
PRODUCER: Okay, so the name of the album will be "Sailing to Philadelphia". Give me ideas for what should be on the cover.
MARKETING: How about an airplane?
PRODUCER: Brilliant!
MARKETING: How about an airplane?
PRODUCER: Brilliant!
For an Englishman, it is perfect.
SpencerAR wrote:
He might have tried to sail to Philly...
PRODUCER: Okay, so the name of the album will be "Sailing to Philadelphia". Give me ideas for what should be on the cover.
MARKETING: How about an airplane?
PRODUCER: Brilliant!
MARKETING: How about an airplane?
PRODUCER: Brilliant!
He might have tried to sail to Philly...
This is such a different tune for Knopfler, great mix on this album.
PRODUCER: Okay, so the name of the album will be "Sailing to Philadelphia". Give me ideas for what should be on the cover.
MARKETING: How about an airplane?
PRODUCER: Brilliant!
MARKETING: How about an airplane?
PRODUCER: Brilliant!
didn't he used to play the guitar?
"They say you're a star
That's what the boys all say you are
I don't see much TV
So you don't mean shit to me
But you look like a fine thing, Jerry
Yea you look like a fine thing, Jerry"
Is Mark comparing himself with Jerry Seinfeld?
That's what the boys all say you are
I don't see much TV
So you don't mean shit to me
But you look like a fine thing, Jerry
Yea you look like a fine thing, Jerry"
Is Mark comparing himself with Jerry Seinfeld?
Knopfler is king. his music timeless.
Music for the elderly...Knopfler has had his days.
PeterMC3 wrote:
my own
Mark Knofler, David Byrne, Brian Eno, David Bowie - what other name would you add to this list...
my own
Mark Knofler, David Byrne, Brian Eno, David Bowie - what other name would you add to this list...
LizK wrote:
....... very
Cooool.
....... very
May 2013, the same transition. Wonder if Calexico was the next sing back in '09 too.
alux wrote:
alux wrote:
BB King to Knopfler: smooth to even smoother.
Tippster wrote:
That takes me back. I played flugel horn for my high school band, and being the only player I got more solo parts than when I was in the trumpet section. It does have a lovely smooth yet robust sound, halfway between the strident rasp of the trumpet and the super-smoothness of a cornet. Easy to play for a trumpet player, too, as it's got the same fingering.
Flugelhorn - always sounds more mellow than a trumpet.
That takes me back. I played flugel horn for my high school band, and being the only player I got more solo parts than when I was in the trumpet section. It does have a lovely smooth yet robust sound, halfway between the strident rasp of the trumpet and the super-smoothness of a cornet. Easy to play for a trumpet player, too, as it's got the same fingering.
Flugelhorn - always sounds more mellow than a trumpet.
Cooool.
Otomi wrote:
I'm listening to the CD right now. I remembered this discussion and clicked in to clear things up. The liner notes say that it's Mike Haynes on flugel horn. I guess they decided to go for a more subtle sound than a trumpet would have delivered. (Wayne Jackson plays trumpet on The Last Laugh, the preceding song on this album.) Prairie Wedding, with Gillian Welch and David Rawlings singing backup and Paul Franklin on pedal steel, just came up. It all sounds really good to me.
That's a real horn? Is Haynes some sort of robot? I guess it does sound a bit organic near the end, but the rest of the time he sounds like a Casio!
I'm listening to the CD right now. I remembered this discussion and clicked in to clear things up. The liner notes say that it's Mike Haynes on flugel horn. I guess they decided to go for a more subtle sound than a trumpet would have delivered. (Wayne Jackson plays trumpet on The Last Laugh, the preceding song on this album.) Prairie Wedding, with Gillian Welch and David Rawlings singing backup and Paul Franklin on pedal steel, just came up. It all sounds really good to me.
That's a real horn? Is Haynes some sort of robot? I guess it does sound a bit organic near the end, but the rest of the time he sounds like a Casio!
boober wrote:
They sure did...Boeing's are very expensive.
They spent a lot of money on that album cover.
They sure did...Boeing's are very expensive.
They spent a lot of money on that album cover.
Almost everything Mark has done gets at least a seven (7).
They say you're a star
That's what the boys all say you are
I don't see much TV
So you don't mean shit to me
But you look like a fine thing Jerry
Yeh you look like a fine thing Jerry
That's what the boys all say you are
I don't see much TV
So you don't mean shit to me
But you look like a fine thing Jerry
Yeh you look like a fine thing Jerry
davin wrote:
I knew someone must have made the comparison already. Leonard Cohen - just what I was thinking.
sounds like a pretty cheap synth played by an expensive musician. reminds me a lot of leonard cohen, reminds me of david lynch movies even more.
I knew someone must have made the comparison already. Leonard Cohen - just what I was thinking.
This entire LP is a 10+ imo. Love MK.
Otomi wrote:
...The liner notes say that it's Mike Haynes on flugel horn. I guess they decided to go for a more subtle sound than a trumpet would have delivered...
It takes a lot of restraint (and maybe some studio post processing) to produce such a dynamically flat legato. Pretty masterful. If the result sounds like a synth, but you're not quite sure, I think these folks have done their job quite well. The atmospheric created gives this piece just the right comic seriousness. WonderLizard wrote:
I'm listening to the CD right now. I remembered this discussion and clicked in to clear things up. The liner notes say that it's Mike Haynes on flugel horn. I guess they decided to go for a more subtle sound than a trumpet would have delivered. (Wayne Jackson plays trumpet on The Last Laugh, the preceding song on this album.) Prairie Wedding, with Gillian Welch and David Rawlings singing backup and Paul Franklin on pedal steel, just came up. It all sounds really good to me.
It's Wayne Jackson on trumpet.
I'm listening to the CD right now. I remembered this discussion and clicked in to clear things up. The liner notes say that it's Mike Haynes on flugel horn. I guess they decided to go for a more subtle sound than a trumpet would have delivered. (Wayne Jackson plays trumpet on The Last Laugh, the preceding song on this album.) Prairie Wedding, with Gillian Welch and David Rawlings singing backup and Paul Franklin on pedal steel, just came up. It all sounds really good to me.
jwb wrote:
I'm pretty sure that's just a synth.
It's Wayne Jackson on trumpet.
I'm pretty sure that's just a synth.
It's Wayne Jackson on trumpet.
In my opinion most of the Dire Straits records had the same synth flavor here and there (exept the first two ones). On the other hand I think this is a great song and fine mixed, so the trumpet does not bother me this much.
zair99 wrote:
Yes, but a trumpety synth!
Yes, but it would be even better if it were a real trumpet or a cornet.
Yes, but a trumpety synth!
Yes, but it would be even better if it were a real trumpet or a cornet.
jwb wrote:
I'm pretty sure that's just a synth.
Yes, but a trumpety synth!
I'm pretty sure that's just a synth.
Yes, but a trumpety synth!
BB King to Knopfler: smooth to even smoother.
I still like Mark Knopflers Music!
stkman wrote:
I'm pretty sure that's just a synth.
Knopfler just doesn't do anythng halfass, I love this with trumpet great song
I'm pretty sure that's just a synth.
Oh! I get it! Macho. This song is anything but macho. Little joke there, eh, Mark? Heheh. fredriley wrote:
.......smoother than mercury on glass........
Could not be stated more perfectly!Surefire cure for stress: Listen to Mark Knopfler sing anything
Knopfler just doesn't do anythng halfass, I love this with trumpet great song
Same old Knopfler - smoother than mercury on glass, and that's smooth. 7 from the Nottingham jury.
ziggytrix wrote:
Just my opinion, but if he'd used a real trumpet here, even one played by a second year high school band, it would have been a perfectly enjoyable song. As it is, the horrid brass synth (the rest of the synths sound fine IMO) drags down the whole thing for me.
I have an issue with that, too. He could afford the best session trumpeter money can buy.
Sadly, Joni Mitchell's newest album is guilty of the same thing. Synth bassoon, horns and strings (the latter is least offensive)...but a REAL sax player. I just don't get it.
Bosonator wrote:
Lots of flak about the fake horns, but what if that's the way it's supposed to sound?
Just my opinion, but if he'd used a real trumpet here, even one played by a second year high school band, it would have been a perfectly enjoyable song. As it is, the horrid brass synth (the rest of the synths sound fine IMO) drags down the whole thing for me.
mbrailer wrote:
Whenever I hear "El Macho" I can't help but wonder what happens to the guy El Macho is singing to -- the hapless TV star who's apparently trapped in this bar by El Macho and his thugs. Does he get away safely? Does he end up naked in a Dumpster somewhere? Or is it (shudder) something even worse?
It's a rare pop song that lets me use my own imagination, so that's why I particularly admire this song.
Good post. I'd never really listened to the words before, but I looked after reading your post. I wonder too about the untold story.
And the fake horns are cheesy, but I'm sure that's intentional. It's the cheesy Casio organ sound you might hear in a cheesy bar where El Macho hangs out. That said, they still grate on me. Fortunately, Bill always has the anti-cheese horns of Calexico ready to remedy the situation.
sounds like a pretty cheap synth played by an expensive musician. reminds me a lot of leonard cohen, reminds me of david lynch movies even more.
too much mark knopfler and dire straits.
Bosonator wrote:
Lots of flak about the fake horns, but what if that's the way it's supposed to sound?
At least he laid off the boring guitar solo. To me, better than his usual but then, I don't like his usual.
commercial radio just friggin' sucks.
why on earth have I never heard of this song before?
FM radio is dead. and now it looks like the same fate is bearing down on internet radio.
@#$%*()^%$ record companies.... may the reap all that they deserve
Lots of flak about the fake horns, but what if that's the way it's supposed to sound? Don't get me wrong... synthesized instruments *are* generally overly and badly used, but sometimes it's just the effect that the song needs (and I'd say that's the case here).
Yeah, fake horns...but, great grooooove... 
physicsgenius wrote:
I am always happy to be provided with an opportunity to rate a Mark Knopfler song to 1.
PhizzleGen, you rock, man! You're wrong and I'd walk a mile to defend your right to be That wrong.
Rock on PG!
An outstanding song for the bedroom!
Don't worry, PG's not really hateful, just a tad misguided and prone to sloppy hyperbole.
And now, every time Bill plays Kopfler, the image of PG having to listen to him yet again makes it all the more fun
rgrace wrote:
rgrace wrote:
I hate to think of somone being locked into such a hateful, small world as this guy....
el yawno. . . 
nice fake horns. offers steve a altoid. for the breath.
dot.
El Yesso!!!! 
Anything goes well with the ending of the Hits thing. But Knopfler is a touch of class.
Wow, I never realized how well this song goes with "Hits of Sunshine" until Bill played them together.
I bought this CD after hearing it here - most excellent
just what i needed after work today - chilled served somethings
now, that's a cheap keyboard.
Dotman wrote:
weeee. fake horns. nice touch.
dot.
weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Distinctive voice and guitar playing, obviously, though this is one of the lesser cuts on this CD, in my opinion. Have *Ragpicker Dream* CD in the Focus right now, and *Shangri-La* is solid CD, too. *Golden Heart* CD has some good moments, though it's rather subdued. Any Dire Straits, or MK CD is great to fire up after not hearing the sound for a couple of months. For some reason, *Fade to Black* on the *On Every Street* Straits CD is one of my favorites.
not a knopfler fan (ok, i hate most of his stuff). but this blends in nicely with the sonic youth tune, hits of sunshine just before. strikingly similar melody lines.
funkaholic wrote:
Typical Knopfler. Not that that's bad, mind you. But does this guy ever rock?
Let me do you a favor. Go on Amazon, get a used version of 'Live From the BBC' or "On the Night".I got 'em for two bucks each. Listen. Full volume, top down, exceeding the local speed limit, on the way to the beach, golf course, etc. He does indeed ROCK.IMHO.
physicsgenius wrote:
I am always happy to be provided with an opportunity to rate a Mark Knopfler song to 1.
Harry Belafonte he' isn't.
physicsgenius wrote:
I am always happy to be provided with an opportunity to rate a Mark Knopfler song to 1.
I hate to think of somone being locked into such a hateful, small world as this guy....
froggy wrote:
I read Pynchon's novel Mason & Dixon about the same time I got this album. The song "Sailing to Philadelphia" is a perfect distillation of a novel that is about a ga-jillion pages long. Speedway at Nazareth is absolutely hypnotic.
As a side note, it must be a thrill for physics(dumbass)genius to be despised by peoples of so many countries.
Yes, physics(dumbass)genius is either that, or a brilliant marketing plan! Ha Ha.
bluelight wrote:
this is a great track off an outstanding album.
"Sailing to Philadelphia" is like a thirteen course meal at a four star restaurant. The musical flavors interact well with each other. Starts out slow and smooth with the title track, builds nicely without rushing. "El macho" and "Baloney again" have great guitar & organ work with the up tempo "do america" added in the middle courses. The dessert course has to be "speedway at nazareth".
not to be missed. 
I read Pynchon's novel Mason & Dixon about the same time I got this album. The song "Sailing to Philadelphia" is a perfect distillation of a novel that is about a ga-jillion pages long. Speedway at Nazareth is absolutely hypnotic.
As a side note, it must be a thrill for physics(dumbass)genius to be despised by peoples of so many countries.
Being subtle at his songcraft doesn't mean Mark Knopfler has to be this dull. Listenable but with a slow pulse.
Quien es mas macho? Fernando Lamas o Ricardo Montoban?
Nice easy tune, this is.
Whenever I hear "El Macho" I can't help but wonder what happens to the guy El Macho is singing to -- the hapless TV star who's apparently trapped in this bar by El Macho and his thugs. Does he get away safely? Does he end up naked in a Dumpster somewhere? Or is it (shudder) something even worse?
It's a rare pop song that lets me use my own imagination, so that's why I particularly admire this song.
physicsgenius wrote:
I am always happy to be provided with an opportunity to rate a Mark Knopfler song to 1.
If physicsgenius is happy, we're happy! :) All happiness!!!!
I am always happy to be provided with an opportunity to rate a Mark Knopfler song to 1.
yogaboat wrote:
I'm digging the mellow rock groove Mark Knopfler exhibits on both this cd and Ragpicker's Dream. Love the guy!
If you like these....Try his new "Shangri-La" record. You'll love it.
bluelight wrote:
this is a great track off an outstanding album.
"Sailing to Philadelphia" is like a thirteen course meal at a four star restaurant. The musical flavors interact well with each other. Starts out slow and smooth with the title track, builds nicely without rushing. "El macho" and "Baloney again" have great guitar & organ work with the up tempo "do america" added in the middle courses. The dessert course has to be "speedway at nazareth".
not to be missed.
Yep -- Good Eats!
I'm digging the mellow rock groove Mark Knopfler exhibits on both this cd and Ragpicker's Dream. Love the guy!
funkaholic wrote:
Elevator music. Doesn't this guy ROCK anymore?
You rock, funkaholic. Don't ever let them take that away from you.
Where was the guitar solo? A Knopfler tune without a guitar solo? And if he played one and I missed it, well, that doesn't say much about the solo.
I will admit I'm working, but I usually come out of any depth of concentration to enjoy a few Knopfler licks.
Oh, no! Ya gotta give props to Mr, K. That's an 8.
this is a great track off an outstanding album.
"Sailing to Philadelphia" is like a thirteen course meal at a four star restaurant. The musical flavors interact well with each other. Starts out slow and smooth with the title track, builds nicely without rushing. "El macho" and "Baloney again" have great guitar & organ work with the up tempo "do america" added in the middle courses. The dessert course has to be "speedway at nazareth".
not to be missed.
Dotman wrote:
weeee. fake horns. nice touch.
dot.
Yeah, I thought that too. What's up with that? Did he want to make it all himself and didn't want to learn trumpet? Sounds cheesy, even though the song is fine.
EDIT: AMGing reveals that both a trumpet and flugelhorn appear on the album. I guess it does sound a tad flugelly. But that doesn't mean I have to like it -- it's still kind of an affected sound, eh?
Hey, what kinda record is this?! Trainmantim doesn't remember listening to it and Spliff doesn't remember buying it!
Just took a road trip to Texas and this CD stayed in the player most of the time. I don't remember even buying it. Made the trip
Any idea who this song is about? Jerry who?
Elevator music. Doesn't this guy ROCK anymore?
trainmantim wrote:
Sounds like so many other artists -- 15 minutes from now I won't remember it at all, but it doesn't suck. :-!
Name five, make a case, then we'll talk. :?
Typical Knopfler. Not that that's bad, mind you. But does this guy ever rock?
vorkosigan wrote:
Knopfler is, as usual, wonderful. :) Still, this one didn't hit me right away. Might take a few more listens.
J
It is sounding better to me. This will "age" nicely. Drink responsibly.
Knopfler is, as usual, wonderful. :) Still, this one didn\'t hit me right away. Might take a few more listens.
J
weeee. fake horns. nice touch.
dot.
This is more like it-----great for a rainy afternoon :roll:
Originally Posted by trainmantim:
Sounds like so many other artists -- 15 minutes from now I won't remember it at all, but it doesn't suck. :-!
Mark Knopfler has a very distinctive voice and guitar style. You must not have a very good memory. Gingko Biloba helps. 
PRODUCER: Okay, so the name of the album will be "Sailing to Philadelphia". Give me ideas for what should be on the cover.
MARKETING: How about an airplane?
PRODUCER: Brilliant!
Fucking right?