Dire Straits - Money For Nothing | REACTION

[@klub5158]

This guitar riff still gives me goosebumps to this day. Every. Single. Time.

[@TheDivayenta]

That guitar burping and bouncing is incredible.

[@MBP208]

Impossible to listen without a stankface

[@gabrielbotsford791]

Yep yep. Every. Single. Time.

[@michaelblanton9167]

EVERY SINGLE TIME!!!

[@stephj9378]

That intro really takes us to church!

[@leehanson1416]

Legend has it that Mark Knoffler actually heard this conversation between a couple of delivery guys at an appliance store.

[@digitalis2977]

In a cafe at lunchtime, actually...with MTV on in the background.

[@damonbryan7232]

Heard the same story

[@ashleetines33]

Lee Hanson that’s correct 👍🏻

[@stephenriggs8177]

And they didn't get a cent. 🙄

[@eddiepiszczek4820]

Not just that he heard them having this conversation but that they were talking about him I heard.

[@daleboxsell2805]

Money for nothing has one of the best opening guitar riffs ever.

[@hawkmoon128k5]

The best by far

[@penquin2000]

and then they made it better in the parody Beverly hillbillys

[@LastEarBender]

I always use it to test out speakers

[@EricGallant24]

Another one of my favourite is the opening to She Sells Sanctuary by the Cult

[@wyattjeter7891]

Right next to Mean Street by Van Halen.

[@fadetoblack1026]

Fun fact: When Weird Al Yankovic contacted Mark Knopfler to get permission to parody this song, Mark agreed on the condition that he be the one to play guitar on the song.

[@OldAussieAds]

That's not my recollection. I thought I remember Knopfler agreed to play the guitar but by the time of the Weird Al song, Mark had become looser with the way he played the main riff and it didn't sound like the studio version. So Weird Al had someone else play it so that it sounded more Knopfler than Knopfler. I'll have to Google this when I get a sec.

[@fadetoblack1026]

@@OldAussieAds I'm just going by what Weird Al has said in interviews about that song.

[@OldAussieAds]

@@fadetoblack1026 All good. I just looked it up. I don't have a conclusive answer. The Wikipedia page backs up both our versions of events.

[@minty_Joe]

@@OldAussieAds Al's guitarist, Jim Kimo West, had painstakingly nailed down the accuracy of every note and they had it sounding exactly like the original recording, but Mark insisted on playing his looser-sounding version. Jim West was livid about that.

[@christinamann3640]

When Weird Al Yankovic did a parody of your song in the 80’s, you knew you’d arrived.

[@David-nf7rd]

Fun fact: Sting is singing in the intro (i want my mtv) and background vocals and the howls

[@rtl4x4]

to the tune of "Don't Stand So Close To Me"!

[@David-nf7rd]

@@rtl4x4 Amazing lol

[@SilverFox-qr1ci]

Once you realize it's him, you can't miss it.

[@aricp9173]

Mark Knopfler recalled the moment he realized he wanted Sting to appear on Dire Straits' classic song “Money for Nothing,” and said he had no regrets over having to share writing credits with the Police frontman. ultimateclassicrock.com/mark-knopfler-sting-money-for-nothing/

[@briansphar9007]

@@aricp9173 And getting song writing credits for a song he already wrote. Awesome.

[@pockypurse]

Haven't seen anyone point this out so I will: this was the FIRST computer-animated music video.

[@paulhumphrey7299]

I have been told that the computer animation was done on a Commodore Amiga but I have never tried to verify that. I know that in this era the Amiga had some of the best graphics of any PC

[@esmeltorlath]

I was looking for that comment

[@paulhumphrey7299]

@Hello There Hi, do you know what type of computer might have been used? In this era it might not habe been a pc at all.

[@I_NeedCoffee]

@@paulhumphrey7299 Amiga 800 maybe?

[@pcallas66]

It seems like the Cars did something with You Might Think a year earlier.

[@trekboy02]

This is a true story. This is the conversation the movers was having. So he wrote a song about them.

[@MichaelB769]

@Deedee Megadoodoo The Wikipedia article For the song says ‘Mark Knopfler described the writing of the song in a 1984 interview with critic Bill Flanagan: The lead character in "Money for Nothing" is a guy who works in the hardware department in a television/​custom kitchen/​refrigerator/​microwave appliance store. He's singing the song. I wrote the song when I was actually in the store. I borrowed a bit of paper and started to write the song down in the store. I wanted to use a lot of the language that the real guy actually used when I heard him, because it was more real....’. Google is your friend.

[@LadyIarConnacht]

If you happened to be working as a contractor for a carpet, kitchen and furniture store, in the 80's, this song took on a personal meaning. This became our instant theme song.

[@stephj9378]

I have explained this to several people over the years . These guys were just jealous.Just throwing shade like guys do. I never saw it as anything other than them being comically jealous because they have a 'labor intensive' job .😅

[@ebtbmb]

Mark Knopfler's delivery is perfection. He really captures that sound of a resentful blue collar worker wishing he could have all the money and girls some stupid MTV star had because they made it look so easy. You can really picture two guys installing appliances having this conversation. "We're busting our humps for peanuts while these pretty boys prance around on stage making millions". Such a clever take.

[@LadyIarConnacht]

This became my instant favorite song because in my business I had to go to a kitchen and furniture store every day, and the guys were ALWAYS hanging out by the wall of TV's they built in the back of the store, watching MTV.

[@markswisher3709]

I heard that he wrote the song because he was moving into a new house and the 'guys' actually a few comments about seeing MTV on while they were moving him in. Not sure if is true though.

[@kmach1000]

@@markswisher3709 I heard it too

[@zurnie]

Sigh, the glorious 80s when MTV actually showed music videos

[@msa4998]

That 1984 to 1985 era was the best. So many great videos.

[@MrBritGrit]

This was the very first ..MTV in Europe..and I think the very first album on CD

[@MJim-vo4qu]

80s n before when most artist could play they're own instruments n sing with their own voice.

[@jamesanderson5268]

Now MTV stands for Miscellaneous TV.

[@mamabear310]

Amen to that!!!!

[@mikelawson6456]

When Sting is singing "I want my MTV" at the end, he is singing the same melody as "Don't stand so close to me"

[@madhatterman01]

The rhythm is the same, but the melody not quite

[@TeemarkConvair]

hence the writing co-credits :)

[@BondFreek]

Sting isn't and never has been a member of Dire Straits! You're getting Dire Straits mixed up with Cars.

[@madhatterman01]

@Rob G Listen to both back to back. They are similar but not the same.

[@madhatterman01]

@Rob G But I have ears and can tell that they are not.

[@brandononbrand]

1985 - how they gonna react to that epic guitar intro? 2020 - how they gonna react when he says “fa&&ot”?

[@jamesalexander5623]

It's great that times have changed .... That Straight People are Offended by the word Faggot is used in the Song .... But us Gay People are Proud of it! .... I've called a Local Radio Station and asked them NOT to Bleep Out the Word as it is the Original Lyric and Important to the Idea of the Song!

[@EShum]

@@jamesalexander5623 haha it's crazy, hadnt heard this song since I was a child and forgot all about those lines... now it's so weird to hear such a great song with that slur haha

[@lolololololololollolololol]

Precisely dude

[@lolololololololollolololol]

These days no one will appreciate these types of awesome guitar riffs

[@ChrisS-nj3ye]

lol so true

[@musiclover9361]

Mark Knopfler is not a gay-basher. The character in the song is.

[@glitterbag]

Yes.Thank you.

[@mooniejohnson]

Especially since Mark was writing down what a couple people in a local shop were saying.

[@clintonwilcox4690]

Indeed. He's actually changed the lyric when he does it live now.

[@jennifermetcalfe906]

And he changed the words live when he plays

[@seabrook1976]

He's said in interviews that he was actually referring to himself with this line, imaging what blue collar blokes must be saying watching him.

[@NativeNYerChicHK]

His back up singer on this, singing “I want my MTV”, is Sting from The Police!

[@InsubordinationFreak]

How did I not know that?

[@NativeNYerChicHK]

InsubordinationFreak But after you find out you can’t help but think of course that’s Sting, right?! 😂🤣😂🙃 I only know it because of my age, when MTV was born I was instantly addicted 😂🤣😂🤣

[@73North265]

He’s also singing it to the tune of “Don’t sit so close to me”. I saw an interview where Knopfler said he wrote it with Sting in mind but hadn’t planned on getting him to sing it but then it turned out Sting was on holiday right by the studio in Monserrat (iirc) when they were recording and they asked him to sing it.

[@peterkelley4346]

Sting sings "i want my MTV" to the melody of his song "Don't stand so close to me"

[@73North265]

Peter Kelley not sure why i wrote sit! Probably wasn’t fully awake when i wrote it

[@jr34v3r]

Man if that opening guitar riff doesn't give you full body chills then I don't even know what to say

[@GlowingBentley]

Some of us are old enough to remember when that was an actual MTV commercial... and there was actually music on MTV.

[@Stanley.77]

I'm one of them "old folks" ...got my $$$ for nothin' AND my "chicks for free!"

[@jaynayyar9711]

I do remember

[@AppalachiaRRlover]

I remember the first time I heard this I was like 7 it blew my mind!

[@lcozzarelli]

Regarding the “little f****t” lyric, I think this song is sung in the persona of a disgruntled appliance man, and isn’t supposed to reflect the views of the band/Mark Knopfler.

[@richardeast3328]

That is true about the lyrics, but try explaining that to people that are very diligent in searching out things to be outraged, offended and hurt by.

[@ThomasWilliamsMusik]

At what point did people forget that you can write and sing songs from the perspective of someone you don't agree with?

[@richardeast3328]

@The Beast I remember hearing the song when it first came out and thought the verses were referring to Prince.

[@Vaishino]

Mark Knopfler won't sing that verse live anymore and regrets including it in the original, so I think even though it's from the perspective of a worker, the artist would omit it if he could do it again.

[@thegorn]

Of course

[@souljamom1]

Dire Straits overheard a couple of delivery guys having a conversation dissing rock stars. They took their words & made this record!

[@MichaelB769]

Mark overheard it, not the entire band.

[@DigitalMannX1]

Makes you wonder who's punching up and who's punching down, now doesn't it?

[@bigsistahtips]

@@MichaelB769 ok, mr literal.

[@MichaelB769]

@@bigsistahtips On behalf of people everywhere who recognize that an entire band is different from a single person, and who think that accurate information actually matters, I apologize. :)

[@bigsistahtips]

@@MichaelB769 ok mr literal. Whatever soothes your mind.

[@warmongerel9743]

The graphics may have looked "simple", but they were state of the art and very expensive back then.

[@IggyStardust1967]

The animation was done on a Cray Supercomputer. VERY expensive to use. And to think, about 5 years later, an Amiga computer could have done it.

[@pecsenye]

This blew my mind when it came out. Highest technology imaginable. Talk of the junior high.

[@IggyStardust1967]

I like Fried Chicken Check out the documentary’s on the Amiga computer line. They started much like Apple, but designed a much more advanced system(for the time) than anyone could imagine. It’s a shame that bad management ended up killing it. But they did kickstart(pun intended, you’ll understand the pun if you watch one of the documentaries) a revolution in computers and multimedia.

[@zambe1915]

i remember hearing that the animator worked on reboot and had a cameo of the two cg guys

[@ianwalker6546]

@@IggyStardust1967 The animation was done on a Bosch (yeah, the drill company!) computer, not a Cray. A state-of-the-art Cray at the time would be the X-MP, and was capable of far superior graphics, and was used by John Lasseter (who went on to found Pixar) at Lucasfilm to make an animated short - The Adventures of Andre & Wally P. But that would have been waaaaaay beyond the budget of a music video in 1985

[@Laniefj]

When MTV was actually good. This brings back so many good memories.

[@efilnikufesina7532]

I used to love watching MTV back in the day.

[@leslie2149]

Ah yes, when MTV actually played Music!

[@maybear4789]

I was going to say the same thing! When MTV was MUSIC television!!

[@monkeyboy5225]

I remember the first year of MTV they didn’t even have ads. Yep, I’m old.

[@MichaelB769]

When the M stood for Music, not Morons.

[@peggysullivan6760]

This song is basically saying our job sucks we should have become musicians !!!😄😄🤣🤣

[@FreddieHg37]

It's quite the opposite really: it is supposed to be about the people criticizing the entertainment industry being the ignorant ones, not really knowing the work behind all those productions and all the work done by musicians just to put up a show and those people not being able to value the real work done by all those enteratiners and people affiliated to them. That is made even more obvious in the uncut version which wasn't aired on radio nor considered for this video, since it contained swear words that emphasize the fact, it's not shown here of course but you get the idea...

[@FreddieHg37]

Here's a quote from Knopfler confirming this: "In fact, I'm still in two minds as to whether it's a good idea to write songs that aren't in the first person, to take on other characters. The singer in "Money for Nothing" is a real ignoramus, hard hat mentality - somebody who sees everything in financial terms. I mean, this guy has a grudging respect for rock stars. He sees it in terms of, well, that's not working and yet the guy's rich: that's a good scam. He isn't sneering."

[@FreddieHg37]

@Lord Hugenstein You're such a disgusting being, retract yourself and apologize...

[@evanreese4883]

Except I AM a musician.

[@mp-qw3fl]

That's Sting from the Police singing "Ii want my MTV" and back up

[@lianelevy7888]

Mark Knopfler is a damn legend. One of the greats.

[@blenderbachcgi]

You mean, "One of the greatest" XD

[@lianelevy7888]

@@blenderbachcgi I meant what I said, but sure.

[@-Tidgy]

@@blenderbachcgi 'one of the greats' makes sense lol.

[@-Tidgy]

Don't you mean one of the 'straits' 😂😂😂

[@-Tidgy]

@ Straits, not straights

[@chrisd7047]

It never dawned on me before, but Sting singing the "I want my, I want my, I want my MTV" part is the same chord progression as the verses in Don't Stand So Close To Me.

[@Christine__D]

How many times have I heard both songs and never put it together. Nice catch!

[@paulcarr5918]

Sting's voice singing both didn't give it away? lol

[@unrulyjulie4382]

Sting suggested using it like that in the song, so Mark put him down as the co-writer.

[@chrisd7047]

@@paulcarr5918 That they're exactly the same notes? No. The songs are different enough in tone and style that that particular similarity didn't catch my ear until just then. My sincerest apologies for my slow uptake.

[@paulcarr5918]

@@chrisd7047 I'm just giving you a hard time. I was going to rib you some more, but I changed my mind and deleted it. Many people didn't notice, it's not just you. :)

[@princessoffire1107]

Semi Trivia : For those of us who grew up from Day 1 of MTV, when this video came out, we F R E A K E D !!!!! We had seen NOTHING like the computer graphics in this song. Now they seem so very dated and "blah" but you gotta remember... there had been nothing like this beforehand. EDIT : ..... OMG YOU FOUND THE REAL ORIGINAL ~! Wow I'm impressed ! That version of the song and the video with it was edited after the 90s.

[@douglasdixon524]

I remember very well, the first computer animated music video ever.

[@araikid]

1, August 1987 - 34 years ago ‘Money for Nothing’ that classic hit from Dire Straits, was the first video to be shown at the launch of MTV Europe.

[@lawrenceeason8007]

Talking Heads..."Once in a lifetime". You will love that video from this time period of MTV Jamel!

[@dianadollaryall]

Lawrence Eason ~ Still L❤️VE The Talking Heads😃 Listen to them quite a bit, they’re on my rotation😄

[@victordyas8444]

Has Jamal ever done a Talking Heads Reaction? Great music and I think he’d love David Byrne’s quirky personality.

[@JF-kv1gm]

Yep "once in a lifetime" was a real game-changer. Talking Heads should be next on the list!

[@sschmidtevalue]

The live version from Stop Making Sense!

[@auntienancy7787]

singing: 🎶...Water flowing underground...🎶

[@VanillahGarillah]

He wrote this song after overhearing a clerk at an appliance store say “that ain’t working...money for nothing and their chicks for free...”

[@magnificentfailure2390]

It was actually a Kmart.

[@Serai3]

+Magnificent Failure Now why doesn't that surprise me? :D

[@sonny0888]

I heard MK say in an interview that it was an appliance store in NYC.

[@ThomasWilliamsMusik]

Not just that, almost ALL of the lyrics are direct quotes from the guy in the appliance store. He was delivering product to the store, and wouldn't stop mouthing off about the people on MTV, which was playing on the wall of TVs at the back.

[@PHILPOP2]

@@ThomasWilliamsMusik bang on the money thats the story I heard.

[@photofinish8607]

“What did he say!” And here I was waiting for those lines, to see if it was the original or not. Haha love it!

[@phoenix7654]

They still play the original on our local radio station

[@nathanielmcdonald17]

@@phoenix7654 same here

[@casper1918]

In some parts of the country we still have free speech.

[@photofinish8607]

@@casper1918 Free speech has never been compromised, once you've realized that it's a matter of how you use your words. And, people are allowed to choose whether or not they censor certain words on their programs.

[@photofinish8607]

@@casper1918 You tube obviously has no restrictions on words, rather than how those words are used.

[@ladyjanegrey752]

I've heard that the song's lyrics came from an actual conversation between two delivery men discussing MTV and complaining about their jobs, and Mark Knopfler overheard them and wrote their convo down, and that became this song. Absolutely brilliant. I grew up watching MTV, and I remember quite clearly when this video came on and rocked everyone's world. I know it's hard to imagine now, but the computer graphics in this were so advanced and high tech at the time that they were completely unheard of, and they absolutely blew everyone away. MTV played the heck out of this song, lol, and it never got old. Love it still so much today!!

[@rebeccawilliams4411]

My late husband was in a band. Played bass guitar. Loved this song. Every time I hear it I think of him💕

[@jamessutton3461]

The lyrics are controversial, but it's important to remember that it's in the context of the musings of a bitter working class man who is envious of successful musicians.

[@eddiewillers1442]

@@leodejongful Back then, the "F-Word" was much more acceptable than "Queer". That word was considered beyond the pale.

[@LadyIarConnacht]

@@leodejongful You mean, we're media controlled and brainwashed.

[@richardkersey4960]

Yes, context is a term too many folks today, do not know the definition of.

[@bluegrassreb1]

@@leodejongful crazy to a lot of us Americans too...

[@jsudra]

There's nothing controversial about it, and if there is its only because of todays ultra sensitive politically correct brigade who are easily butt hurt. Bring back the eighties!

[@valeriejames6316]

When this song came out, my dad worked at a furniture store. We had a great dog named Lovey. I was 8 years old. This song was a huge part of my childhood.

[@MissWinters1980]

My favorite part besides I want My MTV and that stellar guitar riff at the beginning is that sting does background vocals❤

[@MrFath-gg8oj]

Its 2020 and this is still one of my favorite guitar riffs.

[@80HD8]

The story as I recall is that the singer, Mark Knophler was at a store looking at TV's and a guy walked up and said, "Look at these yo yo's..." etc. Mark asked what he did the guy replied install microwaves and deliver appliances.

[@brianh9358]

This was one of the first uses of computer animated human characters. Remember this was 1985 so this was advanced for the time. :)

[@JustPlayTheGame76]

I was 10 years old when that song came out and I LOVE it. The graphics were state of the art and it blew my mind seeing animation with real life. I probably listen to this song like 2 or 3 times every day. lol

[@konic101]

"Brothers in arms" is an amazing song, as well. The passion in Knoplers playing really comes through.

[@heavenstibetsee5716]

When Mark Knophler is saying that little "f" though it may be perceived as a dig on Boy George and flamboyant glam bands of the 80s, its really a dig on the people that would call them a "f" in the first place. Basically saying, "Yeah, talk your shit, but these dudes are living a life you can only dream of." Therefor, "That little "f" is a millionaire." Always loved the sentiment behind those lines because its basically telling dudes who think like that to kick rocks.

[@jessegifford7913]

I always took it as a dig at the more blue-collar type of worker who would say that sort of thing. I never interpreted it as a homophobic slur the way they use it, still jarring to hear with a modern ear.

[@sunsungoaway]

Most radio stations, if they even play this song, cut out that complete verse now. Because you can't explain the thought behind the lyrics to some of the crybabies of today. And it isn't even the people that some neanderthals would still call "f", it's the silly people who feel they have to be faux offended for everyone else

[@Serai3]

It was part of what the appliance store guy was saying, not a narrative comment from Knopfler.

[@qmiller9]

Yes, thank you for explaining this. It's unfortunate that most people make a fuss about them using that word are missing the point because they're not fulling listening to the music the way the artist intended. And also talk to other people about the artist and slandering them as hateful. Sucks cause it's not true.

[@heavenstibetsee5716]

Exactly. Nuance gets lost on people these days because of what some call 'outrage culture.' The moment a thing can be perceived as threatening to someone's cause; throw the baby out with the bath water. It's an "I don't care about the context, this offends me" mentality. People always say "You couldn't get away with that now" in reference to rock 'n roll and comic legends. Sometimes, context is key. Think about what Mark Twain, Lenny Bruce, Ozzy, Manson, Pryor, Carlin, Chapelle all those cats we're actually saying instead of having the knee-jerk reaction.

[@neatdesign]

Sting's "I want my MTV" is a riff off the chorus of The Police song "Don't Stand So Close to Me" (which he also wrote/sang)

[@BondFreek]

That's not sting! Sting is a member of cars not Dire Straits! Sting has never been and never will be a member of Dire Straits!

[@neatdesign]

@@BondFreek Umm... no. I've seen Sting in concert. Twice. He's never been member of The Cars. He also is not a member of Dire Straits but he did co-wrote and sing on this song. Wikipedia is your friend: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Money_for_Nothing_(song)

[@andrealarocco4941]

This was the first video to air on mtv Britain!! Mark is seriously one of the best guitar players ever. And that cherry red Fender Strat he plays is beautiful. Classic rock from a classic band!✌️💗😊

[@DrMackSplackem]

No way, really? Here in the States, the debut was 'Video Killed The Radio Star' by the Buggles in (I think) 1981. The next two years were pure fire but after that, it went kind of soft. It became totally benign and uninteresting by '86 or so.

[@howardsmith9342]

​@@DrMackSplackemYou are correct, sir.

[@californiaisashithole7837]

Back then that was cutting edge tech. Microwaves had just come out and they were like 1,100.00. The cartoon people were never seen like that b4. The color changing bandannas. All cutting edge tech for the time. Great song. Takes me back.

[@stykman22]

Technically microwaves came out in the 60s and were called "radaranges". :)

[@jd-no7rw]

@@stykman22 Correct, my grandparents had one from the early 70s.

[@rosiered3403]

We had one in the 80s, it was huge. It lasted over 20 years. Things were built better back then.

[@jcbulldog533]

@@rosiered3403 Oh,I know they were as big as an oven!!! Ours took up the entire top of microwave cart with no room to spare.. It did last my parents at least 20 year's plus

[@suesochko1662]

Microwaves actually came out in the '70's. My rich neighbor's had one.

[@kenrizzo1962]

When MTV first came on the air..... the “I want my MTV” was part of their advertising slogan. They even had a commercial that was a montage of famous musicians saying “I Want My MTV” I remember watching when MTV first came on the air...... it was a much better time with much much better music!

[@elveggoloco]

And that lyric was sung by Sting, whom Knopfler chose because The Police were so popular on MTV. And the melody to which the line is sung is the chorus-hook from Don't Stand So Close To Me, except in minor key. It was a popular song on MTV, so Knopfler put all that together into a subtle joke. And when Sting found out after the fact, he demanded a writing-credit on Money For Nothing. :D

[@Laeadern]

The 80' and 90's were so much better than today.

[@LadyIarConnacht]

@FEDSJ It was an optimistic era. The cold war was over, business was booming, and we didn't imagine we were headed for the boring, locked down surveillance state of today, or the continual wars.

[@Sincopare]

I can't help but crank it up loud when're I hear this and that guitar riff intro starts. It's the whole 1980s in a single riff.

[@MrMoggyman]

The wonderful and magnificent Dire Straits. I was brought up on music like this. By bands that were simply beyond legendary.

[@jasonhitchcock8911]

Wow man. You said you were 5 when this came out, I was 11. I love and miss the 80's. The cartoons, the TV shows, the movies, and the music. What a great time to have grown up in. Great reaction man.

[@SaltyCuban]

I was 12. Casey kasem and MTV were always on in the mornings as I did whatever around the house.

[@patientzeropoint5271]

This is the song to show off any new sound system, those drums on the intro are sick and the whole recording is super clean.

[@neilpatrickhairless]

That was absolutely intentional. This song has all the hallmarks of classic 1980's overproduction. The exact opposite of Dire Straits

[@danwalker7744]

Brothers in arms, this song is from that album, is the first record to sell a million copies on CD....

[@whiterabbit75]

That was the first CD I ever bought.

[@annieprince8730]

I actually wore out this CD

[@bobby_D]

There’s nothing better for me to see a black dude reacting to music like this. I love this shit. Rap music has brought a lot of people together over the years so it’s cool to see it this way now.

[@LastEarBender]

Dire Straits/ Mark Knopfler were vastly underappreciated. They made some really great music - nearly everything on the Brothers In Arms album was a classic

[@stephj9378]

Well, here we are Giving fuel to their careers today.

[@cagerat]

Most copies of this song have that whole "f****t" verse edited out. Thank you for using the true original, and not trying to change/cover-up history.

[@digi_edits]

Damn straight, Dire Straits.!

[@skuttduck]

I remember when this first came out and very rarely ever heard that lyric. My cousins later got a keyboard and some sheet music with this on it. It was there that I first saw the lyric.

[@miketscott]

Yes! I was hesitant to watch this for fear he found the neutered version. Like yourself, I was happy to see he found the real thing.

[@MilkSteak23]

@@leodejongful The lyrics use the word "faggot" three times in a row.

[@rogerbainbridge6702]

Lots more creative freedom in the 80s. Best years of my life.

[@rtl4x4]

about the politically-incorrect/offensive language - remember that in this song he's playing a character, he's not talking directly from the heart

[@dusty3913]

Right. He's playing the part of a blue collar stereotype...low class mentality, thinking the life of a working musician is easy money. It worked then, and I dont think anyone was bothered by it-or perhaps no one wouldve been supported for being bothered. But, I dont see lyrics like that being accepted in any context today, unless by a gay artist. And, perhaps it's best that way.

[@RicoBurghFan]

As a gay man I agree

[@rakitakhan]

Yes, but he was referring to Boy George.

[@FredFukkinBear]

@@dusty3913 It wasn't a problem then. In fact, the world actually got along a LOT better then than it does now. I actually prefer a time when people were not overly offended by everything. The 80's were a great time to be alive because the music brought us all together, breaking down all those social barriers.

[@Elementalism]

@@dusty3913 It didnt really work back then. It is why he replaced it with queenie live. He also regrets writing songs from a characters perspective due to the inability of people to distinguish it from him.

[@rahulbalasubramanian2011]

God bless those appliance store workers. Without their conversation, this epic song wouldn't have seen the light.

[@mlhm5]

That riff will never be repeated - it was magic that day.

[@mrmarmellow555]

SO TRUE AND 1FOR AN KIND FOR SURE❣️❣️

[@timothyhingham3672]

Yes apparently a random microphone configuration in the studio they could never duplicate.

[@GinaGeeILuvu]

I loved this song and they are a great band! That’s Sting singing in the chorus “I want my MTV”! MTV was still relatively new! Amazing video!

[@SeigiChoujin]

Browsing the comments, a lot of people are already like "that's Sting in the intro" or "that's a cameo by Sting halfway through the song" or "sting actually did the outro". So, to set it strait: Sting is THE backup singer on the track, not just for part of it. In simpler terms, Sting voices the skinny guy

[@cordellsenior9935]

You said it before I did. Makes me nuts. Thanks. That's him howling like a dog too.

[@artschiloyan9101]

@@cordellsenior9935 love the Sting howling. A classic.

[@stephenowens8763]

He also was embarrassed when Police publisher wanted points for the song.

[@TKOin2life]

I never knew this! Learn something new everyday.

[@paulclarke4571]

This takes me back to 1985 and Live Aid and this blew us away then and still does. We stayed up all night. DS and Queen just killed it. Great times.

[@DrAnimePhD]

Fun fact: This was MTV UK’s very first video ever broadcasted when the channel debuted. The moment they first went on air this was the very first thing people saw tuning in, and it set a hell of a first impression, kicking off the MTV generation.

[@mythosdreams5814]

Here in the states, the first video broadcast on mtv was "Video Killed the Radio Star:

[@mystisith3984]

The beginning of that song is like waiting for the roller coaster to start after the click click click phase. Hands inside folks.

[@shawnlusby1538]

"1985 I was 5." I was 7 Jamel. Got you by 2 years brother. Grew up watching MTV as a kid. Thanks for playing the unedited version of this song. I get so frustrated everytime I hear this song on classic rock radio because they always edit out that 2nd verse, like we're just supposed to forget it was in there. My classic rock radio station didn't use to do that, but like most other spineless corporate entities they gave into the PC mob and outrage culture that wants to censor everything they disagree with. Like the 1st Ammendment doesn't exist. It's so frustrating when they cowtow to them. You don't have to agree with the lyrics. If it offends you, listen to something else. Mark Knopfler has stated time and time again that they aren't his views anyway. He was singing in character as a disgruntled furniture mover jealous of wealthy rock stars. News flash woke culture! A lot of working class people talk like that, even today in 2020. How much more so do you think they said that back in 1985? Get a grip! Freedom doesn't end where your feelings get hurt

[@chrisrj9871]

His age mostly matches mine :-D

[@josephforbis2206]

Was 21 yrs old when this video came out. And if memory serves me right, I believe MTV came out in 80 or 81 somewhere, and at that time... " All I wanted on tv was " My MTV!" Great decade for music, and living life. Love your reactions, your channel, everything. Keep up the great enthusiasms for great music. Today's music ain't got soul like the music did in the 70's and the 80's.

[@TheTYMONGER]

This was one of the first 100 videos ever shown on MTV. "I Want My MTV" was a song by Sing.

[@Mellowcanuck33]

I asked my brother about the lyrics. He said keep them. Don't erase the history.

[@Mellowcanuck33]

@Will Is that why the radio dont play this version anymore?

[@Mellowcanuck33]

@Will ...which is why my big gay brother said to leave them alone.

[@sueprator9314]

@Will Yeah yeah...doesnt matter...Jamal just pointed out...no can do today.

[@sueprator9314]

@Will Things change. We don't have to change this song. But you don't get to decide what is offensive. The minority group decides what offends them...whether it is American Indians or gay people....times change. Many gay men have been brutally beaten and murdered while being called faggot.

[@ThomasWilliamsMusik]

@@sueprator9314 Sure, people are allowed to be offended by whatever they like. But that doesn't mean they're right, and it doesn't mean people shouldn't be allowed to do things just because someone finds them offensive - SOMEONE will be offended by anything. That's why intent is so important. It's also not possible to accurately distinguish between someone who is offended and someone who SAYS they are offended.

[@AlizeeDefan]

They took out the F WORD on the radio now. I saw them live. They ruled !

[@dwightsmith4641]

If Elton was aware he would tell them to put it back.

[@12w0]

whY?! it's not the same.

[@dr.michaelwilsonmd3413]

There is NOTHING wrong with saying F@gg*t. He should add it back. Some of you are butthurt

[@randybarnett2308]

@@dwightsmith4641 was Elton the one they were referring to,I always thought it was either Michael Jackson or Boy George!😂

[@dwightsmith4641]

@@randybarnett2308 Who else matches the description? Little (short) F-- with the ear ring and the makeup- has his own jet airplane- millionaire- wears wigs- (yeah buddy that’s his own hair)- on the MTV frequently. Can’t be Boy George because he had no jet airplane or money after the tax man got him. Can’t be George Michael- too tall and had all his own hair. Mick Jaggar has too much hair, Freddy Mercury was too tall and had his own hair, Michael Jackson but he had hair and did not wear wigs. Can’t be Bono because he was not gay. The only one that comes close to Elton is Rob Halford of Judas Priest. If you think it is Rob, I won’t argue with you because it is quite possible he was wearing a wig, and he is gay. Who do you think Mark is describing by process of elimination?

[@teemo9436]

Sting "i want my mtv" backing vocals. Level 42 Something About You is another good 80s song.

[@brycechapman2257]

No it wasnt

[@tonyzed6831]

@@brycechapman2257 Yes it was (although I prefer Running in the family). Mark King is an incredible bassist.

[@Bink-2]

That opening riff hits you right in the chest every. single. time. The guitar just absolutely rips through the mix.

[@richardbuckendorf1390]

The singer singing "I want my MTV", is none other than sting. Think you'd also like "Radar of Love", and "Twilight Zone" by golden earring

[@chriswinkler284]

Where will I go now that I've gone too far ;)

[@maryroberts9233]

It's just Radar Love....Golden Earring

[@ajo9477]

Mark Knopfler is a very under appreciated guitarist. And, he's left-handed. He sure plays well right-handed.

[@ugaladh]

I'm not sure how you can say he is underappreciated. he is recognized as one of the "Guitar Gods"

[@jacknone1564]

No he isn’t. He gets his due and more.

[@tanstaafl1301]

The immortal Sting is singing the "I want my MTV" line. THE Sting.

[@70skid33]

This was mine and a buddy's song. We delivered appliances. I was tall and thin and he was short and round. Perfect video for us.

[@mistreated]

When he sings, "that little F...etc" he's saying it from the viewpoint of the burly, overtly masculine guys who would have talked that way about the bands on MTV in the early 80's. It's not from the perspective of the guy who IS on MTV singing and dancing ,lol.

[@mistreated]

@@70Slinger Jamel chose to not say the word, so I didn't out of respect to him. It's his channel not mine. See how I explained myself without shouting.

[@70Slinger]

@@mistreated Well obviously you are a better person than I am, Congratz👍

[@ctoombs7825]

Political correctness wasn't bad during the 80s. I miss those days

[@aaronanderson2754]

You can't get a more 80's video than this one. Believe it or not that was cutting edge computer graphics then.

[@Kavala76]

Song "Brothers in Arms" from the album of the same name; a MUST. Great song.

[@JoeBonez]

I first heard “Brothers in Arms” on the Miami Vice episode “Out Where the Buses Don’t Run”. Really made an impact. I think that it, along with “Telegraph Road” are my favorite Dire Straits songs

[@cheryla7480]

The “ I want my MTV “ at the beginning is courtesy of “ Sting “. This is my favourite Dire Straits song!

[@ukmaverick8016]

Jamel: “what he say?” They repeat right after. Hahahahaha great timing.

[@kristyperry8044]

He said" times changed. You can't say that today!"

[@dillantaylor2704]

In case you're wondering, the lyrics are from the point of view of the main character who is said to work in an appliance store seeing rock stars at the time saying they get money for nothing and chicks for free

[@jimmybrown8225]

Now you'll have to watch Weird Al's version of the beverly hillbillies

[@Billy.gen-X]

This!!

[@tsimmons12]

Yes!

[@johnny85er]

YES HE DOES!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🙌🏻🍻

[@bearallb]

Oh yah great video

[@duncandownham4726]

Yeah, totally

[@jaipaulsethi6880]

this song is the perfect definition of rock and roll - it literally rocks...and then rolls - so perfectly (the full length version)

[@lcozzarelli]

Mark Knopfler is arguably one of the greatest guitarists in rock. “Dire Straits” (pronounced like “straight”) is a saying meaning one is in a desperate situation. The phrase originated from the act of sailors having to pass through narrow, dangerous waters. (Dire = extremely serious, urgent, worrisome; Strait = a narrow passage of water connecting two seas or tow other large areas of water)

[@suzycreamcheesez4371]

I'm in dire straits because you felt it necessary to define dire straits. how ignorant do you think we are?! He also did the soundtrack for Cal with Helen MIrren

[@Tommy1977777]

Number 40 on the 100 greatest guitar players according to Rolling Stone.

[@88wildcat]

No arguably about it. He is an absolutely incredible guitarist. His only negative is that he has that Claptonvirus thing where half the time he only wants to show you about 20% of what he is capable of doing on guitar.

[@ShitOwl]

the 3 gods Mark Knopfler David Gilmour and Eric Clapton

[@flingmonkey5494]

True story from the late 1970's: My younger brother graduated HS, bought a hot car, moved to LA, gonna party and live on his own. He didn't deliver custom kitchens, but he delivered furniture and laid carpet, and probably did a lot of other stuff I don't know about. Then, one day, he realized that this could not be the rest of his life, This was, in the end, dead end and not a quality life. He called my father and asked if the old deal was still on, my father said yes. The old deal was, come home and all expenses would be paid to attend college, room and board, tuition, the whole nine yards. My brother came home, sold his car, and started attending San Jose State, got an EE degree. During that time he was pretty much a non-person, staying in his room, studying. I gave him a Commodor Pet computer, then an Apple II, and he used these. He graduated, got a great job in Silicon Valley, married a wonderful girl he had known since childhood, three kids, several dogs, multiple houses, and loves mountain biking. The guys you see working in this video, my brother found a way out. I think of him, and his escape, every time I see this video.

[@joeashbubemma]

Ah the 80's, when "PC" meant, "personal computer". I so miss the 80's, what a wonderful time.

[@tangoseal1]

Me too! I really wished I could just stay in the 80s in some perpetual loop never getting tired of it. Im so damn sick and tired of the PC junk culture of today... cancel everything. Its gotten old before it started.

[@jasonhitchcock8911]

I wholeheartedly agree! I miss the 80's.

[@bigken5032]

yep

[@thebrazilianatlantis165]

PC meant politically correct in the '80s, selective memory people.

[@Chrisfragger1]

@@thebrazilianatlantis165 Go Fuck Yourself, how's that for PC?

[@valleyken]

- Mark Knopfler forever ! Glad to see the younger generations discovering this great music. Dire Straits were great. After they disbanded, Mark started making solo albums. Still amazing music as he is a master story teller and guitar player.

[@oldeskul]

The inspiration for this song came from a conversation the lead singer overhead while he was in an appliance store between two delivery men who worked there. The line money for nothing and chicks for free has become an inside joke amongst performing artists.

[@JStarStar00]

"I want my MTV" was the ad slogan for 1981-82 when MTV was trying to get added to basic cable teevee systems.

[@isabelledrevet5913]

Sting makes the high notes...what a beautiful voice !

[@Steve_Gee74]

And Sting only ever performed the vocals live once, at live aid. All other times Straits had toured one of the backing vocalists sang that section.

[@Triggerhippie70]

THIS SONG!!! Listen I grew up listening to this song I remember watching it on MTV when it came out, this is a bad ass song!

[@Guy_de_Loimbard]

"You can't say that today..." it was pretty controversial even back then. They got a lot of heat over that particular lyric. In fact there was a radio edit to exclude that line, I recall my local stations playing the "clean" version.

[@christmasbaby57]

Weird Al did a parody of the Beverly Hillbillies to the tune of Money for Nothing. May want to check that out.

[@fredmarshall9210]

Mark Knopfler said he could as long as he let Mark play on the record!@@@! So cool

[@RJLupin-zu9xv]

This animation was hard to come by back in the day, which makes it all the more impressive that Weird Al had a computer animated version of this.

[@gryphman]

@@RJLupin-zu9xv The 3d animation in Weird Al's video was done by what would later become Mainframe. The studio that did Reboot and Beast Wars.

[@tonyzed6831]

AND the whole UHF movie ;)

[@timkiess5623]

From Al's movie UHF

[@eileenconnor08]

Love Dire Straits!!🌹, I love Romeo n Juliet!! 🎷🎸🎸🎶🎤🥁🎹

[@repromark]

it's really cool to see someone hearing/seeing these great old songs for the first time. takes me back to when I heard them for the first time

[@bayth]

Dire Straits and Sting performed this at Live Aid!

[@cucamongaduke3600]

Mark Knopfler plays guitar by finger picking. No flat picks. It’s mind boggling.

[@jameslipke354]

So does Lindsey Buckinham of Fleetwood Mac. That's no easy feat to master like those two have.~APRIL LIPKE

[@ThomasWilliamsMusik]

He actually does use a flat pick on a surprising number of songs (Tunnel of Love, Expresso Love, So Far Away, True Love Will Never Fade, Let it All Go, and many more). He certainly primarily plays with his fingers, but the flat pick sound is one he specifically goes for sometimes.

[@BM-is5ei]

Didnt Knopfler actually overhear somebody say these things in a store and then went and used that dtuff as lyrics?

[@Tazza81]

Yeah he did. The lyrics came about when they were on tour and were for some reason in an electronics shop in NYC where MTV was playing on the display TV's. A couple of workers were having a bitch about their jobs which Mark Knopfler overheard.

[@ThomasWilliamsMusik]

Apparently he actually asked the sore to borrow a notepad and pen to write what the guy was saying down. I've heard him say he had to add a few lines to fill the song structure, but all the best ones were from the guy at the store!

[@trinkab]

I believe a Prince video was on at the time.

[@sandrashaw6298]

Wow. Good for him! If true, this song and its commercial success really add insult to injury. I hope those workers never realized they were the inspiration for this mega hit!

[@Your.Uncle.AngMoh]

"Sultans of Swing" was prompted by a pub Knopfler went into for dinner one night and the band playing was just horrid.

[@johnsealey3990]

I know a good person when i see one. I've watched many of your videos... you are a unifying force my man. nothing but love for you. keep doing what you're doing.

[@peterblood50]

It was definitely different times. MTV played nothing but music.

[@tonyzed6831]

OH... Jamal should do a reaction to the first video MTV ever played... Video Killed the Radio Star.

[@thegorn]

Well it is named after Music Television.

[@lmk4ou699]

It was so sad when MTV lost the music.

[@Gaius__]

Yeah, and _Beavis and Butthead,_ which was epic.

[@daireoruadhachain1667]

There is no audio device in the world that can play that intro as loud as I want it

[@williamr1088]

Emerson, Lake and Palmer - From the Beginning

[@ForcingLaughterFakingSmiles]

I didn't pick that up in relation to this song, but don't be unkind. It don't mean I'm blind.

[@williamr1088]

@@ForcingLaughterFakingSmiles He needs to listen to it also Lucky Man is another good one by ELP.

[@ForcingLaughterFakingSmiles]

@@williamr1088 the entirety of Tarkus and Karn Evil 9 as well haha.

[@Keith_KC8TCQ]

Karn Evil 9, hell any track by ELP

[@kevingruenofficial]

Karn Evil 9 and Lucky Man are must does as well.

[@matttiaz7576]

90s baby...happy and authentic days . we 70s born say what we think. Still 👍

[@christopherbako]

First song on UK MTV. First on US was The Bugles "Video killed the Radio Star"

[@mainsmain]

First one here in Portugal as well

[@lawoma]

as a matter of fact it was Mtv Europe

[@CsykKrit]

First video on all MTV

[@lawoma]

@@CsykKrit no the first video on all mtv was the bugels with video killed the radiostar

[@CsykKrit]

@@lawoma "First on US...Star" "First on all MTV" "No, first on all...Star" are you ok?

[@endless013]

Weird Al did a parody of this called "Money For Nothing/Beverly Hillbillies "

[@JoeWilger]

And Jamal should watch Al Yankovic's version

[@timmmahhhh]

When Al asked permission Knopfler agreed on condition that Mark himself do the guitar work.

[@bloodyfishheads3316]

I remember as a little kid seeing that in UHF. Thought it was the funniest thing ever.

[@clipcalhoon]

This better be coming up soon lol

[@clipcalhoon]

Bloody Fishheads love that movie

[@RetroRobotRadio]

When Al Yankovic made a parody of this music video, the original guitar player insisted that he could play the part in the parody too. So he did.

[@tonydavis2672]

I was 18 in 1985 . . Loved this music back then . . . And love it forever .