Hauntingly Beautiful! First Time Hearing Dire Straits Brothers In Arms Reaction

[@objectiveobserver4278]

Mark Knopfler lost some friends in the Falklands War. Not only are the lyrics deep, but Mark makes that guitar cry as well.

[@Killermcknight]

😭

[@rogerwitte]

Although this was inspired by The Falklands War, it is deliberately framed to be more general and to apply to every war.

[@zimbo65a]

Did he know soo much Argentinean soldiers? Great Britain lost less than 250 soldiers, 90 of them were English. The chance "some of them" were friends of Mark Knopfler isn´t really high. In Germany nearly 200.000 people died of corona and I didn´t know anyone of them.

[@thomasedin764]

@@zimbo65a If you come from certain parts of UK specially during that time, it was more men coming from the same places so the chance was pretty high that you know somebody who was in the armed forces. And it was not only 90 British soldiers in Falklands. But this song is about brothers in arms and not only about a particular war.

[@rogerwitte]

​@@thomasedin764 Mark Knopfler actually references the fact that the British soldiers were mostly drawn from the British rural lowlands in the third line of the first verse. I could argue that since Germans are such a small proportion of the population of the world are German, the probability @zimbo65a would know any of them is miniscule (if I ignored the subtext in their post suggesting they are in or from Germany).

[@kellahella5286]

You would be amazed how quickly a concert venue goes dead silent when Mark starts this intro and continues until the end of the song.

[@darkpitcher5242]

Brothers In Arms is one of the best albums in history Mark Knopfler is a brilliant songwriter and one of the best Guitarist in the history of rock

[@bryanbrady877]

@@darkpitcher5242 I didn't have to say it because you did. But yeah, that.

[@michaelkeogh344]

He was on Desert Island Discs last week. A great life story. I’ve been listening to the Album since then, it’s superb. I’d forgotten how good it was.

[@bryanbrady877]

@@michaelkeogh344 So far everyone who loves this song also responds to "Yaad" by Bloodywood. It is about eternal bonds and surviving the death of your best friend. I will stand up for the human ability to feel. It's all we have.

[@dodipersempre2000]

Unione di Voce/chitarra da podio , tra i primi tre !!! Una unione tra le migliori del mondo ! ❤️ comunque primo su tutti Hendrix !

[@jjc5407]

It's amazing how many people are unaware of Dire Straits. At the time this song came out they were the biggest band on the planet. The Brothers in Arms album was the first CD to sell a million copies worldwide and sold 30 million copies overall. Bob Geldof wanted them to headline Live Aid because he knew if they signed on other big acts would follow. In the end they didn't because they had a sold out evening gig over the road at Wembley Arena and they had too much integrity to let their fans down by cancelling. Instead they agreed to play an afternoon slot, carrying their instruments across the car park to Wembley Stadium to perform for 20 minutes which was the longest set of the day. 3 years later, despite being on hiatus following the year long Brothers in Arms tour, they were asked to headline the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute Concert and got back together specially. That concert was seen by over 600m people worldwide, second only to Live Aid at the time. The band sold over 100m records and Money For Nothing, a number 1 hit on the Billboard chart, was used to launch MTV Europe. Mark Knopfler, the band's lead singer and lead guitarist wrote virtually every one of their songs on his own and his body of work is truly astonishing. In addition to Dire Straits he formed The Notting Hillbillies as a side project and released an album with them and he's released 10 solo albums to date. He's also recorded albums with Chet Atkins and Emmylou Harris and composed 9 movie soundtracks including the one for The Princess Bride. In addition to his own work, he's also played with and on records for numerous others including the likes of Bob Dylan (he also produced Dylan's Infidels album), Eric Clapton, Tom Jones, Tina Turner (he wrote Private Dancer), The Everly Brothers, Cliff Richard, Van Morrison, James Taylor and Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy. His songs have been covered by artists as diverse as Joan Baez, Home Free and Metallica (who have all done versions of Brothers in Arms), The Everly Brothers, The Killers, Mary Chapin Carpenter and The Shadows. Earlier this year a new version of Knopfler's Going Home, the main theme to his Local Hero soundtrack, was produced by his long-time collaborator and Dire Strait's keyboardist Guy Fletcher, to raise money for UK and US teenage cancer charities. It brought together 60 odd musicians including Hank Marvin, Duane Eddy, Dave Gilmour, Eric Clapton, Tony Iommi, Brian May, Sting, Nile Rodgers, Slash, Bruce Springsteen, Keith Urban, Paul Carrick, Mike Rutherford, Ringo Starr and his son Zak Starkey, and Knopfler himself to name just a few. It starts with the very last notes recorded by Jeff Beck. Even though so many don't seem to know Mark Knopfler or Dire Straits, his peers understand and appreciate just how extraordinarily talented the man is. Genius is an epithet thrown around all too easily but there is no doubt it applies to Mark Knopfler.

[@brandonhall5615]

Nah. What is amazing is that we old folks tend to forget that not everyone is old and our contextual touchstones are not universally/generationally shared. It makes it all the better when I see young folk discover the kind of music that I grew up loving.

[@farnyone]

What he said 👆

[@ksoman953]

Amen.

[@phiby123]

Couldn't agree more 👍

[@josevi5835]

Fantastic post. Mark and Dire Straits deserve a lot of recognition.

[@rk41gator]

Timeless anti-war song. This is real. Immensely sad and melancholy. It always makes me cry. Heavy for sure.

[@DamianWilliams-ww9sx]

One of the most beautiful and haunting songs ever written. This song has real meaning and depth, Mark Knopfler a humble genius.

[@kman8960]

One of the deepest, and most beautiful songs of all time ❤. I love it.😊

[@tompaulcampbell]

Everyone should check out the version they did at the the Mandela Birthday Concert!

[@whereweregoingwedontneedroads]

As a veteran of bosnia, kosova and iraq these lyrics hit deep man. Thinking of the families that lost brothers, sons, husbands, grandsons and fathers may you rest in peace, stand easy. This song is about yhe falklands conflict i believe which my dad also served in. Top 5 greatest songs and bands, dire straits really are next level.

[@jameskavanagh4315]

I think it’s about war in general. How we live in different worlds on the same planet and keep trying to kill each other.

[@johnmccann1960]

It was written in 1982 during The Falklands War and is about "the senselessness of War" Mark Knopfler.

[@simongrinham4368]

This is nothing to do with the Falklands war this is about the 1st world war your talking bolloxs

[@overthewebb]

@@simongrinham4368 Nope, it was written about the Falklands war, you are confusing the video with the inspiration of the song ffs

[@jameskavanagh4315]

Sorry guys, this is about war in general. How ridiculous it is. We all live in different worlds on the same planet and still manage to try and kill each other. John is correct. It may have been inspired by the falklands war, but it’s not specifically about the falklands or WW1. Watch the video and read the lyrics carefully.

[@jona.874]

@@jameskavanagh4315 Note that the video included WW1 imagery and soldiers holding M-16s and AK-47! It is about all wars. Jon A. Sgt USMC 1981-89 (my maternal grandfather fought in WW1 in France, and uncles on both sides fought in WW2).

[@jameskavanagh4315]

@@jona.874exactly. It has also imagery from Vietnam or Korea if you watch closely.

[@aaronherbison7316]

I saw Dire Straits live in 93 and they were one of the biggest live bands im the world filling stadiums. The moment they played this song 20,000 people just fell silent... Powerful

[@mawmawvee]

I think this song is ageless and encompasses All soldiers throughout time. I can't stop listening to it--It haunts me. My husband is a Vietnam Vet and I'm so thankful he returned home alive and whole. We've been married for 61 years, now and our lives are winding down. Such is life. I don't know where the years have gone.

[@randomhumanoidblob4506]

He came home. Those are the three words that matter, the ONLY words that matter in war. They're never really whole again though, are they? My grandfather and all four of his brothers went to the Front in WW1 and astoundingly, all came home, but society just expects them to pack it away. Then my Mother lived through WW2 in an industrial city bombed to buggery by the Nazis, but it was the Falklands War in '82 that broke her. Senseless, orchestrated and utilised for political gain - what do we have to do to get past this? And we threw our best, elite regiments into the meatgrinder, so ill-equipped they had to steal boots from Argentinian dead. Every year I think "never again" but we do it over and over. Bodies don't have nationalities, they don't have sides, they don't have religion. None of it matters. I'm old too. I heard this as a baby metalhead with no time for ballads but nobody can hear this without thinking. Our musicians have a better grasp than any of our politicos, no matter the time or the orientation. And now I'm having a good snivel, check out Chris de Burgh "Borderline" (and don't tell anyone I tipped you to it) then Motorhead "1915." Nope, I'm not crying. ..this puddle on the floor was already here. Shniffle. Glad your man made it though. I can't even learn about the Vietnam War, it's too much. And I have no idea why I wrote you this essay, sorreeeee....

[@mawmawvee]

@@randomhumanoidblob4506 Thank you so much for your response to my post. It touches my heart deeply. I can't listen to Brothers in Arms without tears falling. They don't say war is hell for no reason. I was home praying for my husband and When I brought the newspaper in and looked at it, I saw his base up in Pleiku has suffered a mortar attack! My heart sank and for a few minutes, I couldn't even think, then I started praying and it helped. I packed up a suitcase for our baby girl and drove up to my in-laws' house and though we were too young to be married, they both saw how much I love their son. They were my refuge for that year. I don't know what I would have done without them. Then, the guy who was delivering telegrams rang our mailbox buzzer and I got into the elevator and he was gone when I got to the first floor of our apartment building and I tore up the stairs and there he was, with the telegram. I didn't want to open it, but I could not, not open it and it was from my husband letting me know he wasn't there when the attack happened. He flew choppers when he was in Vietnam. My knees got shaky and felt like rubber, but I thanked God for Mike's being safe. He did get shot down one time, but was able to make it and get the ship and everyone in it back to safety. It's also hell for the people back home waiting for their soldiers. When I got back one of the times I had gone to visit Mike's parents. I walked into my parents' apartment and I heard a deep voice say, "Well, it's about time you got here." Mike wasn't a career soldier and he was then stationed at a post in TX, where he was an instructor pilot. It's OK to shed tears when something touches you deeply. It means you can feel and tears can be cleansing. Please do not apologize that you wrote back to me. Somehow it helps so much. I had no group of wives to join when Mike was in Vietnam and it was lonely, except for his parents and God, who understood how I felt. God bless you and keep you and yours in His loving care. 💔❤‍🩹❤

[@OwenEdwards-d8r]

Bless. U. Both.

[@mawmawvee]

@@randomhumanoidblob4506 Bless your caring heart. Man has always wanted territory which belonged to others. Megalomaniacs start wars because they think they alone have all the answers and they don't care who they hurt/kill, to get what they want, through others' blood. It's disgusting and sickening, isn't it. My husband has the gift of knowing how to compartmentalize what happens, so it doesn't appear that he was traumatized. Our parents went through the depression and recovered from it and two world wars and recovered from it. They were tougher back then. It's not that we forget it, but we still have lives to live and that helps us to go on. Mankind causes his own pain and suffering while trying to blame it all on someone else, I think. We were both born near the end of WWII and just after it, for me. I come from a military family, with career relatives and that's why we were not traumatized during the Vietnam war. Disgusted with the powers that be-yes. Communications were not so prevalent back then and in earlier wars, either. Nothing wrong with weeping over insanity. It's a good release for people. And--I thank you for sharing your thoughts about wars, etc. Yes, he came back home. With my husband, being able to compartmentalize helped him to deal with what was happening in 'Nam, but he's told me that there were times that he was terrified--Especially when his chopper was shot down. He waited until he got back home to tell me about that, bless his heart. His only thought was what was going to happen to me and our baby girl. His helicopter's oil case was hit and the ship was losing oil, but he was able to get his ship and the crew farther toward safety, thank God. He flew helicopters for a large helicopter company in the Gulf of Mexico for a little over 48 years and with his years in the US Army, he flew for a little over 52 years and is now retired, so he had a good career. God bless you and yours and thanks again for sharing your thoughts with me. 🥰❤🙏

[@winchy162]

It's written from the prospective of a soldier mortally wounded on the battlefield surrounded by his brothers in arms

[@Deadguy2322forreal]

One point a lot of people miss is he also forgives the enemy who killed him, as nobody chose to be in the war, they are all doing what they are ordered to. That's what the line "Every man has to die" is referring to.

[@helfgott1]

@@Deadguy2322forreal no

[@onastick2411]

Forgiving your enemy in WW1, led to WW2, go figure.

[@wallace500001]

Perspective.

[@andysimpson2690]

Its the Falklands war diaries

[@laurentmaire340]

One of the best guitarist I've ever seen in concert

[@mawmawvee]

I like Dire Straits, but I didn't know about this song until my husband recently had me come listen to it.

[@annephillips8494]

A Man I worked with fought in the Falklands.He was on the Sir Galahad Ship when it got hit. His friend was killed when a blast blew a metal door off and hit him He was just feet away He had awful survivor guilt.We loved him at work.Unbelievably he gave us many laughs with his Stories of Service.He is still alive and has popped up on TV. Thank you for this.🙏💌🤍🕊️🕊️🕊️

[@Killermcknight]

Oh my gosh, I cannot even imagine. I hope he has allowed himself to stop feeling guilty and live a beautiful life.

[@trespire]

@@Killermcknight From what I understand, survivor guilt doesn't really go away. The best we can do is to remember such sacrifices, respect their memory, support the berieved families. Never forget.

[@RickcandKai]

​@@trespireIt never does, after almost 36 years, I still get the thoughts in my head, what if, maybe if, I could've, why? That is hard on you, of 7 friends, in the same unit, 4 came back, in the beginning it's not so bad, you think, but as you age, it becomes stronger. Lost the first of our 4 in 1996, the second 2007, earlier this year the 3rd, now 1 left, it is always at the back of your mind, it never goes away, sending 18 year olds to war, without mental care/awareness is a killer.

[@trespire]

@@RickcandKai Was lucky to never have been in direct combat, but many have, and pay a price. Sometimes I can see it in their eyes. All I can say is we should all keep them in our thoughts. Sharing our & their stories seems to help ease the burden of memory.

[@RickcandKai]

@@trespire we get good at hiding it, maybe from the time I grew up, psychologist wasn't an option then, the times we're vulnerable, is in nostalgia, a smell, a sound. My son says he can then see regret/hurt, otherwise we hide it, if you weren't there, you can't explain it, especially the smell of death, the fear with bullets all around you, the chaos. One of the reasons of my divorce was that even though I never abused my wife, she said the eyes were just devoid of emotion at certain times. That is what war gives you, regret, hatred, it starves you of emotion, that is why so many of us came back with ptsd and a fear of being in humanity, because the normal person cannot understand what you went through, and Hollywood glamorize it.

[@davidmalarkey1302]

Brothers in Arms is one of the best albums of all time. Mark Knopfler is one of the best singer songwriters of his generation.He is also one of the greatest guitarists alive today.

[@sobrevalorado]

ok, you're a fan and all of that.... but one of the greatest albums ever? It's not better than the older Dire Straits albums, dude. you need to listen to more music

[@Simon-xc5oy]

@@sobrevalorado It IS ONE of the greatest. Why? Money for Nothing, Walk of Life, So Far Away From Me, Brothers in Arms. It was the number 1 best selling CD of all time for many years when the CD format was launched. Number 1 CD! For a very long time. 29 million copies sold and it sits at the the third best selling album ever in the Uk to this day....And the music video for Money For Nothing had early CGI, and helped launch and promote MTV channel on launch as well. That is a lot for one album, and not many other bands or people can lay claim to it. There are many superb and top selling albums worthy of being called one of the greatest...and this is one of them.

[@NeilOosthuizen]

Never understood why this was my fathers favourite song from the LP as there are so many amazing songs on it... then I got it.

[@fionaparkinson3821]

Just a note to say Mark Knopfler doesn’t use a guitar pick. He’s making that guitar cry and sing using just his fingers. He’s rare for that. He also hand picks a Dobro (national guitar). It’s an incredible talent and he is absolutely a guitarist that inspires others. He has a way of playing that is individual to him. Personally my favourite song is “Telegraph Road” but everyone has their own favourite.

[@jo.s7993]

Telegraph Road.....what can I say? I bought some really good headphones recently. I listened to T.Road on them on repeat, in the dark, just a few days ago....just wow.

[@TraceyAlsopp]

I love this song, it reminds me of my father who fought in ww2 and saw some awful battles from Italy through to North Africa as a dessert rat, he was burnt from the waist up while doing his washing in carozine, he had 90% burns he was also shot through the hand which cut his wedding ring in half while he was aiming his rifle, a very near miss. My brother also served and did 7 tours of Northern Ireland, my sisters husband also military and served in Ireland was bombed in a land rover sustained sever injuries but thankfully survived. My nephew also served in the Gullf War and Afghanistan. All brothers in arms, and now my dad, brother and brother-in-law are all brothers in the arms of God

[@edhawkes584]

I've always loved Romeo & Juiliet, and Two Young Lovers (great sax)!

[@ApocGuy]

Telegraph road is an awesome song, but my fav is still if this is goodbye with Emmy Lou Harris.

[@waklan78]

Mine too

[@npd6225]

“You did not desert me my brothers in arms” Me - 😭

[@canonndaleguy3658]

I'm 66 now ,never thought I'd get this far ,I was at Mount Harriet ,War is sh#t.

[@Killermcknight]

Wow. Glad you’re still here! 🙏🏻♥️

[@iancraig6070]

Thank you for your service.

[@titntin5178]

Thank you for your service brother. From my heart.

[@WinstonSmith19847]

Thank you for your service fighting for our country.

[@MrPistolpete1234]

Respect

[@susanfriend-k5m]

The Falklands war The UK lost many lives in battle, ships went down with lives lost. But the solders showed true compassion for the enemy helping their wounded. Keeping their love for their fellow man always no matter which side they were on. Considering the enemy their brothers in arms even though they won the battle.

I don't know if you are from the UK. I'm from Argentina and I served at the Navy and let me tell you that actually Argentina lost much more lives than the UK in that terrible war. In the late 90s I moved to Europe where I lived over 14 years in different countries and I've met a lot of British people and I have Friends from the UK. I'm writing this because I saw your comment and I think it's wrong the fact it's one-sided, as you wrote it just from the UK point of view and thinking only about the UK soldiers who were involved in that war and not thinking about the Argentinians who has suffered really much, not only because of fighting against the British soldiers but also because they were not even supported by the Argentinian government, which was in that time a dictatorship that used the war as a method to get rid of the young men that were fighting against the dictatorship.

[@susanfriend-k5m]

Terribly sorry if I offended you which was not my intention. My comment was based on the meaning of the song, not how many souls were lost on either side. I do not agree with any war myself and of course only saw the impact of loss from the UK. But was fully aware of the suffering of the solders from Argentina. And one life lost on either side should be enough for mankind to stop fighting. My point was that although men have been forced to settle the squabbles of the governments and powers we live under by becoming cannon fodder, They can still maintain the good in their hearts to help those who are wounded or taken prisoner. To me it is not who lost the most but who learned from it. How can I not be caring about the Argentinians if I rejoice that the UKs solders showed them compassion. As I stated I do not support any war but understand that those who fight in them I can not judge. I do not base my views on the world but on the laws of God himself. Therefore your comment could not be further from the truth.

[@SirHilaryManfat]

To the Argentinian friend who replied to the OP. As a Brit, I remember learning about the Argentinian soldiers being mainly conscripts sent to their death due to your politicians. You should also know that there was a large percentage of British people who were against the sinking of the Belgrano, calling it a war crime. There was a famous interview where a member of public in the UK openly criticised Margaret Thatcher on television for that act. Regardless of the reasoning behind the entire war, decent people on both sides of the conflict were victims of politics, and at no time did the majority of British want Argentinians to lose their lives, as much as we didn't want our own to die. The Argentinian people are some of the most kind, loving and beautiful people, and it's a tragedy that this event ever took place. Lots of love and respect from the UK.

[@simonrangeley]

I first heard about the Falklands war whilst having a drink with two Argentinian friends in a bar in Greece. Sympathy for all who were sent to fight for politicians ulterior motives. This song is a great testament to the madness of war. There is a brilliant live version of this that is worth a watch. Love and light.🙏

[@MrPercy112]

@SirHilaryManfat: the ‘war crime’ would have been allowing the Belgrano to escape; to return later, and play havoc with our fleet.

[@johnbarkdull5885]

Their catalogue is awesome. Money for nothing, and Sultans of Swing, deserve a listen.

[@ludvikisnes1628]

they have just so many greats and mark knopfler as a solo does aswell. in many i mean maaaany

[@lokolad3541]

This is one of the Best pieces of Music Written, My Favourite of the Dire Straits Amazing Catalogue 👊💛👍

[@Motorhead_England]

This track was inspired by the Argentinian invasion of the Falklands that took Britain to war. However, it has been so cleverly written, and is such a powerful piece, it could apply to any war at anytime in history. A true masterpiece that reminds me of my grandad at the battle of the Somme, and my father who was in the jungles of Burma during WW2. I never fail to shed tears.

[@Faisal0729]

One of the best musical compositions ever made

[@johnmoncrieff3034]

In terms of lasting quality Mark Knopfler is a match for the classical composers such as Bach and Beethoven etc. with an output miles greater than most of these classical composers!

[@olisipocity]

No weep no feel. This song was both a protest and a celebration of war and fallen comrades. Despite being about the Falklands war, it could be applied to all wars around the world, the stupidity and the devastation it causes, the pain and the unnecessary loss.

[@EchoesDaBear]

Great reaction!! This song 'got' me when I was 7! My sister had bought the cassette (she was 20), and while I loved Money For Nothing, Walk Of Life, this track hit hard. Already an empathetic person, I heard this as an anti-war song (found out after it was specifically about the Falkland War, but it applied to ALL wars). Knopfler's soulful guitar playing did exactly that - reached into your soul! I cried then on hearing it, and I cry now. Regretfully...wars continue to rage on.

[@Killermcknight]

🫶🏻🫶🏻

[@mickem4322]

For me this song is about loss in general.. I was 13 when I lost my friend, Maciej, due to Leuchemia.. He was the kindest of young boys.. Every day the following Fall I met his mother on my way home from School and in my "numbness" I couldn`t find the words/ What to say to her.. Apart from all her grief, She probably felt something similar.. 7-8 months later, In May 1985 this Song was released and played a lot on the Radio + MTV.. and it was then I really could start to mourn his passing.. Tonight I sit here in my bed mourning my sweet Father who passed this Spring..I`m watching your sincere and awesome reaction , which makes me remember my Friend and my dear Dad.. A Huge Thank You for heplng me with this process.. Everyday Life often makes us/me to just struggle along, doing Everyday stuff until we are going to sleep at night !! and.. btw..I got to see Dire Straits in Concert in 1992 if I remember it correct. It was Awesome! :) , Thanks for keeping Memories alive !!

[@kerrythorn8575]

His guitar playing makes me cry.

[@ReMorganDecker]

I've listened to this song hundreds of time and still get misty eyed every time. One of the best songs written. Bruce

[@Idaeus396]

Mark Knopfler wrote the song in response to The Falklands Conflict. The first line, “these most covered mountains, are a home now for me.” Is a direct reference to the most shrouded mountains of East Falkland and the battlegrounds of Mount Tumbledown, The Two Sisters and Goose Green. He struggled to understand war and what makes us fight and die in them, as per an interview he gave with The Professor of Rock, Adam Reader on his channel. This song came out in the aftermath of the Falklands and it has been an anthem for loss, sure, courage and devotion in film and TV since.

[@Lspacehopper]

Always brings me to tears ❤ Thank you for interpreting it, as it should be xx

[@ddss7]

Como não chorar com este verdadeiro hino? Saudações aqui do Brasil! 🇧🇷❤️

[@gavinparry5426]

'Sultans of Swing' Live will blow you away! MK a genius.

[@Diseased_Mr_T]

This album (also called Brothers in Arms) was the first ever to sell more than a million copies in CD format. A massive hit. Which really speaks to your comment about how easily music becomes forgotten, especially today, when music is so transient, and no-one listens to albums anymore. Dire Straits are definitely a whole album band.

[@jamesroyce1845]

The 80s were incomparable for its music. I wonder if we'll ever hear its like again?

[@ncmathsadist]

Timeless. It never loses its power or relevance.

[@Darrell3163]

No one can tell a story with the emotion Mark Knopfler delivers through his guitar, he's the best at this.

[@davegrace7979]

After all these years, this still brings tears to my eyes. I can’t help it.

[@iffyally]

Nailed it

[@ORDEROFTHEKNIGHTSTEMPLAR13]

Very atmospheric song and he has the guitar weeping and wailing..

[@glenturrell4485]

"....music preservation..." You just made my day with that phrase. Bless you both for this much-valued attitude to what you're doing.

[@paulsuddes1144]

This song is an absolute masterpiece!

[@glenn76uk]

A great British band one of my favourite songs ever

[@DwayndibbVids]

I would put it up in top rock songs of all time with November Rain and Nothing Else Matters. Those sort of ones.

[@geordieboy1309]

Mark knophler is a Geordie from where I’m from same as AC/DC front man Brian. Anyways I find it mental that the greatest guitarist is from my working class northern city that is under funded and struggling and he hasn’t ever forgot about us. He comes back multiple times a year donates to the food banks and children’s charities in Newcastle. Even donated and auctioned 8 of his guitars for Newcastle charities last year ❤❤

[@TreVader1378]

Sting as well.

[@geordieboy1309]

@@TreVader1378 yep sting is a Geordie, the band the animals are Geordie, Sam fender is Geordie , riddley Scott the movie director is a Geordie, we have a talented bunch and more that I just can’t think of atm, but the local music scene is thriving we have loads of talent hitting the road atm it’s a little bit like Manchester in the 90s

[@TreVader1378]

@@geordieboy1309 Sir Ridley is a distant relation of mine, his childhood home is a few blocks away from my house.

[@TARZANswings]

Mark Knopfler is Scottish, born in Glasgow, Brian Johnson is a Geordie and a first class frontman for AC/DC who followed another great frontman Bon Scott who is also Scottish born, along with founding members also Scottish Malcolm and Angus young.

[@geordieboy1309]

@ he was born in Scotland moved to Newcastle when he was a toddler, calls himself a geordie doesn’t call himself Scottish, has a Geordie accent, supports Newcastle United , and visits Newcastle numerous times a year to see friends, family and his Newcastle United team, and yearly donates money to Newcastle upon Tyne local charities. He’s a Geordie always says he’s a Geordies and will always be a Geordie. Just watch the video of him and Brian Johnson walking round the city talking about there love for Newcastle and where they hung around. I mean he went to Gosforth high school which is round the corner from me. West end of Newcastle.

[@NygaardBushcraft]

I remember we played this song back in 86 when we buried one of our legionaire brothers that gave his life to save two others.. I will never forget that day.. gentle rain and overcast. Our brother got a good sendoff.

[@Killermcknight]

Oh my gosh 😭🙏🏻♥️ May he be resting in peace

[@tuijakarttunen9164]

This song is so emotional and the video is just brilliant.

[@Hidoc1]

Brothers in arms amazing he tells the story of a soldier and he's making his guitar cry like no one ells amazing guitarist a great reaction thank you

[@Alcagaur1]

"Mark Knopfler has an extraordinary ability to make a Schecter Custom Stratocaster hoot and sing like angels on a Saturday night, exhausted from being good all week and needing a stiff drink." Douglas Adams, So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, #4)

[@Kuchenwurst]

I was about to post this quote. Thank you.

[@neilphillips1641]

If this song doesn’t bring a tear to your eyes or many of them then you’re dead inside. Beautiful song on levels that ain’t so, regardless of what this song means to you on a personal level.

[@thomaswest9634]

This song is a go to song for all of us who have served and it brings on the emotions as he just hits it for me. Eddie Vedder is the lead singer for Pearl Jam. Thank you for the respectful and kind post.

[@MrT67]

Saw these guys in '87, when they were arguably the number 1 band in the World. Still sticks in my mind. Brilliant show!!

[@BassMatt1972]

So many emotive live versions of this.. A master musician and songwriter..

[@Dr_KAP]

I don’t want this to be taken the wrong way, but I love that this made you cry. You felt it. That is music. Thanks so much - new sub from Australia ❤ 🐨

[@Killermcknight]

Definitely not taking that the wrong way 😊 Thanks so much 🫶🏻

[@glyn466]

The man’s to strong is another amazing track of this album

[@justingamble3876]

Ty guys, I love your reactions sooooooo much. I predict you will not forget this song as it has a tendency to haunt people for the rest of their lives. Mark Knopfler is a talent that is near incomparable. This song, with a perspective of a dying soldier, makes me cry every single time. The power of the words, the tone of the "simplistic" guitar is unforgettable...haunting.

[@Killermcknight]

So glad you enjoyed our reaction! ♥️ And I completely agree!

[@MrDezibel]

Mark tells the story, the guitar the emotions...

[@jooproos6559]

Even when you dont have a war to remember or some death of it,this is just a fabulous number and beautiful piece of music!It, it gets to you and you have to listen to it!

[@Astromechy]

The one word that comes to my mind when I hear this song is "haunting".😔🙏

[@StephenWilliams-h9g]

One of my favourite tunes, always brings a tear to my eye.

[@stevearnott7693]

Mark Knopfler wrote the song in 1982 during the Falklands War between Britain and Argentina, and it's considered a protest song that rails against the pointlessness of war. In 2007, to raise money for British veterans still suffering from the war's effects, Knopfler recorded a new version of the song at Abbey Road Studios

[@Killermcknight]

Oh wow! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@bushman9222]

Sorry that your mood was dampened by this video but if it didn't then questions would need to be asked. I never get tired of listening to this song having first become addicted to it in the last century when it was first written Still brings a tear to my 73 year old eyes. The song is in fact about the Falklands war between UK and Argentina. Great reaction as always. Take care.

[@alambyant]

That was a great reaction guys. ✌️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@Killermcknight]

Thank you for much 🫶🏻

[@marlinblack6597]

This was awesome to watch your reaction having experienced it live in 86 Sydney. Mark Knopfler is a living guitar legend from an era when musicians had skills, real skills.

[@jedislap8726]

To put a time context on this and the video, it was written shortly after the Falklands War between UK and Argentina and so was heavily inspired by that, however the video itself uses WW1 as a backdrop, Despite both of those inspirations it is just an anti-war song with no particular battle/war/time period, just war in general.

[@colmanpm]

Thank you both for reminding me just what a great song and video Brothers in Arms. 💗and Peace.

[@Killermcknight]

🫶🏻

[@Nomans1971]

This video always cuts deep being an ex British soldier.

[@Killermcknight]

🙏🏻🫶🏻

[@GG-jw8pt]

🇬🇧 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🇬🇧 🇺🇸👍

[@thorsrensen3162]

I was born on farm and am so thankful that I have not been thrown into a war in my lifetime just like the innocent young guys in this song. Even the ones who survived and returned to their farms would never be the same after experience the horror of war. I love this song as I relate so much to these brothers and I understand why you got so touched of both the melody and the text. Love from Denmark.

[@slowpacegames2452]

"You did not desert me, my brothers in arms..." That line has haunted me most of my life.

[@RamiroAlonsoPando]

This masterfully played song has a beautiful melody, but the lyrics awesomly fit through the whole play.

[@blastingweevil2968]

holds a special place in my heart as an ex serviceman,,,,

[@JamesYoung-y1b]

‘There’s so many different worlds, so many different suns. And we have just one world but we live in different ones’ Humanity described in one verse or the poetry of this song - one stanza.

[@viliko4308]

That LP meant so much then, it still does. MK is just the best, and so precious ❤ His 75th birthday was yesterday ✨️

[@shantaurus650]

This song hits you like a truck and its really cool to see the effect it has on you guys, from chatting a bit to go dead silent and struggling to keep the tears in into ending up with red eyes and a lump in the troath :). Loved the video and see the honest reaction of you guys

[@stephenbaker-lemay479]

Dire Straits are a British band, this was their anti war song, written not long after the Falklands war, though anyone can feel it’s about all wars I think Americans have a lack of knowledge about the rest of the world and see everything as being American, reacting to other things will open your mind but you really need to educate yourself about the World, at the time of the Falklands there was a groundswell of feeling about joining the Army to go and fight, the Government prevented this as they knew the war was not going to expand beyond the boundaries of the Falkland Islands, the song has a great meaning to the men who fought and those that would have.

[@marklenahan7567]

This song breaks my heart every time I hear it - and I have been hearing it since it came out. Most excellent guitar.

[@neilshayler3119]

Mark Knopfler was 75 a couple of days ago his writing and guitar playing is just epic. This was written about the UK conflict with Argentina in 1982 but you could sadly say its about any conflict and those who paid the ultimate price for their country. The live version of the Mandela concert or on the night are just sublime. Sultans from Alchemy and Telegraph road from the same concert worth viewing

[@challenger2031]

Honestly, the song in general always hits me hard. Abit crazy that I came to this from The Grand Tour ending and this song playing at the very end made the farewell even more moving, but nothing compared to how moving and beautifully poetic the music video on this song. I cannot fathom how modern day editing is all well and good but there is something that this kind of creativity is rare and special. What a song!!

[@adrianleigh7410]

This is one of the seminal albums of the 80’s. Every track pure gold. But this track paints the futility of war but at the end there is hope.

[@adellittle3547]

Thank you for reacting to this stunningly beautiful song. 😊

[@Killermcknight]

Of course!!

[@orraman5427]

Your comrades are your brothers in arms doing their patriotic duty, but it has to be remembered that the guys on the other side are also brothers in arms doing their patriotic duty. The last line says it all - "we're fools to make war on our brothers in arms".

[@Killermcknight]

Absolutely!!

[@shadow-Sun]

This is a ballad for every soldier in every conflict past and present , ultimatley about the futility and waste of life and utter futility of war and conflict . Ex Royal Marines Commando here who had served my country for 15 years in conflict and peace (now retired )

[@lindahinde1531]

So many places are at war, so many losses, such a tragic world

[@michaelrevell7270]

This was 1985, Mark us absolutely brilliant, and he's been writing and recording terrific songs ever since, and he hasn't stopped.

[@edmurth]

Brothers in Arms is the first album I bought myself on cassette just before I went on a school holiday to Germany and this song is timeless. When I listen to it now all I can do is think of those Ukrainians on the front defending their families and pray they get to return to their valleys and their farms.

[@KristerRehn]

Been there...Cry everytime i here this song...

[@tomtd]

Wet eyes every time I listen to this.

[@nikoskarapidakis3025]

Everytime I hear this song / album since it came out and I bought it in the early 80s It hits so deep and there is such emotion …… ever since I heard Sultans of swing I have been hooked. Lyrics. Music. Guitar. He is the best !!

[@brianclayton1039]

This is played often at Veterans funerals in the UK.

[@steveando56]

So proud that Mark was born inmy home city of Glasgow, Scotland 😊

[@Killermcknight]

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿♥️

[@beds139]

Mark Knopfler turned 75 this week.

[@bookdragon4385]

Thanks for your reaction to this song👍 Such an emotional song, I discovered Dire Straits while I was in college.

[@05NBuckley]

Mark Knopfler is a genius; not just for this song. But to correct multiple comments in this thread. There was no Falklands War. Argentina invaded unopposed; even though we knew they were going to. We then sent a 'Task Force', spanked there arses and took it back. Many lives were lost. Neither side declared war.

[@reubenmossley2787]

This song was MASSIVE !! MASSIVE !! in the UK. Long after it was a hit song in other countries. It still had a massive following in the UK

[@julianruffles3167]

One of the best bands of the 80s Music that plays with your emotions even with no connection or even understanding is what I like just like Luciano Pavarotti nisoun dorma I don't understand Italian but you don't need too

[@u4ia_fubar_75]

This song has a place in my heart as my dad was at the Falklands with the royal artillery.

[@dannyboon4162]

That song would bring a tear to a glass eye .

[@richardellis4636]

Monsters by James blunt has the same effect

[@yutehube4468]

@@richardellis4636 No it doesn't. All of our fathers die. IDGAF about Blunt singing a song about his own father dying, it's one man and it's not part of a war. Dire Straits are singing about war - actual war. Are you really mentioning James Blunt in the same sentence as Mark Knopfler? Have a think about it.

[@richardellis4636]

@@yutehube4468 yes his father was dying BUT this song found a long lost relative that saved his fathers life. I know this because I see him most mornings walking his dog. I was also comparing the emotion evoked from a song NOT comparing circumstances. So go stick your indignation where the sun don’t shine.

[@erickortenbach4355]

Lovely reaction from you. It is a reset moment this song; makes you think. the previous comment obviously from a very knowledgeable person. Very impressive.

[@DavidDowns-f3p]

And one of the greatest live bands of all time

[@radman8321]

This song hits men particularly hard. There is a certain emotion that can only be triggered by the combination of sacrifice/death/duty/bravery/comradeship that makes me tear up every time, even though I've never served it touches something primal.

[@panan7777]

When the music was M U S I C. ZERO samples, just guys playing perfection. One the the BEST ever. ALL of the rappers crap together has NOTHING on a single song like this.

[@grantmiller6570]

Songs/stories like these are important for young people who have not experienced war or even hard times to know, to understand the horrors of it, that is is serious and people die, sometimes horribly, the loss and the bonds that people create with each other to help them survive & get through it, and also to appreciate those that have had to go through it, not only on the battle field but those waiting at home for them to return.