Mark Knopfler — Sailing to Philadelphia
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I am Jeremiah Dixon
I am a Geordie boy
A glass of wine with you, sir
And the ladies I'll enjoy
All Durham and Northumberland
Is measured up by my own hand
It was my fate from birth
To make my mark upon the earth...
He calls me Charlie Mason
A stargazer am I
It seems that I was born
To chart the evening sky
They'd cut me out for baking bread
But I had other dreams instead
This baker's boy from the west country
Would join the Royal Society...
We are sailing to Philadelphia
A world away from the coaly Tyne
Sailing to Philadelphia
To draw the line
The Mason-Dixon line
Now you're a good surveyor, Dixon
But I swear you'll make me mad
The West will kill us both
You gullible Geordie lad
You talk of liberty
How can America be free
A Geordie and a baker's boy
In the forest of the Iroquois...
Now hold your head up, Mason
See America lies there
The morning tide has raised
The capes of Delaware
Come up and feel the sun
A new morning is begun
Another day will make it clear
Why your stars should guide us here...
We are sailing to Philadelphia
A world away from the coaly Tyne
Sailing to Philadelphia
To draw the line
The Mason-Dixon line
I am a Geordie boy
A glass of wine with you, sir
And the ladies I'll enjoy
All Durham and Northumberland
Is measured up by my own hand
It was my fate from birth
To make my mark upon the earth...
He calls me Charlie Mason
A stargazer am I
It seems that I was born
To chart the evening sky
They'd cut me out for baking bread
But I had other dreams instead
This baker's boy from the west country
Would join the Royal Society...
We are sailing to Philadelphia
A world away from the coaly Tyne
Sailing to Philadelphia
To draw the line
The Mason-Dixon line
Now you're a good surveyor, Dixon
But I swear you'll make me mad
The West will kill us both
You gullible Geordie lad
You talk of liberty
How can America be free
A Geordie and a baker's boy
In the forest of the Iroquois...
Now hold your head up, Mason
See America lies there
The morning tide has raised
The capes of Delaware
Come up and feel the sun
A new morning is begun
Another day will make it clear
Why your stars should guide us here...
We are sailing to Philadelphia
A world away from the coaly Tyne
Sailing to Philadelphia
To draw the line
The Mason-Dixon line
Comments (332)add comment
Steely_D wrote:
Yeah, but never say never...
Listening to Knopfler is a good enough groove, but when Taylor starts singing, the entire good folky gentle reassuring qualities of the 70s come rushing back, making me miss the old me so hard it gets a bit overwhelming, knowing we'll never ever go back there.
Yeah, but never say never...
skuzzfud wrote:
Ha Good one!
There are not enough songs about surveyors. It's a plumb job.
Ha Good one!
Listening to Knopfler is a good enough groove, but when Taylor starts singing, the entire good folky gentle reassuring qualities of the 70s come rushing back, making me miss the old me so hard it gets a bit overwhelming, knowing we'll never ever go back there.
andrew2112 wrote:
Thanks, I just bought the novel. Looking forward to checking it out.
I picked up a copy in the bookshop. Then I put it down again as it weighed about 4 kg.
Thanks, I just bought the novel. Looking forward to checking it out.
I picked up a copy in the bookshop. Then I put it down again as it weighed about 4 kg.
olivertwist wrote:
Thanks, I just bought the novel. Looking forward to checking it out.
I need to check out that novel. Thanks for the reminder. 
This album is as good as anything Mark Knopfler ever did with Dire Straits, IMO.
Thanks, I just bought the novel. Looking forward to checking it out.
How frickin' good was THAT. MK and JT making magic.
Ain't there no version with Willy Nelson, I'm wondering?
mgtom wrote:
Obviously you are not referring to Milton Keynes...
Everything I love about MK all wrapped up in one great song.
Obviously you are not referring to Milton Keynes...
bam23 wrote:
Haha, I just bought it!
Offhand, I cannot think of a similar modern example of a musical composition based on a complex and entrancing novel. Those with any interest in a novel that combines history, science, and their interplay through various cultural lenses should find the Pynchon novel Mason and Dixon, on which this song is loosely based, interesting. If not compelling. I have read it 3 times and may do it again if time permits. That is not the only reason I find this to be a really good piece of songwriting, but context always adds to the experience.
Haha, I just bought it!
copymonkey wrote:
James Taylor is not Canadian.
Bostonian, like me. He's more famous.
James Taylor is not Canadian.
Bostonian, like me. He's more famous.
jukes1 wrote:
Yes!
What an odd but nice duet. We could use some James Taylor occasionally on RP.
Yes!
copymonkey wrote:
James Taylor is not Canadian.
But i wish he was
James Taylor is not Canadian.
But i wish he was
This song is superb at so many levels
TheKing2 wrote:
James Taylor is not Canadian.
Missing in the credits is the mentioning of wonderful voice of Canadian James Taylor.
James Taylor is not Canadian.
Everything I love about MK all wrapped up in one great song.
Missing in the credits is the mentioning of wonderful voice of Canadian James Taylor.
This is such a wonderful, unique song about a rather important piece of American history. Read about it here. https://historycooperative.org...
Knopfler's guitar & James Taylor's voice....Superb. Thank you RP...
nomnol wrote:
Yes, it is James.
I'm hearing a bit of James Taylor in this. That's a good thing, no? At least the harmony sounds like James.
Yes, it is James.
nomnol wrote:
That's because it is James Taylor.
I'm hearing a bit of James Taylor in this. That's a good thing, no? At least the harmony sounds like James.
That's because it is James Taylor.
I'm hearing a bit of James Taylor in this. That's a good thing, no? At least the harmony sounds like James.
somboed wrote:
He's the best and surrounds himself with other greats. This is one of the main reasons I come to RP - consistent quality and surprises.
And what a storyteller he is!
He's the best and surrounds himself with other greats. This is one of the main reasons I come to RP - consistent quality and surprises.
And what a storyteller he is!
olivertwist wrote:
Second that. Pynchon's Mason & Dixon is one of his best, and indeed, one of the best historical fiction novels I've ever read.
I need to check out that novel. Thanks for the reminder.
This album is as good as anything Mark Knopfler ever did with Dire Straits, IMO.
Second that. Pynchon's Mason & Dixon is one of his best, and indeed, one of the best historical fiction novels I've ever read.
I love the song but I am not sure about one historical aspect. The term "Geordie" would not have been around back then. Many attribute it to George Stephenson who as well as his railway exploits also invented a minors safety lamp similar to Humphry Davy. However, unlike Davy he patented his, so most of the world called them Davy lamps. All except the Northumbrian minors who were loyal to their home town hero and called them "Georgies"
A few years ago, I often visited the Philly area from the UK and would have this song playing on the headphones while flying down the East Coast. Brings back great memories with a superb song.
Also, only just realised it is James Taylor as the second voice - d'oh!
Also, only just realised it is James Taylor as the second voice - d'oh!
Well said. I'm from just south of Philly (Wilmington, DE, Joe Biden country) and while Philadelphia has its depressing parts, it's also got some serious charm and fascinating national history, warm, heartfelt people and fabulous food... all that can't be denied. The East coast in general is old enough to appear a bit ragged on the edges. So be it. We're a country that ignores infrastructure in lieu of fighter jets. Ah, but I digress. Bottom line is the song is such a beautiful, unique and fascinating look at our history. I think its a masterpiece by two artists I admire very much. h8rhater wrote:
Besides... it's not fair to judge an entire city by it's sports fans.
Besides... it's not fair to judge an entire city by it's sports fans.
I'm a Chartered Land Surveyor and I think this is the first time I've ever heard a song about surveyors.I have a T-shirt that says "Engineers: Solving problems you never knew you had." Songs like this makes me think I need a twin shirt that says: "Engineers: Creating problems you never knew you had."
Here's a call for something from Mud Slide Slim!
Old JT much better than the 1980s stuff.
Old JT much better than the 1980s stuff.
There are not enough songs about surveyors. It's a plumb job.
One of my MK favorites.
What an odd but nice duet. We could use some James Taylor occasionally on RP.
Such a nice song... On my top list, when doing night traveling...
UltraNurd wrote:
Besides... it's not fair to judge an entire city by it's sports fans.
mikedill wrote:
Listen to the lyrics. The song is about Mason and Dixon sailing across the Atlantic to draw their famous line. Though Philly may be depressing now, it probably wasn't back in the 1700s.
It was sort of our national capital until D.C. was built, not to mention the location of most of the Continental, Confederation, and Constitutional Congresses.
Plus, Quakers rock!!
Besides... it's not fair to judge an entire city by it's sports fans.
MotorSkills wrote:
As MY friends used to say: Are you bragging...or complaining? :-)
An awful lot of MK?
As MY friends used to say: Are you bragging...or complaining? :-)
Knopfler himself is a good Geordie lad.
I love this song so very, very much that my fun-bumps currently have fun-bumps of their own while this is playing. Two peerless performers, performing together. Thank you, Bill and co, for playing this xx.
bam23 wrote:
Offhand, I cannot think of a similar modern example of a musical composition based on a complex and entrancing novel. Those with any interest in a novel that combines history, science, and their interplay through various cultural lenses should find the Pynchon novel Mason and Dixon, on which this song is loosely based, interesting. If not compelling. I have read it 3 times and may do it again if time permits. That is not the only reason I find this to be a really good piece of songwriting, but context always adds to the experience.
I need to check out that novel. Thanks for the reminder. 
This album is as good as anything Mark Knopfler ever did with Dire Straits, IMO.
Offhand, I cannot think of a similar modern example of a musical composition based on a complex and entrancing novel. Those with any interest in a novel that combines history, science, and their interplay through various cultural lenses should find the Pynchon novel Mason and Dixon, on which this song is loosely based, interesting. If not compelling. I have read it 3 times and may do it again if time permits. That is not the only reason I find this to be a really good piece of songwriting, but context always adds to the experience.
"Able assistance from James Taylor," yes, but also able assistance from the elusive Thomas Pynchon.
What? WHAT!??! JT juxtaposed against MK? Now how is it I've missed this particular version? Nicely done. Thanks RP.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Equally beautiful live version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTvc-bEP35I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTvc-bEP35I
daveesh wrote:
I'd be fine with it. Thanks for the additional mind-candy to apply this song.
does this count as yacht rock?
I'd be fine with it. Thanks for the additional mind-candy to apply this song.
does this count as yacht rock?
slawjam wrote:
indeed
What a treasure Mark Knopfler is.
indeed
What a treasure Mark Knopfler is.
Just plain good.
this gives me chills-so beautiful!
Classic song... Required listening for all up and coming songwriters.
what a great song. Love Knopfler's voice and love James Taylor. <sigh> heaven </sigh>
MotorSkills wrote:
He's the best and surrounds himself with other greats. This is one of the main reasons I come to RP - consistent quality and surprises.
There seems to be an awful lot of Mark Knopfler on this station. What's up?
He's the best and surrounds himself with other greats. This is one of the main reasons I come to RP - consistent quality and surprises.
MotorSkills wrote:
I don't get tired of hearing Mark and his sweet guitar. Big bonus with James Taylor on this one.
There seems to be an awful lot of Mark Knopfler on this station. What's up?
I don't get tired of hearing Mark and his sweet guitar. Big bonus with James Taylor on this one.
MotorSkills wrote:
What's up is that his music is wonderful.
There seems to be an awful lot of Mark Knopfler on this station. What's up?
What's up is that his music is wonderful.
There seems to be an awful lot of Mark Knopfler on this station. What's up?
Love songs that tell a story, one based on a somewhat obscure bit of colonial-era historical trivia no less!
ingrizek wrote:
Leaving the Boss lightyears behind!
second on that. great stories, on a par with The Boss
Leaving the Boss lightyears behind!
Wonderful song sung by 2 great guys. 10 out of 10 from me.
second on that. great stories, on a par with The Boss
MK does such great storytelling...
This is a calm, laid back ballad but contains the sense of the excitement one gets on the deck of ship heading to new places.
Nice complementarity between the co-vocalists.
Good Music
That's Charlie work!
WonderLizard wrote:
In Philly they boo the Easter Bunny.
WonderLizard wrote:
I hear it's always sunny in Philedelphia.
In Philly they boo the Easter Bunny.
BOR-RING
boober wrote:
In Philly they boo the Easter Bunny.
I hear it's always sunny in Philedelphia.
In Philly they boo the Easter Bunny.
Never particularly been a Knopfler fan but this track pleases me in inexplicable ways. Perhaps it's JT's sweet tone juxtaposed with MK's Geordie burr. Somehow it all works.
"I was a highwayman. Along the coach roads I did ride."
clydes wrote:
Yes, they have. You were listening to it :-)
Thanks clydes I thought it was a duet ... great sound they produce together.
Yes, they have. You were listening to it :-)
Thanks clydes I thought it was a duet ... great sound they produce together.
I would give this a big ZERO if I could. JT on RP? Yuk!!!!!
Toke wrote:
Yes, they have. You were listening to it :-)
As a suggestion would this track not make a gret duet with James Taylor... or have they already cut one ??
Yes, they have. You were listening to it :-)
As a suggestion would this track not make a gret duet with James Taylor... or have they already cut one ??
jwkoda wrote:
Anal tentivity is a problem for many.
IMHO Knopfler's conversational voice transcends JT's tonal range. Pavarotti could sing the MK part and the song would be far worse. Technical ability is such a small part of an emotional connection.
JT's vocals on this track make Knopler's voice sound so limited.
Anal tentivity is a problem for many.
IMHO Knopfler's conversational voice transcends JT's tonal range. Pavarotti could sing the MK part and the song would be far worse. Technical ability is such a small part of an emotional connection.
Always Fantastic.....forever....
JT's vocals on this track make Knopler's voice sound so limited.
Fantastic music and a history lesson for us Old World people - what is there not to like? 10. 
Ahh so soothing after that nervous piece of crap by David Byrne and Brian Eno....
Pieter wrote:
About as thrilling as James Taylor. (But don't get me wrong, MK has done some great stuff.)
Could be a bit more challenging.
About as thrilling as James Taylor. (But don't get me wrong, MK has done some great stuff.)
tipper wrote: I really dont understand this love affair with Mark Knopfler. Yes he can play. Okay, it's a pleasant enough guitar sound for an album maybe, but the song writing is distinctly average.
sirdroseph wrote:
You obviously have not listened to the album Brothers in Arms in its entirety.
Or Love over Gold....Telegraph Road is one of my favs
sirdroseph wrote:
You obviously have not listened to the album Brothers in Arms in its entirety.
Or Love over Gold....Telegraph Road is one of my favs
tipper wrote:
You obviously have not listened to the album Brothers in Arms in its entirety.
I really dont understand this love affair with Mark Knopfler. Yes he can play. Okay, it's a pleasant enough guitar sound for an album maybe, but the song writing is distinctly average.
You obviously have not listened to the album Brothers in Arms in its entirety.
fredriley wrote:
Why should a song be "challenging"? He's telling a story, not trying to give the listener grief. If "challenging" were a good thing in music then Stockhausen would be top of the pops.
Good riposte!
Why should a song be "challenging"? He's telling a story, not trying to give the listener grief. If "challenging" were a good thing in music then Stockhausen would be top of the pops.
Good riposte!
Sweet tune!
calypsus_1 wrote:
Nice!
Nice!
I love it when lyrics are used for a different theme than just plain old love songs. That, combined with the nice laid back feel of this song makes me vote for excellent!
Such a "sweet" method of story telling. Music has always been a media for
history and M.K. does it as well as anyone.
history and M.K. does it as well as anyone.
I really dont understand this love affair with Mark Knopfler. Yes he can play. Okay, it's a pleasant enough guitar sound for an album maybe, but the song writing is distinctly average.
Great Thomas Pynchon Novel... Mason & Dixon
He did an encore when he played here. 4 songs, one of which I think was Telegraph Road. I was happy!
Stingray wrote:
PS
Question: does anybody know why Knopfler never returns to stage for a few extra songs
(sorry, don't know how this is called in English), once the concert is over?
Seems to be quite arrogant! Saw him 3 times - he NEVER did! Not even in Moscow,
where the crowd was soooo hungry for more! RIDICULOUS!
You mean an encore i think?
Saw him 4 times (1 in Rotterdam, 3 in Amsterdam), once a "private" concert of about 200 attendants... But every time he gave an encore of 2 and once 3 songs... So that's weird....
He's not arrogant i think, he's just really silent and peaceful... I love his style, though i have to agree, a couple more thank you's wouldn't be too much now and again...
As for this song: 7 —-> 8
PS
Question: does anybody know why Knopfler never returns to stage for a few extra songs
(sorry, don't know how this is called in English), once the concert is over?
Seems to be quite arrogant! Saw him 3 times - he NEVER did! Not even in Moscow,
where the crowd was soooo hungry for more! RIDICULOUS!
You mean an encore i think?
Saw him 4 times (1 in Rotterdam, 3 in Amsterdam), once a "private" concert of about 200 attendants... But every time he gave an encore of 2 and once 3 songs... So that's weird....
He's not arrogant i think, he's just really silent and peaceful... I love his style, though i have to agree, a couple more thank you's wouldn't be too much now and again...
As for this song: 7 —-> 8
Pieter wrote:
Why should a song be "challenging"? He's telling a story, not trying to give the listener grief. If "challenging" were a good thing in music then Stockhausen would be top of the pops.
Could be a bit more challenging.
Why should a song be "challenging"? He's telling a story, not trying to give the listener grief. If "challenging" were a good thing in music then Stockhausen would be top of the pops.
Right up there with the " Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald" and as I am writing this on it comes........ perfect!
this is an iconic song....like most of Mr Knopler's work - the man's a genius
boober wrote:
I live (on) "green" every day...!
I hear it's always sunny in Philedelphia.
My son was GREEN MAN for Halloween.Hilarious.
My son was GREEN MAN for Halloween.Hilarious.
I live (on) "green" every day...!
AdyMiles wrote:
What is wrong in Wolverhampton? Since you're no longer in the "PL" your world
seems to be upside down!
Restaurant-music? Boring?
You must be wild!
Certainly an 8 - without question!
PS
Question: does anybody know why Knopfler never returns to stage for a few extra songs
(sorry, don't know how this is called in English), once the concert is over?
Seems to be quite arrogant! Saw him 3 times - he NEVER did! Not even in Moscow,
where the crowd was soooo hungry for more! RIDICULOUS!
boring background music - not too bad for low level in a restaurant
What is wrong in Wolverhampton? Since you're no longer in the "PL" your world
seems to be upside down!
Restaurant-music? Boring?
You must be wild!
Certainly an 8 - without question!
PS
Question: does anybody know why Knopfler never returns to stage for a few extra songs
(sorry, don't know how this is called in English), once the concert is over?
Seems to be quite arrogant! Saw him 3 times - he NEVER did! Not even in Moscow,
where the crowd was soooo hungry for more! RIDICULOUS!
I hear it's always sunny in Philedelphia.
My son was GREEN MAN for Halloween.Hilarious.
My son was GREEN MAN for Halloween.Hilarious.
boring background music - not too bad for low level in a restaurant
This whole album deserves at least an 8..
I am jeremiah dixon
I am a geordie boy
I am a geordie boy
Does anyone listen to the words?
How many popular songs convey this kind of historical story telling?
Man.
How many popular songs convey this kind of historical story telling?
Man.
hey Bill! What a nice rotation this morning! Sitting in the late summer sun and hear all this incredible tunes! Thank you RP!!
Jungle_Jim wrote:
Really, are you a musician/guitar player? If you already had this solo in your mind you should be. I think you are right punk never happened for Mark. I am not disappointed and have enjoyed his post Dire Straits projects
That guitar solo was so predictable I knew what note he was going to do next. Punk never happened for old Mark did it.
Really, are you a musician/guitar player? If you already had this solo in your mind you should be. I think you are right punk never happened for Mark. I am not disappointed and have enjoyed his post Dire Straits projects
Sailing? bad choice of cover photo Mark. Really nice song though.
mr. james taylor vocals, no comment *7*
That guitar solo was so predictable I knew what note he was going to do next. Punk never happened for old Mark did it.
Yes, see his last album. calypsus_1 wrote:
Could be a bit more challenging.
It's got that soothing dentist office sound.
Tremendous Artist and a Top Notch CD from start to finish - wait till the transition to the wreck of the Edmun.......
At times it sounds like Mark and James Taylor together.............. In JT's studio 
Has a certain "Kumbaya, my Lord" feel to it...
matz wrote:
Thanks. No amount of mental floss will remove this image whenever I hear this one now.
well... my wife always understands "AMAZING DICKS IN LINE..."
;-) Great Song really...
;-) Great Song really...
Thanks. No amount of mental floss will remove this image whenever I hear this one now.
I thought this was james taylor. I have my volume on low...I was all "holy crap, is Bill actually playing james taylor? Sweet!"
bobcat1963 wrote:
not a big fan of it either
gaap
ik val in slaap
ik val in slaap
not a big fan of it either
Insipid
Good enough.... but needs a minor key change and a tempo shift or bit of arrangment to liven it up.
(Like I've ever written a song....)
well... my wife always understands "AMAZING DICKS IN LINE..."
;-) Great Song really...
;-) Great Song really...
highwindows wrote:
Couldn't be further from it......................
Oh dear Mark. This is muzak isn't it?
Couldn't be further from it......................
gaap
ik val in slaap
ik val in slaap
Missing in the credits is the mentioning of wonderful voice of Canadian James Taylor.
From Boston, not Canada. Close enough I guess. Driving distance.