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Mark Knopfler — You Don't Know You're Born
Album: The Ragpicker's Dream
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2202









Released: 2002
Length: 4:54
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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What do you know about the hammer and the spike?
What do you know about the farm?
You don't know, you don't know what it's like
Because you don't know, you don't know you're born

What do you know about the hammer and the chisel?
You only know the kitchen and the warm
You don't know about the night shift whistle
Punching the clock to the horn
Because you don't know, you don't know you're born

You don't know, you don't know you're born
You don't know, you don't know you're born
You don't know, you don't know you're born
You don't know, you don't know you're born
You don't know you're born
You don't know you're born

What do you know about the hammer and the nails
Or know about the thistles and the thorns?
What do you know about the road and the rails?
Your heart so weary and your hands all worn
Your hands so weary and your heart all torn
And you don't know, you don't know you're born

You don't know you're born
You don't know, you don't know you're born
You don't know, you don't know you're born
You don't know, you don't know you're born
You don't know you're born
You don't know you're born
Comments (173)add comment
 Jelani wrote:

I was always hearing"You don't know your bone."  I just got up to look at what that could possibly mean...




Too funny!
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
I was always hearing"You don't know your bone."  I just got up to look at what that could possibly mean...
Posted 2 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 itsme_bygolly wrote:

Mark Knoffler after Jerry Douglas. Some one is blessed by the Programming Gods.



it's all predestined...
Posted 2 years ago by TheKing2    [ Reply ]
From Jerry Douglas into Mark Knopfler...
Posted 2 years ago by rhiangalthie    [ Reply ]
This seems like album filler to me...like the 3rd track on side B...needed to make up the time somehow...
Posted 2 years ago by sfoster66    [ Reply ]
has that 60's "surf-tune" quality that I love so much...! 
Posted 3 years ago by gregskrtic    [ Reply ]
 itsme_bygolly wrote:

Mark Knoffler after Jerry Douglas. Some one is blessed by the Programming Gods.


A good segue. Kudos to Bill for keeping the art of the DJ alive in these soulless days of algorithmic rule. Good on yer, Bill :)
Posted 3 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
This is just one of the amazing songs on this album. If you haven't checked out The Ragpicker's Dream yet, do yourself a favor and listen from start to finish. Any lyricist that can work "Call 1-800-IMAFREAK" into a song has got all of my admiration. 

As a side note, if you love Knopfler and aren't able to see him live in your town, check out his recorded concerts on sale at his web site. The quality is excellent as it is direct from the "board". As far as I know, the shows are not edited so you get some blemishes but as he and his band are excellent musicians, there aren't many and the ones that you can detect just add to the human touch of the shows.

I have been lucky enough to see MK at Red Rocks from dead center in the 2nd row. Actually, I would have preferred to be a few rows back as we were under the too-watchful eye of a security guard who seemed to think we shouldn't be able to enjoy some legal flower or our liquid refreshments. Also, the people in the front row seemed to think that they were entitled to more than we were and were annoying.

It's rare that I've been able to listen to a concert I attended in such gorgeous sonic quality.
Posted 3 years ago by kernreed    [ Reply ]
I play this to my kids, they don’t get it yet....all in good time 😂
Posted 4 years ago by Pioneer_Sing    [ Reply ]
Mark Knoffler after Jerry Douglas. Some one is blessed by the Programming Gods.
Posted 4 years ago by itsme_bygolly    [ Reply ]
 Tomasni wrote:
Long Live RP


Mark Knopfler
You Don't Know You're Born
My rating is a STRONG 8                  

I am saving 9 and 10 for even BETTER
 
Same here, though that's why I'm at 9 and not 10!
Long Live RP!!

Posted 5 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
Long Live                                                                    Radio Paradise
TY Mark Knopfler for   You Don't Know You're Born
My rating is a STRONG  8       increase to 9               
Posted 5 years ago by Tomasni    [ Reply ]
JJ Cale, meet Mark the multi-millionaire.
Posted 6 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
 ElainaEast wrote:
Suggest to follow with I'm Dead (But I Don't Know It) - Randy Newman

 
Good idea!
Posted 6 years ago by Moira    [ Reply ]
Love the way that cover photo conveys a story. Artistry, like this song...
Posted 7 years ago by RazzCat    [ Reply ]
 h8rhater wrote:
8 to 9
 
... and then some.
Posted 7 years ago by ojibwe    [ Reply ]
8 to 9
Posted 7 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
7 to 8.
Posted 7 years ago by bstevens1951    [ Reply ]
nice vibes
Posted 7 years ago by Segue    [ Reply ]
Das ist der Hammer!  Idea dono te bimbi.
Posted 7 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
 nigelr wrote:
and then, he starts to play.....:) 

 
yep,...........{#Meditate}
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
Mark, you can get older a better way. Ask Neil.
Posted 8 years ago by Lux_Vega    [ Reply ]
 haresfur wrote:
You don't know your bone?  My dog does.

 
Ruff!! {#Roflol}
Posted 8 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
and then, he starts to play.....:) 
Posted 8 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
 Jelani wrote:
does this sound a bit like Snow Patrol's Shut Your Eyes ?

 
Yes, the backing certainly if not the vocals. Of course this pre-dates Snow Patrol's effort.
Posted 8 years ago by Stephen_Phillips    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:
This sounds exactly like his song about the coyote...

 
...if you put your fingers in your ears and hum real loud.
Posted 8 years ago by dwhayslett    [ Reply ]
                                                         Schwa
                                       What do you know about the sign?
                                        You only know it's on some chart
                                               Yes I know you're tough
                           But, you dont know, you just met a baby delivery stork
                                             Ought to be the slow food
                                 
                      
Posted 8 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
Very good music - but very bad shows
Posted 8 years ago by andrinuss    [ Reply ]
does this sound a bit like Snow Patrol's Shut Your Eyes ?
Posted 8 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 Sbed wrote:
He just announced a north american tour, so look for a great show!
 
Saw him in Sarasota and it was indeed great.
Posted 8 years ago by wgsu_1978    [ Reply ]
He just announced a north american tour, so look for a great show!
Posted 9 years ago by Sbed    [ Reply ]
 KaraokeVox wrote:

what about "brothers in arms"?
 
I think this just settles into such a mellow groove they must really enjoy making it.
Posted 9 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
remarkable melody maker and master songwriting craftsman he was, and is.. {#Music}
Posted 10 years ago by moodfood    [ Reply ]
 TJS wrote:
Your dog does NOT know my bone.
 
Tell it to the judge.
Posted 10 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 DaidyBoy wrote:

Right on the money.  My favourite song from Mr K.

 
what about "brothers in arms"?
Posted 10 years ago by KaraokeVox    [ Reply ]
 govna wrote:

quit talkin to yourself. 

  yeah, I caught that one, too! RP has the best comments section - you guys don't miss a beat!


Posted 10 years ago by EarthMama    [ Reply ]
 gjeeg wrote:
Deep. Sweet brilliance. Subtle. Profound. Class conscious.

 
Right on the money.  My favourite song from Mr K.
Posted 10 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:
This sounds exactly like his song about the coyote...

 
To the non-discerning.  They are also back-to-back on the same album.
Posted 10 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
{#Yell} "brilliant" 8 >>>>>>> 9  {#Clap}
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
love it!  Just saw Emmylou Harris at our folkfest, she shared the stage with Rodney Crowell, but deep down inside i kept wishing him to be Mark!  "all the road running" is a great collaboration. 


Posted 11 years ago by GoodKarm    [ Reply ]
 haresfur wrote:
You don't know your bone?  My dog does.

 

Your dog does NOT know my bone.
Posted 11 years ago by TJS    [ Reply ]
You don't know your bone?  My dog does.
Posted 11 years ago by haresfur    [ Reply ]
Oh, I thought he was saying "you don't know you're bald"
Posted 11 years ago by leafmold    [ Reply ]
It's 5:01 on a cool  (30 deg C) autumn morning in my village and we're cruising thank you Mr Knofpler, Bill, Rebecca and evr'bahdy else!!!!!{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}
Posted 11 years ago by maxmox    [ Reply ]
 agd3 wrote:

I would love some Zeppelin or Stone Roses before i turn in please

 
quit talkin to yourself. 
Posted 11 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
 agd3 wrote:
Don't drop it on me with the title and the chorus.  I respect the Neko love affair, but not the Knopfler.  Don't let him get with away with it.
 
 
I would love some Zeppelin or Stone Roses before i turn in please
Posted 11 years ago by agd3    [ Reply ]
Don't drop it on me with the title and the chorus.  I respect the Neko love affair, but not the Knopfler.  Don't let him get with away with it.
 
Posted 11 years ago by agd3    [ Reply ]
This sounds exactly like his song about the coyote...
Posted 11 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
I left off with Dire Straits' "Setting Me Up," and returned to this. Very cool.
Posted 11 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
Great Line up of songs! Making my day after working during most of it! I tell people about this station any chance I get.
Posted 11 years ago by kphilliben    [ Reply ]
Genius plain and simple.  I give it a 12
Posted 12 years ago by drcrnp    [ Reply ]
Deep. Sweet brilliance. Subtle. Profound. Class conscious.
Posted 12 years ago by gjeeg    [ Reply ]
 alux wrote:

 
Utter nonsense.  Still a brilliant artist.  Ragpicker's Dream is a masterpiece.   
 
Agreed.
Posted 12 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
Brilliant! As usual! Love it.
Posted 12 years ago by djaychicago    [ Reply ]
Great stuff! Everything I"ve heard so far from this album seems stellar!
Posted 12 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Mark Knopfler = good music!
Posted 12 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
 Euskadita wrote:

He's still got the talent but I agree with you. He has been hiding behind country music... He still makes some good tunes, but, 1-2 tracks per album.
 
 
Utter nonsense.  Still a brilliant artist.  Ragpicker's Dream is a masterpiece.   
Posted 12 years ago by alux    [ Reply ]
 fast_eddie wrote:
F____ Mark Knopfler.  Used to like Dire Straits and his stuff, but can't do it anymore....
 
He's still got the talent but I agree with you. He has been hiding behind country music... He still makes some good tunes, but, 1-2 tracks per album.
Posted 12 years ago by Euskadita    [ Reply ]
Highlighting some fine guitar work in this set, Bill.
Posted 13 years ago by anotherlistener    [ Reply ]
He's gotta be one of the top 2 handed players of all time. If he spent time changing amps he could play anything ever played, but what fun is changing amps when you wouldn't be sounding like that for awhile?
Posted 13 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
I never, ever liked Dire Straits so I (stupidly and blinkerdly - is that a word?) thought I'd dislike everything MK did.

How wrong I was and the more I listen to his stuff here on RP, the more I appreciate what a great talent the man is
Posted 13 years ago by robh    [ Reply ]
MK has made his millions and doesnt care about hit singles. He continues to expands his talents and records for us his loyal fan base, and  his own pleasure. Luckily there is RP to let us know of his work, and the guitar in this track is a solid 9 in my book.  Thanks Bill
Posted 13 years ago by jktravl    [ Reply ]
Yet another gem from "Ragpicker's Dream."  I think this will be the next thing I buy from Amazon, along with "Mojo" by Tom Petty and the Homewreckers.
Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
You seem to know it's MK as soon as it starts, and that's fine with me.
Posted 13 years ago by oldsinger    [ Reply ]
I've been listening to RP a lot over the past few weeks, and have heard a lot of Mr. Knopfler from a wide spectrum of time.  His whiplash playing style has remained fundamentally unchanged, while the setting and style of writing has morphed considerably.  The man has talent.

For those that want to label him as lounge music or elevator music, I can understand that characterization.  For me, it's tunage made for watching the sun set with a glass of pinot.  To repeat, the man has talent.

Posted 13 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 fast_eddie wrote:
F____ Mark Knopfler.  Used to like Dire Straits and his stuff, but can't do it anymore....
 

How can you not like riff in this. It's sweet no matter who.
Posted 13 years ago by Arebe    [ Reply ]
F____ Mark Knopfler.  Used to like Dire Straits and his stuff, but can't do it anymore....
Posted 13 years ago by fast_eddie    [ Reply ]
 Sjaaks wrote:
This song was the beginning of new "guitar" period for Mark. After this album "Our Shangri-La" was released, almost the entire album consisted of songs with the typical sharp and edgy "tremolo" sound. Mark always loved this sound, especially when played by his childhood "hero" Hank B. Marvin. He spent a lot of time trying to get his guitar to sound like that but never really made it...

The next album, "Kill To Get Crimson" also mostly featured the same guitar sound and frankly, i grew a bit tired of it... So with the latest album "Get Lucky" Mark found more of his trusted old sound again, thank god for that..

BUT! This one is really nice, so i rated it an 8.
 
Thanks for that info. I didn't know what was going on but it sounds to me like Mark Knopfler singing on someone else's music. Which is not good.

Posted 14 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]


You don't know your Bourne?
Posted 14 years ago by perikleshokie    [ Reply ]
This song was the beginning of new "guitar" period for Mark. After this album "Our Shangri-La" was released, almost the entire album consisted of songs with the typical sharp and edgy "tremolo" sound. Mark always loved this sound, especially when played by his childhood "hero" Hank B. Marvin. He spent a lot of time trying to get his guitar to sound like that but never really made it...

The next album, "Kill To Get Crimson" also mostly featured the same guitar sound and frankly, i grew a bit tired of it... So with the latest album "Get Lucky" Mark found more of his trusted old sound again, thank god for that..

BUT! This one is really nice, so i rated it an 8.
Posted 14 years ago by Sjaaks    [ Reply ]
M.K. at his dreamy best!
Posted 14 years ago by Jazbo    [ Reply ]
Beautiful song
Posted 14 years ago by Bazooka    [ Reply ]
Just love the guitar on this one.
Posted 14 years ago by handyrae    [ Reply ]
 peter_james_bond wrote:
The album was co-produced by Chuck Ainlay. This guy has an impressive track record; https://chuckainlay.com/bio.php Here are a couple of photos from his website. The first one shows Mark Knopfler (standing with the grey sweater) discussing some changes he wants to make. The second shows Emmylou Harris in the foreground and you can just see Mark Knopfler through the window.

The Studio

Emmy and mark
 
Thanks for this nice pics!

Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
Driving music. Destination...wherever...

Wonderful.
Posted 14 years ago by paranoidfloyd    [ Reply ]
I love this music!!
Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
REBORN!
("8")

Posted 14 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
Nice!  MK did a wonderful job for us believers here in Denver earlier this month by the way!  unfortunately he didn't play this song but he made up for it.  Thanks RP
Posted 14 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
Geeeeez...more MK on here? Getting weary of so much of Mr. Knopfler...but I do like this tune very much.{#Tongue}
Posted 14 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
i try....
Posted 14 years ago by Vianney    [ Reply ]
Knopfler continues to grow on me, especially after "All This Roadrunning". 
Groovy.  I like the atmospherics in this one.  6 -> 7. 

Edit:  I also wish it didn't end so early!

Posted 14 years ago by auburntigerrich    [ Reply ]
Hey, Bill! Happy 10th and have another great 10! This is the perfect song to tell all of you that my second grandchild, Tucker Zachary, was born at 4:34 MST this morning. Mom, Julia, my older daughter, and baby are doing well. WAHOO!!
Posted 14 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
The album was co-produced by Chuck Ainlay. This guy has an impressive track record; https://chuckainlay.com/bio.php

Posted 14 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
 choiceimage wrote:


I agree!!
 
I was just thinking the same - now bring on Wicked Game . . .
Posted 14 years ago by wenatchee    [ Reply ]
 swruch wrote:
Wish the guitar at the end would continue for another 5 minutes.
 
The sign of a great song is you wish it wouldn't end!

Posted 14 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 swruch wrote:
Wish the guitar at the end would continue for another 5 minutes.
 

I agree!!
Posted 15 years ago by choiceimage    [ Reply ]
Wish the guitar at the end would continue for another 5 minutes.
Posted 15 years ago by swruch    [ Reply ]
Gimme some MK & open road and I'm happy. But my road tunes mixes have swelled since I found RP. Interesting how often RP plays the only bright spot on otherwise bland, obscure albums (not this). How does he find them all?
Posted 15 years ago by Dog_Ear    [ Reply ]
OK, OK, OK already ! I know I'm born !!!!

I know about punching the clock to the wall !!!

I know about more than the kitchen and the hall !!

Let that liquid genius roll !!

Posted 15 years ago by gjeeg    [ Reply ]
 imcnaney wrote:
I could have sworn this was J. J. Cale until he started singing.  Tulsa sound lives on!
 

Was thinking the same thing and I have the CD.  Tulsa sound indeed!
Posted 15 years ago by tonypf    [ Reply ]
I could have sworn this was J. J. Cale until he started singing.  Tulsa sound lives on!
Posted 15 years ago by imcnaney    [ Reply ]
mmmmmmmmmmmm. . . .

The guitar solo at the end reminds me of the movie "The Endless Summer"  A very, very, very good thing. . .

{#Daisy}
Posted 15 years ago by bindi    [ Reply ]
try Barry Adamson
Posted 15 years ago by lambret    [ Reply ]
Groovalicious.

Posted 15 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
is this that coyote song from that other album of his?? dude is sleep walking his way through all his latest albums....zzzzzzzzzzzzz
Posted 15 years ago by rantnraver    [ Reply ]
{#Cowboy}
Posted 15 years ago by Welly    [ Reply ]
 superfido wrote:
So boring.
 

So wrong.  Gorgeous.  The whole album.  You just don't dance around the kitchen enough, that's all.


Posted 15 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
So boring.
Posted 15 years ago by superfido    [ Reply ]
This description fits too many people.
Only disaster can prepare you.
The only escape is insanity.
Cheers!
Posted 15 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
 n4ku wrote:


Spend a lot of time in elevators?

Do you guys still wear those uniforms and little boxy hats?
 

Yeah! Like that moron in 'The Hudsucker Proxy!{#Lol}
Posted 16 years ago by drtjdel    [ Reply ]
 diazo wrote:
Safe Music For Normal People
 
Mark Knopfler, Totally Underrated Genius

Posted 16 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
At times I think this song has some striking resemblance to "all the way to Rheno" - song by REM, or vice versa.
Posted 16 years ago by Shamsiel    [ Reply ]
This here be a real toe-tapper.  It has the power to move me.
Posted 16 years ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
sure beats the shit they play on em now...
Posted 16 years ago by cattail321    [ Reply ]
Excelsior wrote:
Music for Elevators.
Spend a lot of time in elevators? Do you guys still wear those uniforms and little boxy hats?
Posted 16 years ago by n4ku    [ Reply ]
diazo wrote:
Safe Music For Normal People
Music for Elevators.
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
diazo wrote:
Safe Music For Normal People
Do I detect a hint of negative judgemental arrogance here?
Posted 16 years ago by inindian    [ Reply ]
Nabla wrote:
Firstly, I thought it's J. J. Cale ... Good stuff anyway!
Yea, heard that too.
Posted 16 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
deeppurple wrote: I thought he was saying: "You don't know you're bald" oh well... Yeah, thought I should look through the comments before I added that, as well. Is this a song for Donald Trump? Beautiful guitar playing, hope The Donald appreciates it. even more ironic for mk
Posted 16 years ago by dwpbike    [ Reply ]
"They say the neon lights are bright - on Broadway."
Posted 16 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
This is my fave from Ragpicker's Dream. Totally dig MK, esp. solo.
Posted 16 years ago by yogaboat    [ Reply ]
Safe Music For Normal People
Posted 16 years ago by diazo    [ Reply ]
This CD is filled with gems like this. Get it.
Posted 16 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
Firstly, I thought it's J. J. Cale ... Good stuff anyway!
Posted 16 years ago by Nabla    [ Reply ]
deeppurple wrote:
I thought he was saying: "You don't know you're bald" oh well...
Yeah, thought I should look through the comments before I added that, as well. Is this a song for Donald Trump? Beautiful guitar playing, hope The Donald appreciates it.
Posted 17 years ago by siandbeth    [ Reply ]
Perfect riff, perfect sentiment: most of us sleepwalk through life. Leave it pop music and a craftsman like Knopfler to capture this in a mere phrase and chord change. What a gift.
Posted 17 years ago by gjeeg    [ Reply ]
kazuma wrote:
I want my I want my I want my MTV ...
Gee that was clever, did you think it up all by yourself?
Posted 17 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
I thought he was saying: "You don't know you're bald"
Yeah, slightly less philosophical.
Posted 17 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
Such a sensual voice. Doesn't matter what he's singing.
Posted 17 years ago by coffee-eyes    [ Reply ]
I want my I want my I want my MTV ...
Posted 17 years ago by kazuma    [ Reply ]