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Mark Knopfler — Marbletown
Album: The Ragpicker's Dream
Avg rating:
7.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1427









Released: 2002
Length: 3:26
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Roll out here mister
If you need a little rest
Lay me down in Marbletown
A bone yard is the best

There was a bad bull on the railroad
Tried to put me off his train
Lay me down in Marbletown
'til the coast is clear again

I can hear them a-hollerin'
'We got a man down here
We got a man down'

I'm gonna flip me a cannonball
That won't stop for anyone
Lay me down in Marbletown
Wait 'til morning comes

I'm gonna roll out here in the tombstones
Wait here on my train
Lay me down in Marbletown
I hope that it don't rain

And I can still hear them hollerin
'We got a man down here
We got a man down'

Roll out here mister
If you need a little rest
Lay me down in Marbletown
A bone yard is the best
Comments (76)add comment
Unparalleled and simply terrific 👍
 twoplain2sea wrote:
                                           Murmur Town

                               There was a bad boy down the road.
         Natives of the tribu shouted out loud when they spotted the nudecommers  
Naturally speaking, they've never seen a jimmy the jazz coming but the crane kept drehen.
             They said,  the cameraman can relax and take off his tie now.
                            When I die, you can push me out to sea
                               See some postcards from al di la.
                                                Uhh Uhh


 

I loves me some Knopfler, but this comment is funny.
Was there much hobo culture in the UK? I love the subject matter of many of Mark's songs, but am curious where he finds the inspiration.  So Far From The Clyde and others seem to have ties to home, this less so...
 voo101doo wrote:



















guaitar and Voice! YA
 
both: NO



















guaitar and Voice! YA
I guess it's fine as is, but I feel like the chorus would be better with a mouth harp accompaniment.
 twoplain2sea wrote:
                                               Murmur Town

                               There was a bad boy down the road.
         Natives of the tribu shouted out loud when they spotted the nudecommers  
Naturally speaking, they've never seen a jimmy the jazz coming but the crane kept drehen.
             They said,  the cameraman can relax and take off his tie now.
                            When I die, you can push me out to sea
                               See some postcards from al di la.
                                                Uhh Uhh

 
Now it all makes sense.  Thanks for clearing that up.
To me 8 - Most Excellent
Always enjoy Mark Knopfler!
                                               Murmur Town

                               There was a bad boy down the road.
         Natives of the tribu shouted out loud when they spotted the nudecommers  
Naturally speaking, they've never seen a jimmy the jazz coming but the crane kept drehen.
             They said,  the cameraman can relax and take off his tie now.
                            When I die, you can push me out to sea
                               See some postcards from al di la.
                                                Uhh Uhh


 Sloggydog wrote:
Diggin this.

 
{#Bananajam}{#Boohoo}
Diggin this.
 oldsaxon wrote:

No, really, there's not. List me the 10,000 and then list me the 10,000 that can write a story like he does. Then list me the 10,000 that can actually sing. Then list the 10,000 that can do it night after night. 

 
10,000 is an unreasonably high bar.  ONE immediately comes to mind—can pick and write with Knopfler anytime—Richard Thompson.  Love 'em both.
 bb_matt wrote:
It's the guitar playing, makes it so special.
Voice is ok, but there's 10,000 that could sound the same.

Geetar! 

 oldsaxon wrote:

No, really, there's not. List me the 10,000 and then list me the 10,000 that can write a story like he does. Then list me the 10,000 that can actually sing. Then list the 10,000 that can do it night after night. 

 
I agree that the claim you responded to is an obvious exaggeration, but he only claimed that "there's (sic) 10,000 that could sound the same" (as far as singing).  Nowhere in his post did he claim any number of people "can write a story like he does", "actually sing*", and "do it night after night".  You added those bits yourself; that's called "standing up a straw-man".

*Does Mark Knopfler "actually sing"?  It's more like he talks in rhythm and key.  Anyhow, good tune.
Similar to the career arc of Eddie Vedder, he has come from a super group to have a very different and very successful solo career. For some reason I find that interesting.
 bb_matt wrote:
It's the guitar playing, makes it so special.
Voice is ok, but there's 10,000 that could sound the same.

Geetar! 
 
No, really, there's not. List me the 10,000 and then list me the 10,000 that can write a story like he does. Then list me the 10,000 that can actually sing. Then list the 10,000 that can do it night after night. 
{#Guitarist}{#Bounce}             {#Dance}
It's the guitar playing, makes it so special.
Voice is ok, but there's 10,000 that could sound the same.

Geetar! 
 zatxela wrote:
Very few Knopfler songs get less than a 9 from me but this is one of them...7...just too country and too boring....{#Cowboy}
 
This one, like the rest, is at least a 9.  

The fact that you even think it is close to country (it isn't)  tells me all I need to know.
 islandboy wrote:
smiling at the guitar...

 



yuh huh
Now that's some good Gee-Tar pickin!   {#Bananajam}
smiling at the guitar...

Heard an exquisite live version of this in the Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam! Wonderful!

9
Very few Knopfler songs get less than a 9 from me but this is one of them...7...just too country and too boring....{#Cowboy}
 pdxpdx wrote:
Soundgarden's Rusty Cage, right?
 
Blues notes, nothing more.

 Photo-John wrote:

Nerds. My car is faster than both of yours and so is my computer.
 
Yeah, well my dad's bigger than your dad, so PHTHRRP! to you with knobs on and no returns!! {#Nyah}{#Smile}

Soundgarden's Rusty Cage, right?
Nice!!
I could picture or hear this song in some movie or something....pretty cool
 ekeyte wrote:
I really like Mark Knopfler's music. I'm happy he has continued on after Dire Straits.
 
This cat just keeps pumping out great music.

I really like Mark Knopfler's music. I'm happy he has continued on after Dire Straits.
I love MK and  his band!!
 ChardRemains wrote:
Sounds like he's trying to emulate the great Jorma, don't it?
 
Not really, although they are both "pickers."

 ocsike wrote:
Knopfler has many songs about towns. hmm
Silvertown, Marbletown, Philadelphia, Nazareth...
 

But has he covered Funky Town, hmmm?
Just listening to Marbletown. I like the album version of this song, but MK and band played an incredible version of this song on the last tour (2008). Don't miss a chance to see this guy live  - he and his band are truly an amazing bunch of musicians.
I got this CD as a gift years ago. It's pretty boring.
I have this CD, and theres not a bad tune on it....it's perfect!!   way to go Mark Knopfler {#Bananajam}

Listening at work on the 16K stream, both my Winamp and the playlist are out of sync, which explains why I was thinking 'Wow, Marc Cohn sounds exactly like Mark Knopfler {#Stupid}

 bokey wrote:

To do that you would need more fingers because the level of command MK has with his hands is at such a high level that the most anyone could ever do would be to be about at that level.You just can't play circles around that level, it's just not possible physically to exceed MK's fretboard vocabulary.
edit- people have been playing stringed instruments for centuries. MK has all the knowledge that there is about the subject as well as anyone ever has.

I do feel he lacks a bit of emotion,but tha's probably due to his frustration with his vocal limitations.It must truly suck to have the music he must have in his head stuck there,unable to do anything except careen off the walls of his skull.
 
{#Yes}  {#Clap}  Props to MK!

 bokey wrote:

To do that you would need more fingers because the level of command MK has with his hands is at such a high level that the most anyone could ever do would be to be about at that level.You just can't play circles around that level, it's just not possible physically to exceed MK's fretboard vocabulary.
edit- people have been playing stringed instruments for centuries. MK has all the knowledge that there is about the subject as well as anyone ever has.

I do feel he lacks a bit of emotion,but tha's probably due to his frustration with his vocal limitations.It must truly suck to have the music he must have in his head stuck there,unable to do anything except careen off the walls of his skull.
 

As a big MK fan, I have to agree with your comments about his playing except for the fact that nobody has "all the knowledge that there is" about playing guitar.  It is a constantly learning thing.  Ask any guitar player.  If they tell you they know everything about it, they are full of shit and I doubt if MK would ever say that either.
As for his voice, I think it fits his music perfectly.

 bokey wrote:

To do that you would need more fingers because the level of command MK has with his hands is at such a high level that the most anyone could ever do would be to be about at that level.You just can't play circles around that level, it's just not possible physically to exceed MK's fretboard vocabulary.
edit- people have been playing stringed instruments for centuries. MK has all the knowledge that there is about the subject as well as anyone ever has.

I do feel he lacks a bit of emotion,but tha's probably due to his frustration with his vocal limitations.It must truly suck to have the music he must have in his head stuck there,unable to do anything except careen off the walls of his skull.

 

Nerds. My car is faster than both of yours and so is my computer.
bokey wrote:
To do that you would need more fingers because the level of command MK has with his hands is at such a high level that the most anyone could ever do would be to be about at that level.You just can't play circles around that level, it's just not possible physically to exceed MK's fretboard vocabulary.
These kinds of discussions puzzle me. "So-and-so is better/worse than so-and-so." Who cares? Isn't it about what music you enjoy?
meh
healyf52 wrote:
RT can literally play circles around MK.
To do that you would need more fingers because the level of command MK has with his hands is at such a high level that the most anyone could ever do would be to be about at that level. You just can't play circles around that level, it's just not possible physically to exceed MK's fretboard vocabulary. edit- people have been playing stringed instruments for centuries. MK has all the knowledge that there is about the subject as well as anyone ever has. I do feel he lacks a bit of emotion,but tha's probably due to his frustration with his vocal limitations. It must truly suck to have the music he must have in his head stuck there,unable to do anything except careen off the walls of his skull.
You see I'm out of the loop...I have never heard of Richard Thompson. the one thing I like about this song is although it sounds like Rollin' and a Tumblin'...it's not. healyf52 wrote:
He's good, but not nearly as good as Richard Thompson. I've seen them both live, Richard up close. RT can literally play circles around MK.
punkbot wrote:
I've paid $10 to see some bands and felt like I got ripped off. I paid $90 to see Mark at Radio City last year and felt like I stole those tix. The man is a stand alone guitar hero.
He's good, but not nearly as good as Richard Thompson. I've seen them both live, Richard up close. RT can literally play circles around MK.
ocsike wrote:
Knopfler has many songs about towns. hmm Silvertown, Marbletown, Philadelphia, Nazareth...
Add Donkeytown to that list.
I've paid $10 to see some bands and felt like I got ripped off. I paid $90 to see Mark at Radio City last year and felt like I stole those tix. The man is a stand alone guitar hero.
folkalta wrote:
Love it. Yessir, I can actually hear the picking and understand the words. Happy sigh.
Yeppers. Mr. Knopfler's enunciation has always been a high point. Whether he's speaking with his fingers or his vocal cords. c.
Class act, great song. More please!
Love it. Yessir, I can actually hear the picking and understand the words. Happy sigh.
excellent! the man can PLAY
smackiepipe wrote:
Another great cut from a fantastic album.
I have this CD and really enjoy it too!
Strum it, Mark! Great, honest story.
Another great cut from a fantastic album.
I like it!
ChardRemains wrote:
Sounds like he's trying to emulate the great Jorma, don't it?
Grew up with With Jefferson Airplane - and I don't really think so
monkeywonders wrote:
Knopfler has many songs about towns. hmm Silvertown, Marbletown, Philadelphia, Nazareth...
Zep wrote:
Kaukonen. Hot Tuna. Airplane. etc. Mark Knopfler never ceases to amaze me. Guys like Sting, who claims to be musically exhausted, should sit up and take note.
Excellent comment! This guy is constantly reinventing himself and gets better each time. A true musician.
Zep wrote:
Mark Knopfler never ceases to amaze me. Guys like Sting, who claims to be musically exhausted, should sit up and take note.
i totally agree with that.
Man, this is awesome! Knopfler is so talented.
zair99 wrote:
Nice pickin'! ...but who's Jorma?
Kaukonen. Hot Tuna. Airplane. etc. Mark Knopfler never ceases to amaze me. Guys like Sting, who claims to be musically exhausted, should sit up and take note.
Nice pickin'! ...but who's Jorma?
ChardRemains wrote:
Sounds like he's trying to emulate the great Jorma, don't it?
What? That dude from Jorma and Greg??
ChardRemains wrote:
Sounds like he's trying to emulate the great Jorma, don't it?
Yup, I heard the guitar and thought that this was some Jorma I hadn't heard. Good stuff though - I don't think Jorma patented his sound :)
rscherm wrote:
Does Mark listen to Jorma?
Sounds like he's trying to emulate the great Jorma, don't it?
’cause there’s nothing in this world to stop me worryin 'bout that girl...
Does Mark listen to Jorma?
I have got to buy this album! Every cut I've heard so far is great.
Fine tune from another great MK solo effort. I agree with the comment below, please play more from this album.
Why do I like MK so much more w/o the "Group?" I mean, I didn't even like the singer for Dire Straits and the singer was...........makes you wonder.
Not too bad a sound for one single guitar :) And do play more from this album!
Excellent! More of this album :) Sean