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Mark Knopfler — Hill Farmer's Blues
Album: The Ragpicker's Dream
Avg rating:
7.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1551









Released: 2002
Length: 3:28
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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I'm going into Tow Law
For what I need
Chain for the ripsaw
Killer for the weed
The dog's at the back door
Leave him be
Don't feed him jack
And don't wait up for me

Going into Tow Law
To fuel my fire
Shells for the twelve
And razor wire
The dog's at the back door
Leave him be
Don't do jack
And don't wait up for me

So bad so bad
So bad so bad

I'm going into Tow Law
To have my fun
Don't get me wrong
You were the only one
Behind my back lord
You made a fool of me
Don't do jack
And don't wait up for me

So bad so bad
So bad so bad
Comments (70)add comment
Can't get enough of Mark's work. Sublime.
Posted 1 month ago by fpratt1426506    [ Reply ]
 easmann wrote:

On the one hand, structurally, it's nothing that we haven't heard before, and on the other hand it's got Mark's unique and indelible imprint of style and skill. Production is awesome too. A solid nine for me. 
Hmmm. I will add though, he has a gift for taking something mundane and turning it into something sublime. Yeah.
Or is that just repeating myself?



Spot on.
Posted 7 months ago by itsme_bygolly    [ Reply ]
The only thing wrong with this song is there's not enough of it.

Posted 1 year ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
umm - yeah something about these lyrics aint right I'm going into Tow Law
Posted 2 years ago by tm    [ Reply ]
when he sings "so bad, so bad" the sound touches something in my soul
Posted 2 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
It´s a 10 for me....live versions even better....
Posted 2 years ago by mystylelined1951    [ Reply ]
Nice!
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
Just yesterday the delivery company presented me with my early Christmas present: his studio albums from 1996 to 2007 remastered and released on heavy vinyl, with a bonus of b-sides from the same period.  Very happy here in Tassie right now.
Posted 2 years ago by Simon_Tassie    [ Reply ]
That "so bad so bad" just floors ya. It's like 1 "so bad" wouldn't work, but two are the sweet spot of "so bads." Too many "so bads" at the end, though. So couldn't rate this higher than an 8, even if it's MK, who is always an 11. 
Posted 2 years ago by Grayson    [ Reply ]
Oops!! Classic MK and great swirling tones to caress my aching heart🍯🍯🍯🍯🐾🐾🍯👍🐾🐾🦋🎶
Posted 3 years ago by Matt_Maurer    [ Reply ]
Posted 3 years ago by Matt_Maurer    [ Reply ]
I hardly ever heard any Mark Knopfler until I started listening to Radio Paradise. Thank You for another of many introductions to great music.
Posted 3 years ago by todbothom    [ Reply ]
that guitar... :)
Posted 3 years ago by Jamer2k41    [ Reply ]
 kimschoice wrote:
First time hearing this song.  Liked it immediately, loved it as the song progressed - typical for MK song.  And I would love to see it/him live.  He's on the list.  One of my top "10" songs is the live version of Romeo and Juliet and Heavy Fuel.  goosebumps indeed. 
 
Have seen him 3 times live.  Fantastic show and he is always surrounded by incredible musicians that he features extensively throughout 
Posted 3 years ago by SuEd    [ Reply ]
Great lyrics Great song
Posted 4 years ago by stephen.king12101    [ Reply ]
This guy has certainly been around and paid his dues, eh?
Posted 4 years ago by dublanica    [ Reply ]
On the one hand, structurally, it's nothing that we haven't heard before, and on the other hand it's got Mark's unique and indelible imprint of style and skill. Production is awesome too. A solid nine for me. 
Hmmm. I will add though, he has a gift for taking something mundane and turning it into something sublime. Yeah.
Or is that just repeating myself?
Posted 4 years ago by easmann    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite Mark Knopfler songs. It's a bit restrained on this album but really takes off in concert. Has been the highlight of every Knopfler show I've seen.  
Posted 4 years ago by LeonD    [ Reply ]
Such beautiful song 
Posted 5 years ago by noe.architecte169    [ Reply ]
Nothin like a bit of Mark Knopfler early doors. (Except perhaps something from his brother..?)i
Posted 9 years ago by neilmain    [ Reply ]
I was at work this morning and my mood was off and I thought what is missing.  Oh yeah, Radio Paradise.  Day is over and it went well.
Thanks Bill
Posted 9 years ago by maxjboxer    [ Reply ]
Love me some Knopfler....
Posted 10 years ago by photolew    [ Reply ]
He weaves the best stories and all his musical talent enhances and imbues emotions into the tales.
Posted 10 years ago by ozzie1313    [ Reply ]
From Dire Straits to his solo work, he has become untouchable as a song writer, singer and guitarist!! Never tire of anything he is involved in!
Posted 10 years ago by molson    [ Reply ]
First time hearing this song.  Liked it immediately, loved it as the song progressed - typical for MK song.  And I would love to see it/him live.  He's on the list.  One of my top "10" songs is the live version of Romeo and Juliet and Heavy Fuel.  goosebumps indeed. 
Posted 10 years ago by kimschoice    [ Reply ]
 Sjaaks wrote:
To me, the best song of this album by far and definitely in the top 3 of Knopfler's solo work. And if you think this is good, you should hear it live with a couple of minutes of improvisation as outro —> *goosebumps*.
10, no less than godlike

 
Couldn't rightly say if this song is in my top 3 of MK, but definitely agree with the live version, the goosebumps, and the 10.

Or,

Amen!!
Posted 10 years ago by subgyro    [ Reply ]
I like just about anything MK has done — solo, with Emmy Lou, Dire Straits, and on some of the very finest movie scores like Princess Bride (which greatly enhances the movie) and Local Hero. Great guitarist, producer. A real humanist. Superlatives to Tunnel of Love, Telegraph Road, Theme from Local Hero, and on. 
Posted 11 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
There's nothing meh about a 10.  I love everything about this tune, right down to the album cover design.  It all works wonderfully together  
Posted 11 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
He is better as a single artist than when he was in Dire Straits, but there is just something about his style that rubs me the wrong way. 

This is probably the most I have ever liked one of his songs. And it is still only meh.  
Posted 11 years ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]

This musician, singer-songwriter, Mark Knopfler, is hard to find bad songs. It was so at the time incorporated the Dire Straits. Indeed, each new work he threw, it was always a discovery appetizing.

It not was those bands where every album enjoyed only 2 or 3 songs that were editing promotional singles, and the rest of the songs was to "fill" the void LP.

No.  Both, Dire Straits, Mark K. as now, the soil, each album is carefully crafted in order to provide the same level of musical interest, from beginning to end.

I say it the way they edited the recent album Privateering, I've heard a few songs out there quickly, and my "theory" is confirmed. It's a treat to hear every song, every chord, every melody out of the hands of this musician.

No exaggeration to say that Mark Knopfler is probably one of the most honest musicians, and complete, currently on the music scene.

But, for all of us (the truly interested), Mark Knopfler does not address the music in an easy and commonplace, and I believe that the purpose of this musician, 63 years old, this stage of the game, not the desperate search for affirmation and success sales on a large scale.
I think it's more for the pleasure of playing, to recreate, which is a privilege of who does what he likes, and simultaneously, make a profession of survival (and not only).

~calypsus_1



Posted 11 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
Thanks Bill! Thanks RP!

Just what i needed for this day to be perfect. EXCELLENT set came by today, WONDERFUL!

A well deserved 10 for the 22nd of December 2011.
Posted 12 years ago by Sjaaks    [ Reply ]
I've been lamenting all day about how I have faded away from the life source of music, and thank radio paradise for rekindling that love.  But, I forget that with certain artists I have never lost track;  Knopfler is one of them, own a bunch of his albums, he is an amazing guitarist, lyricist, stylist, and arranger.
Posted 12 years ago by ozzie1313    [ Reply ]
Bill, you're jammin' today!  Can't think of a better way to spend my Sunday afternoon. :o)
Posted 12 years ago by dalebryan    [ Reply ]
Nice!
Posted 13 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
To me, the best song of this album by far and definitely in the top 3 of Knopfler's solo work. And if you think this is good, you should hear it live with a couple of minutes of improvisation as outro —> *goosebumps*.
10, no less than godlike
Posted 13 years ago by Sjaaks    [ Reply ]
I enjoy this album much more than the previous 'Sailing to Philadelphia.'  Sailing's good, this is great.

Posted 13 years ago by smackiepipe    [ Reply ]
Knopfler is just soooo good.  Always.
Posted 13 years ago by shutter    [ Reply ]
 Chipps wrote:
Every time I hear this tune I wonder why I've not bought that album yet - as a huge Dire Straits fan I sort of drifted way from Mr K, but I reckon it's time I went for a trolley dash around iTunes and bought the complete set... Top tune! And I quite like the drums coming in all loud and brash... :)
 
Buy it, the album is a masterpiece.
Posted 14 years ago by alux    [ Reply ]
Simply, a masterpiece.
Posted 14 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
Every time I hear this tune I wonder why I've not bought that album yet - as a huge Dire Straits fan I sort of drifted way from Mr K, but I reckon it's time I went for a trolley dash around iTunes and bought the complete set... Top tune! And I quite like the drums coming in all loud and brash... :)
Posted 15 years ago by Chipps    [ Reply ]
bigstory wrote:
Is Mr. Knopfler a private supporter of RP?
Canadian.
Posted 16 years ago by drtjdel    [ Reply ]
This is quite possibly the best Knopfler I've heard. I'm torn between this and his duet with Emmylou Harris. Most excellent.
Posted 16 years ago by auburntigerrich    [ Reply ]
xkolibuul wrote:
Some of my best friends are hillfarmers. I love love love this song.
I am a farmer (though not on the hills) and I am listening to this song for I think the first time. It sounds good.
Posted 16 years ago by MatClarke    [ Reply ]
Some of my best friends are hillfarmers. I love love love this song. TimeWaster wrote:
This is the best song on this album, IMO.
Posted 16 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
That there is no solo in the end borders on criminal. MK said in some interview that he didnt do one because he felt he said all he wanted to say. the song just begs for a solo, i dont know what was he thinking.
Posted 16 years ago by daisky    [ Reply ]
rumplestiltskin wrote:
I really enjoy this song, but the drums come in kinda harsh and clumsy at the end and destroy the mood, don't you think?
I kind of like it, but I can see your point. Personal preference, I guess.
Posted 17 years ago by TimeWaster    [ Reply ]
This is the best song on this album, IMO.
Posted 17 years ago by TimeWaster    [ Reply ]
I really enjoy this song, but the drums come in kinda harsh and clumsy at the end and destroy the mood, don't you think?
Posted 17 years ago by rumplestiltskin    [ Reply ]
Very, very nice. And I agree that Mr. Knopfler's guitar picking is wonderfully distinctive. I love it.
Posted 17 years ago by Photo-John    [ Reply ]
It's amazing how I could recognize this was Knopfler just from the first few guitar sounds.
Posted 17 years ago by DrLex    [ Reply ]
Bored now.
Posted 17 years ago by Gribnif    [ Reply ]
This is great, need a copy of the CD.
Posted 17 years ago by westsound    [ Reply ]
he's always been one cool cat!
Posted 17 years ago by godspeed    [ Reply ]
I like this album but this song just drags.
Posted 17 years ago by eastcoast    [ Reply ]
I bet Mark Knopfler could write about his pet hamster and make it compelling.
Posted 17 years ago by Bosonator    [ Reply ]
Can we get back to Mark Knopflers gorgeous album 'The Ragpickers Dream' and this beautiful song, I gave it a 10, I thought this album was brilliant! …don't you think Knopfler is just one of those rare and amazing artists who continually produces work that is ‘a cut above'. …and who's PG, his bassist or sumpthin?
Posted 17 years ago by go_ski_mully    [ Reply ]
Tux wrote:
Maybe that is how you percieve it. I personally find hist posts utterly ammusing, but that might be because I somewhat share his taste. Well, that is one of the merits of RP. There's soany ways to enjoy it.
Um, one of the nice things about RP these days is that you can check just what people's tastes are. About 53%of the songs PG has rated he's placed at 3 or lower. You on the other hand have closer to 30% at 3 or lower. I don't think you share tastes as much as you might think (which is to your credit). Plus PG is known as a troll on sites other than just RP. He really is going for the acrimony factor.
Posted 17 years ago by Marr    [ Reply ]
Marr wrote:
I agree that its not necessary to call PG a horse's ass. But PG is a troll. His comments are intended to cause acrimony, not spark intelligent, thoughtful discussion about the merits of the music. I've read enough of his stuff to be able to say that he rarely says anything good. Its frankly shocking when he does.
Maybe that is how you percieve it. I personally find hist posts utterly ammusing, but that might be because I somewhat share his taste. Well, that is one of the merits of RP. There's soany ways to enjoy it.
Posted 17 years ago by Tux    [ Reply ]
Tux wrote:
What a stupid thing to say. And he didn't even post a comment here. Physicsgenius has shown that his taste qualifies here with the bests tastes available here :) He might express his feelings sometimes in a way you don't like, but cope with it. That's not hate, that is honousty. He at least dares to say that good music is good, and bad music is bad (though he most often expresses that as really bad, but then again, most of the time he's right) Look in the mirror and say it again. Having a different taste, and expressing that is not making you a horse ass or whatever negative objects you have in mind (to put it in).
I agree that its not necessary to call PG a horse's ass. But PG is a troll. His comments are intended to cause acrimony, not spark intelligent, thoughtful discussion about the merits of the music. I've read enough of his stuff to be able to say that he rarely says anything good. Its frankly shocking when he does.
Posted 17 years ago by Marr    [ Reply ]
Farquwaar wrote:
Physicsgenius is a horse's ass
What a stupid thing to say. And he didn't even post a comment here. Physicsgenius has shown that his taste qualifies here with the bests tastes available here :) He might express his feelings sometimes in a way you don't like, but cope with it. That's not hate, that is honousty. He at least dares to say that good music is good, and bad music is bad (though he most often expresses that as really bad, but then again, most of the time he's right) Look in the mirror and say it again. Having a different taste, and expressing that is not making you a horse ass or whatever negative objects you have in mind (to put it in).
Posted 17 years ago by Tux    [ Reply ]
please no more, Mark Knopfler it's putting me off my work!
Posted 17 years ago by marmite32    [ Reply ]
A terrific addition to RP's MK stable. Understated. Reminds me of my Uncle Leo's place in Galway.
Posted 17 years ago by drtjdel    [ Reply ]
Farquwaar wrote:
Physicsgenius is a horse's ass
That's just what Physicsgenius wants you to say.. Don't encourage him. Ignore him! This is an excellent song!
Posted 17 years ago by rocteur    [ Reply ]
underarmor wrote:
I think he goes to the PhysicsGenius hater school.
Physicsgenius is a horse's ass
Posted 17 years ago by Farquwaar    [ Reply ]
Love his guitar - great tune
Posted 17 years ago by bindi    [ Reply ]
houdini wrote:
Wow - not even one minute in and you voted a 1? Unbelievable.
I think he goes to the PhysicsGenius hater school.
Posted 17 years ago by underarmor    [ Reply ]
Love to hear just about anything Mark does - wonderful album... a favorite of mine anyway.
Posted 17 years ago by Lazaerus    [ Reply ]
bigstory wrote:
Is Mr. Knopfler a private supporter of RP?
Wow - not even one minute in and you voted a 1? Unbelievable.
Posted 17 years ago by houdini    [ Reply ]
Angry, angry, beautiful tune.
Posted 17 years ago by isometric    [ Reply ]
Is Mr. Knopfler a private supporter of RP?
Posted 17 years ago by bigstory    [ Reply ]