Dĺžka piesne: 04:57
The drinking dens are spilling out
There's staggering in the square
There's lads and lasses falling about
And a crackling in the air
Down around the dungeon doors
The shelters and the queues
Everybody's looking for
Somebody's arms to fall into
That's what it is
It's what it is now
There's frost on the graves and the monuments
But the taverns are warm in town
People curse the government
And shovel hot food down
Lights are out in the city hall
The castle and the keep
The moon shines down upon it all
The legless and asleep
And it's cold on the tollgate
With the wagons creeping through
Cold on the tollgate
God knows what I could do with you
That's what it is
It's what it is now
The garrison sleeps in the citadel
With the ghosts and the ancient stones
High on the parapet
A Scottish piper stands alone
And high on the wind
The highland drums begin to roll
And something from the past just comes
And stares into my soul
And it's cold on the tollgate
WITH A CALEDONIAN BLUES
Cold on the tollgate
God knows what I could do with you
That's what it is
It's what it is now
What it is
It's what it is now
There's a chink of light, there's a burning wick
There's a lantern in the tower
Wee Willie Winkie with a candlestick
Still writing songs in the wee wee hours
On Charlotte Street I take
A walking stick for my hotel
The ghost of Dirty Dick
Is still in search of Little Nell
That's what it is
It's what it is now
It's what it is
What it is now…
Please Click here to submit the Corrections of What It Is Lyrics
Please Click Here to Print What It Is Lyrics
rm_sid = "SNGYros";
rm_artist = "Mark Knopfler";
rm_song = "What It Is";
rm_icon_left = "http://www.sing365.com/images/phone.gif";
rm_icon_right = "http://www.sing365.com/images/phone2.gif";
document.write(' Send ' + (rm_song != '' && rm_artist != '' ? '"' + rm_song + '" Ringtone' : (rm_artist != '' ? rm_artist + ' Ringtones' : 'Ringtones')) + ' to your Cell ');
Certainly Among Mark's Best | Reviewer: Villebilly Pete | 7/4/12
And there are many. In fact, the "Sailing to Philadelphia" album is chock full of great songs, great playing, great singing, great partners, etc. But this song, what can one say? It's classic MK, great melody and chord progression, amazing guitar bits, thoughtful lyrics, soulful vocals, incredible engineering (you can hear EVERYTHING). Like so much of his work, it's got it all! Eddie, atheist or not, the man is definitely blessed (and I'll bet he knows it, even if you don't). Re: "cold on the tollgate with the Caledonia blues", it's a typical MK tongue-in-cheek double entendre; there's a modern Scottish folk ballad called "Caledonia" from the 70s (underscoring the Scottish theme of the song) as well as an old jump blues tune by the same name (Caledonia! Caledonia!,What makes your big head so hard?)
By Chance | Reviewer: Eddie O'Byrne | 12/15/11
Whilst I agree with those who say Mark is a genius and such, I, being an atheist can't go along with some super power blessing him with such a talent. I have played guitar for 54 years, and if I played another 54 I don't think I will come any where near his talent. What he has was primarily by chance, and he worked at it to polish it up.I have pretty near everything he's done, and just when you think he's done everything he can, he comes up with another brilliant work of art, none less than "What it is". Long life to the man, so he can do more of the same.
the best ever | Reviewer: awungshi mayonmi | 8/30/11
when i was 8 i started listening to MK songs. The main thing is that he got a great blessing from God. GOD IS WITH HIM. All his songs are really great and meaningful. No man born like MK. "Ticket to hevean" teach me about tithes. His voice with E. Harris is really amazing. I can never forget the meaning of the songs. Thanks for the great songs. I got all the songs. God bless you. Your Great fan and listener "Awungshi Mayonmi Zimik".
change of lyrics? | Reviewer: Dave Nelson | 12/19/10
This is a great song. I've listened to it countless times since purchasing the Sailing to Philadelphia CD when it first come out in 2000. However, there is a line above in the lyrics which does not exist in the song version I have. The line "THE DRUMS BEAT THEIR TATOO" isn't even close. There is clearly a reference to what sounds like "with the Caledonian Road" in the song at that point and of course, where else would you find a tollgate but on a road or near a bridge etc. There is a Caledonian Road about 20 miles due south of Ediburgh.
Little Nell was Nell Trent in the Dickens story "The Old Curiosity Shop" and there was another character in the story called Dick - Dick Swiveller - but there seems to be no reason to call him "dirty". He did search for little Nell in the story. No one ever referred to Dickens himself as "Dirty Dick". But there was a real life contemporary character named Nathaniel or Richard (Dick) Bentley who became known as "Dirty Dick" when he stopped washing and cleaning up generally after his fiancee died on their wedding day. Dickens knew of him. Nowhere can I find the name of Bentley's fiancee. Maybe it was Nell. With a university degree in English I'm sure MK had something in mind here I just don't know what.
Very good song and even better lyrics | Reviewer: Bill | 11/29/10
This song is about Edinburgh I would say : "Charlotte street", "High on the parapet a scottish piper stands alone","the highland drums begin to roll", "wee willie wankie"(who comes from a scottish nursery rhyme)... It also talks about a castle ("parapet", "the castle ans the keep"...) wich would obviously refer to the Edinburgh Castle. There's also a reference to Charles Dickens : "the ghost of dirty dick is still in search of little nell" although I don't exactly understand what he has to do with Edinburgh.
I strongly believe taht Mark Knopfler is one of the greatest musical artists we have along with Peter Gabriel
Unbelievable | Reviewer: chazz | 4/8/10
This is an amazing song. No other way to put it. When I first heard this, I must have been about 6 years old. My mom always played the CD, so I must have heard it a thousand times back then. I'm 16 now, and was playing a little lick on my guitar that sounded familiar somehow. I don't know how I still remembered it, after not having heard it in about 6 years, but I was reminded of this song. I looked it up, and I literally CANNOT stop listening to it.
My Would-Be Deity | Reviewer: Nick | 3/7/10
If I wasn't an atheist, I'd call Mark Knopfler my god. This is a fantastic song (just like everything else he writes). Guitar Hero 5 introduced me to Sultans of Swing, which introduced me to Dire Straits, and by extension, Mark.
Super.
tha day Mr Knopfler saved my life. | Reviewer: Ian Ogilvie Vega | 3/18/09
My favourite artist of all time. Ive always been an electronic music addicted producer & dj. When i started to listen to dire straits and specially the mark knopfler solitaire albums it changed my perception of music. I really enjoy the ambience he creates with his fender solos joined with the rest of instruments. Perfect mix!
knopfler, knopfler, knopfler...........thanks for the best music ever! it will always sound as fresh and deep as the first day.
peace
the god | Reviewer: mkfan | 2/16/08
This is one of the most captivating songs that MK has created and arguably one of his very best...i just love this guy and think that for his sheer ability to write, compose and sing - he is the closest to god of music that i know off. take a bow mark...and keep the good music flowing
WOW | Reviewer: steven marshall | 12/5/07
I love this song and Sailing to Philidelphia some of the best music ive ever hear and although i havent heard all of marks songs they are probably some of the best along with some of the dire straits stuf =]
Stares into your soul | Reviewer: Jens | 9/13/07
I'd just like to agree with the two previous postings. This song is magical. I love the line "And something from the past just comes and stares into my soul"
Exactly that happens to me when I listen to this masterpiece.
What it is is pure genuis | Reviewer: Adam | 8/3/07
I first heard this song on the beach one day and was instantly captured by the creamy mellow lead riff which had me smiling for a long time. It's beautiful simplicity is matched only by it's hook-factor and delightfully catchy melody. As soon as I got home I found it on one of my Dad's albums and picked it up immediately and couldn't stop grinning; I was dumbfounded with how easy it was to play, but also very aware that I couldn't have ever come up with it, which encouraged me to explore simplicity and catchiness with my own composing; looking for a hook and a classic riff rather than always playing as many notes in the scale as my hand allows. Also, the lyrics are so vivid and well-devised it makes me doubt my own ability both as a musician and also a lyricist. While not the most technically challenging song, this is where Knopfler's time-hounoured brilliance lies, and should never be faulted without this consideration. Thank you for writing this Mark Knopfler.
Sailing to Philadelphia | Reviewer: Joe Smith | 6/19/07
One of my favourite albums of all time. I especially liked ( oh hell- all the songs ), but especially- What It Is and the title track: STP.
Mark is the guitarist I most like to listen to- and couple that with his fantastic lyrics and soulful singing style- WOW. He also rocks good.
I've already bought the CD.
Thanks -
Joe
The following area is only for review, if you want to submit the lyrics or the corrections of the lyrics, please click the link at the end of What It Is Lyrics.
Your Name: (Important: Your name will be published if you input it) Review for What It Is Lyrics ------ Performed by Mark Knopfler Please enter a title for your review: ------ 09/14/2012 Type your review in the space below:
Mark Knopfler BiographyMark Knopfler AlbumsMark Knopfler Lyrics
Mark Knopfler Gallery
There's staggering in the square
There's lads and lasses falling about
And a crackling in the air
Down around the dungeon doors
The shelters and the queues
Everybody's looking for
Somebody's arms to fall into
That's what it is
It's what it is now
There's frost on the graves and the monuments
But the taverns are warm in town
People curse the government
And shovel hot food down
Lights are out in the city hall
The castle and the keep
The moon shines down upon it all
The legless and asleep
And it's cold on the tollgate
With the wagons creeping through
Cold on the tollgate
God knows what I could do with you
That's what it is
It's what it is now
The garrison sleeps in the citadel
With the ghosts and the ancient stones
High on the parapet
A Scottish piper stands alone
And high on the wind
The highland drums begin to roll
And something from the past just comes
And stares into my soul
And it's cold on the tollgate
WITH A CALEDONIAN BLUES
Cold on the tollgate
God knows what I could do with you
That's what it is
It's what it is now
What it is
It's what it is now
There's a chink of light, there's a burning wick
There's a lantern in the tower
Wee Willie Winkie with a candlestick
Still writing songs in the wee wee hours
On Charlotte Street I take
A walking stick for my hotel
The ghost of Dirty Dick
Is still in search of Little Nell
That's what it is
It's what it is now
It's what it is
What it is now…
Please Click here to submit the Corrections of What It Is Lyrics
Please Click Here to Print What It Is Lyrics
rm_sid = "SNGYros";
rm_artist = "Mark Knopfler";
rm_song = "What It Is";
rm_icon_left = "http://www.sing365.com/images/phone.gif";
rm_icon_right = "http://www.sing365.com/images/phone2.gif";
document.write(' Send ' + (rm_song != '' && rm_artist != '' ? '"' + rm_song + '" Ringtone' : (rm_artist != '' ? rm_artist + ' Ringtones' : 'Ringtones')) + ' to your Cell ');
Certainly Among Mark's Best | Reviewer: Villebilly Pete | 7/4/12
And there are many. In fact, the "Sailing to Philadelphia" album is chock full of great songs, great playing, great singing, great partners, etc. But this song, what can one say? It's classic MK, great melody and chord progression, amazing guitar bits, thoughtful lyrics, soulful vocals, incredible engineering (you can hear EVERYTHING). Like so much of his work, it's got it all! Eddie, atheist or not, the man is definitely blessed (and I'll bet he knows it, even if you don't). Re: "cold on the tollgate with the Caledonia blues", it's a typical MK tongue-in-cheek double entendre; there's a modern Scottish folk ballad called "Caledonia" from the 70s (underscoring the Scottish theme of the song) as well as an old jump blues tune by the same name (Caledonia! Caledonia!,What makes your big head so hard?)
By Chance | Reviewer: Eddie O'Byrne | 12/15/11
Whilst I agree with those who say Mark is a genius and such, I, being an atheist can't go along with some super power blessing him with such a talent. I have played guitar for 54 years, and if I played another 54 I don't think I will come any where near his talent. What he has was primarily by chance, and he worked at it to polish it up.I have pretty near everything he's done, and just when you think he's done everything he can, he comes up with another brilliant work of art, none less than "What it is". Long life to the man, so he can do more of the same.
the best ever | Reviewer: awungshi mayonmi | 8/30/11
when i was 8 i started listening to MK songs. The main thing is that he got a great blessing from God. GOD IS WITH HIM. All his songs are really great and meaningful. No man born like MK. "Ticket to hevean" teach me about tithes. His voice with E. Harris is really amazing. I can never forget the meaning of the songs. Thanks for the great songs. I got all the songs. God bless you. Your Great fan and listener "Awungshi Mayonmi Zimik".
change of lyrics? | Reviewer: Dave Nelson | 12/19/10
This is a great song. I've listened to it countless times since purchasing the Sailing to Philadelphia CD when it first come out in 2000. However, there is a line above in the lyrics which does not exist in the song version I have. The line "THE DRUMS BEAT THEIR TATOO" isn't even close. There is clearly a reference to what sounds like "with the Caledonian Road" in the song at that point and of course, where else would you find a tollgate but on a road or near a bridge etc. There is a Caledonian Road about 20 miles due south of Ediburgh.
Little Nell was Nell Trent in the Dickens story "The Old Curiosity Shop" and there was another character in the story called Dick - Dick Swiveller - but there seems to be no reason to call him "dirty". He did search for little Nell in the story. No one ever referred to Dickens himself as "Dirty Dick". But there was a real life contemporary character named Nathaniel or Richard (Dick) Bentley who became known as "Dirty Dick" when he stopped washing and cleaning up generally after his fiancee died on their wedding day. Dickens knew of him. Nowhere can I find the name of Bentley's fiancee. Maybe it was Nell. With a university degree in English I'm sure MK had something in mind here I just don't know what.
Very good song and even better lyrics | Reviewer: Bill | 11/29/10
This song is about Edinburgh I would say : "Charlotte street", "High on the parapet a scottish piper stands alone","the highland drums begin to roll", "wee willie wankie"(who comes from a scottish nursery rhyme)... It also talks about a castle ("parapet", "the castle ans the keep"...) wich would obviously refer to the Edinburgh Castle. There's also a reference to Charles Dickens : "the ghost of dirty dick is still in search of little nell" although I don't exactly understand what he has to do with Edinburgh.
I strongly believe taht Mark Knopfler is one of the greatest musical artists we have along with Peter Gabriel
Unbelievable | Reviewer: chazz | 4/8/10
This is an amazing song. No other way to put it. When I first heard this, I must have been about 6 years old. My mom always played the CD, so I must have heard it a thousand times back then. I'm 16 now, and was playing a little lick on my guitar that sounded familiar somehow. I don't know how I still remembered it, after not having heard it in about 6 years, but I was reminded of this song. I looked it up, and I literally CANNOT stop listening to it.
My Would-Be Deity | Reviewer: Nick | 3/7/10
If I wasn't an atheist, I'd call Mark Knopfler my god. This is a fantastic song (just like everything else he writes). Guitar Hero 5 introduced me to Sultans of Swing, which introduced me to Dire Straits, and by extension, Mark.
Super.
tha day Mr Knopfler saved my life. | Reviewer: Ian Ogilvie Vega | 3/18/09
My favourite artist of all time. Ive always been an electronic music addicted producer & dj. When i started to listen to dire straits and specially the mark knopfler solitaire albums it changed my perception of music. I really enjoy the ambience he creates with his fender solos joined with the rest of instruments. Perfect mix!
knopfler, knopfler, knopfler...........thanks for the best music ever! it will always sound as fresh and deep as the first day.
peace
the god | Reviewer: mkfan | 2/16/08
This is one of the most captivating songs that MK has created and arguably one of his very best...i just love this guy and think that for his sheer ability to write, compose and sing - he is the closest to god of music that i know off. take a bow mark...and keep the good music flowing
WOW | Reviewer: steven marshall | 12/5/07
I love this song and Sailing to Philidelphia some of the best music ive ever hear and although i havent heard all of marks songs they are probably some of the best along with some of the dire straits stuf =]
Stares into your soul | Reviewer: Jens | 9/13/07
I'd just like to agree with the two previous postings. This song is magical. I love the line "And something from the past just comes and stares into my soul"
Exactly that happens to me when I listen to this masterpiece.
What it is is pure genuis | Reviewer: Adam | 8/3/07
I first heard this song on the beach one day and was instantly captured by the creamy mellow lead riff which had me smiling for a long time. It's beautiful simplicity is matched only by it's hook-factor and delightfully catchy melody. As soon as I got home I found it on one of my Dad's albums and picked it up immediately and couldn't stop grinning; I was dumbfounded with how easy it was to play, but also very aware that I couldn't have ever come up with it, which encouraged me to explore simplicity and catchiness with my own composing; looking for a hook and a classic riff rather than always playing as many notes in the scale as my hand allows. Also, the lyrics are so vivid and well-devised it makes me doubt my own ability both as a musician and also a lyricist. While not the most technically challenging song, this is where Knopfler's time-hounoured brilliance lies, and should never be faulted without this consideration. Thank you for writing this Mark Knopfler.
Sailing to Philadelphia | Reviewer: Joe Smith | 6/19/07
One of my favourite albums of all time. I especially liked ( oh hell- all the songs ), but especially- What It Is and the title track: STP.
Mark is the guitarist I most like to listen to- and couple that with his fantastic lyrics and soulful singing style- WOW. He also rocks good.
I've already bought the CD.
Thanks -
Joe
The following area is only for review, if you want to submit the lyrics or the corrections of the lyrics, please click the link at the end of What It Is Lyrics.
Your Name: (Important: Your name will be published if you input it) Review for What It Is Lyrics ------ Performed by Mark Knopfler Please enter a title for your review: ------ 09/14/2012 Type your review in the space below:
Mark Knopfler BiographyMark Knopfler AlbumsMark Knopfler Lyrics
Mark Knopfler Gallery