Mark Knopfler — Why Aye Man
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Length: 5:55
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We had no way of staying afloat,
We had to leave on a ferryboat.
Economic refugees,
On the run to Germany.
We had the back of Maggie's hand,
Times were tough in Geordie-land.
We got our tools and working gear
And humped it all from Newcastle to here.
Why aye man.
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man,
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man.
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man,
Why aye, why aye man.
We're nomad tribes, travelling boys,
In the dust and dirt and the wrecking noise.
Drills and hammers, diggers and picks,
Mixing concrete, laying bricks.
There's English, Irish, Scots, the lot.
United Nations what we got.
Brickies, chippies, every trade.
German building, British made.
Why aye man.
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man,
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man.
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man,
Why aye, why aye man.
Nay more work on Maggie's farm.
Head away down the autobahn.
Mine's a Portakabin bed,
Or a bunk in a Nissen hut instead.
There's plenty Deutschmarks here to earn.
And German tarts are wunderschön.
German beer is chemical free.
Germany's alright with me.
Sometimes I miss my River Tyne,
But you're my pretty fraulein.
Tonight we'll drink the old town dry,
Keep our spirit levels high.
Why aye man.
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man,
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man.
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man,
Why aye, why aye man.
Sometimes I miss my River Tyne,
But you're my pretty fraulein.
Tonight we'll drink the old town dry,
Keep our spirit levels high.
Sometimes I miss my River Tyne,
But you're my pretty fraulein.
Tonight we'll drink the old town dry,
Keep our spirit levels high.
We had to leave on a ferryboat.
Economic refugees,
On the run to Germany.
We had the back of Maggie's hand,
Times were tough in Geordie-land.
We got our tools and working gear
And humped it all from Newcastle to here.
Why aye man.
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man,
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man.
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man,
Why aye, why aye man.
We're nomad tribes, travelling boys,
In the dust and dirt and the wrecking noise.
Drills and hammers, diggers and picks,
Mixing concrete, laying bricks.
There's English, Irish, Scots, the lot.
United Nations what we got.
Brickies, chippies, every trade.
German building, British made.
Why aye man.
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man,
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man.
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man,
Why aye, why aye man.
Nay more work on Maggie's farm.
Head away down the autobahn.
Mine's a Portakabin bed,
Or a bunk in a Nissen hut instead.
There's plenty Deutschmarks here to earn.
And German tarts are wunderschön.
German beer is chemical free.
Germany's alright with me.
Sometimes I miss my River Tyne,
But you're my pretty fraulein.
Tonight we'll drink the old town dry,
Keep our spirit levels high.
Why aye man.
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man,
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man.
Why aye, why aye man.
Why aye man,
Why aye, why aye man.
Sometimes I miss my River Tyne,
But you're my pretty fraulein.
Tonight we'll drink the old town dry,
Keep our spirit levels high.
Sometimes I miss my River Tyne,
But you're my pretty fraulein.
Tonight we'll drink the old town dry,
Keep our spirit levels high.
Comments (77)add comment
Hannio wrote:
I guess he means the nasty, man-made chemicals, since water is a chemical.
Check out the big brain on Brad.
I guess he means the nasty, man-made chemicals, since water is a chemical.
Check out the big brain on Brad.
MJdub wrote:
I guess he means the nasty, man-made chemicals, since water is a chemical.
After the lyrics "German beer is chemical free," I couldn't help but sing "Rei-ei, rei-einheit"
I guess he means the nasty, man-made chemicals, since water is a chemical.
Proclivities wrote:
Close, but the original three ingredients in the German Purity Law of 1516 (Reinheitsgebot) were water, barley, and hops. I don't believe yeast was used in European beer production until the late 19th Century.
Closer still. Since the dawn of the first hangover, yeast has been around making alcohol. The Reinheitsgebot, when first created, didn't include yeast because they didn't know it was needed to make alcohol. Actually we didn't know it existed until Pasteur discovered it in the mid 1800's and it's importance to making beer, mead, wine. Wonderful little creatures.
Close, but the original three ingredients in the German Purity Law of 1516 (Reinheitsgebot) were water, barley, and hops. I don't believe yeast was used in European beer production until the late 19th Century.
Closer still. Since the dawn of the first hangover, yeast has been around making alcohol. The Reinheitsgebot, when first created, didn't include yeast because they didn't know it was needed to make alcohol. Actually we didn't know it existed until Pasteur discovered it in the mid 1800's and it's importance to making beer, mead, wine. Wonderful little creatures.
very nice!
Great song.
Andrew_C wrote:
But it is. The RHGB law stipulates that you can only have three things in beer. Water, malted barley, and yeast.
Only lager worth drinking really.
Close, but the original three ingredients in the German Purity Law of 1516 (Reinheitsgebot) were water, barley, and hops. I don't believe yeast was used in European beer production until the late 19th Century.
But it is. The RHGB law stipulates that you can only have three things in beer. Water, malted barley, and yeast.
Only lager worth drinking really.
Close, but the original three ingredients in the German Purity Law of 1516 (Reinheitsgebot) were water, barley, and hops. I don't believe yeast was used in European beer production until the late 19th Century.
Gannin doon the toon.
Andrew_C wrote:
But it is. The RHGB law stipulates that you can only have three things in beer. Water, malted barley, and yeast.
Only lager worth drinking really.
Damn, I like hops in my beer.
But it is. The RHGB law stipulates that you can only have three things in beer. Water, malted barley, and yeast.
Only lager worth drinking really.
Damn, I like hops in my beer.
Sitting in Newcastle on a Sunday afternoon and I hear this on RP. You've just made us smile.
God I love RP.
Thanks Bill!
God I love RP.
Thanks Bill!
MJdub wrote:
But it is. The RHGB law stipulates that you can only have three things in beer. Water, malted barley, and yeast.
Only lager worth drinking really.
After the lyrics "German beer is chemical free," I couldn't help but sing "Rei-ei, rei-einheit"
But it is. The RHGB law stipulates that you can only have three things in beer. Water, malted barley, and yeast.
Only lager worth drinking really.
After the lyrics "German beer is chemical free," I couldn't help but sing "Rei-ei, rei-einheit"
A Geordie, brand new to RP, working in the middle of the North Sea off the coast of Aberdeen. And one of the first songs on this most excellent radio station is from Gods own country. Very impressed Bill & Rebecca. Thankyou x kcar wrote:
Has that racism gotten worse since the start of the Great Recession? How big is the story about the longstanding sexual abuse in Rotherham? We're hearing in the US that it was primarily Pakistani men "grooming" underage white girls, so I can imagine that the story feeds into anger at non-whites.
Has that racism gotten worse since the start of the Great Recession? How big is the story about the longstanding sexual abuse in Rotherham? We're hearing in the US that it was primarily Pakistani men "grooming" underage white girls, so I can imagine that the story feeds into anger at non-whites.
fredriley wrote:
Has that racism gotten worse since the start of the Great Recession? How big is the story about the longstanding sexual abuse in Rotherham? We're hearing in the US that it was primarily Pakistani men "grooming" underage white girls, so I can imagine that the story feeds into anger at non-whites.
This is a reminder that not so long ago British workers were economic migrants. A reminder needed these days in an Ingerlan which is dominated by reactionary anti-immigrant racism. One rule for the Brits, another for Johnny Foreigner, as always...
Has that racism gotten worse since the start of the Great Recession? How big is the story about the longstanding sexual abuse in Rotherham? We're hearing in the US that it was primarily Pakistani men "grooming" underage white girls, so I can imagine that the story feeds into anger at non-whites.
10 damnit. You heard me.
Just the right amount of Mark Knopfler on RP.
This is a reminder that not so long ago British workers were economic migrants. A reminder needed these days in an Ingerlan which is dominated by reactionary anti-immigrant racism. One rule for the Brits, another for Johnny Foreigner, as always...
way too much Mark Knopfler on RP!
Hannio wrote:
Yes, the soft, cuddly Germans are so much better.
yeah, the nazis' are in DC,running U.S. ............ or don't you remember Prescott , heir bush, heil w. magie t.. another bush baby.
Yes, the soft, cuddly Germans are so much better.
yeah, the nazis' are in DC,running U.S. ............ or don't you remember Prescott , heir bush, heil w. magie t.. another bush baby.
westslope wrote:
Yes, the soft, cuddly Germans are so much better.
Great song. Especially interesting given current economic and financial circumstances in Europe.
My family was victimized by Nazi Germans during WW II. But I rather like the current Green-influenced Germany. I sometimes wish the Americans were more like Germans.....
Yes, the soft, cuddly Germans are so much better.
In fact, have a watch of "Auf Wiedersehen Pet"- It's all about this very topic.
Good sense of humour these guys! "When The Boat Comes In", "Boys from The Black Stuff" and "Auf Wiedersehen Pet" now there's quality Gordie TV!!
Keep our spirit levels high....
Love that line.
Love that line.
Love this track. Lots of energy and a beautiful softer section sections (middle and towards the end with the guitar solo). Of course, Knopfler's composing and guitar performance make it all happen!
So, speaking of Geordies, this is apparently a thing...
zatxela wrote:
I'll echo that!
Is there a sweeter sounding guitar anywhere? Correct answer is NO...
I'll echo that!
Great song. Especially interesting given current economic and financial circumstances in Europe.
My family was victimized by Nazi Germans during WW II. But I rather like the current Green-influenced Germany. I sometimes wish the Americans were more like Germans.....
Is there a sweeter sounding guitar anywhere? Correct answer is NO...
"Brothers In Arms" was one of the first CDs I bought (ca. 1985, and blew my old speakers out with—but that's another story), and I've grown to like Mark Knopfler more and more ever since. His songs really tell a story besides being well-turned musically, IMHO.
Stingray wrote:
Did he play exactly 60 minutes again?
Nope - Came back for about a 30 minute encore, featuring telegraph road. Maybe his Canadian set list is more expansive! I got my money's worth.
Did he play exactly 60 minutes again?
Nope - Came back for about a 30 minute encore, featuring telegraph road. Maybe his Canadian set list is more expansive! I got my money's worth.
Cynaera wrote:
I haven't heard very many songs by Knopfler that I don't like. This isn't one of them - it's so savvy and musical... 
We had no way of staying afloat
We had to leave on the ferry boat
Economic refugees
On the run to germany
We had the back of maggie's hand
Times were tough in geordieland
We got wor tools and working gear
And humped it all from newcastle to here
THanks for the reprint, Cynaera. I've got to laugh - 'cause I bought this disc soon after it came out, gave it a few listens and, for some reason, back then it just didn't fit into my life. And now that I'm hearing it here in rotation, and my life has changed, I'm gaining a greater appreciation for this whole album, and how it fits into this very talented musician/writer's body of work.We had no way of staying afloat
We had to leave on the ferry boat
Economic refugees
On the run to germany
We had the back of maggie's hand
Times were tough in geordieland
We got wor tools and working gear
And humped it all from newcastle to here
Why aye man, why aye, why aye man
Why aye man, why aye, why aye man
We're the nomad tribes, travelling boys
In the dust and dirt and the racket and the noise
Drills and hammers, diggers and picks
Mixing concrete, laying bricks
There's english, irish, scots, the lot
United nation's what we've got
Brickies, chippies, every trade
German building, british-made
Why aye man, why aye, why aye man
Why aye man, why aye, why aye man
Nae more work on maggie's farm
Hadaway down the autobahn
Mine's a portacabin bed
Or a bunk in a nissen hut instead
There's plenty deutschmarks here to earn
And german tarts are wunderschoen
German beer is chemical-free
Germany's alreet with me
Sometimes I miss my river tyne
But you're my pretty fraulein
Tonight we'll drink the old town dry
Keep wor spirit levels high
Why aye man, why aye, why aye man
Why aye man, why aye, why aye man
I haven't heard very many songs by Knopfler that I don't like. This isn't one of them - it's so savvy and musical...
We had no way of staying afloat
We had to leave on the ferry boat
Economic refugees
On the run to germany
We had the back of maggie's hand
Times were tough in geordieland
We got wor tools and working gear
And humped it all from newcastle to here
We had no way of staying afloat
We had to leave on the ferry boat
Economic refugees
On the run to germany
We had the back of maggie's hand
Times were tough in geordieland
We got wor tools and working gear
And humped it all from newcastle to here
Why aye man, why aye, why aye man
Why aye man, why aye, why aye man
We're the nomad tribes, travelling boys
In the dust and dirt and the racket and the noise
Drills and hammers, diggers and picks
Mixing concrete, laying bricks
There's english, irish, scots, the lot
United nation's what we've got
Brickies, chippies, every trade
German building, british-made
Why aye man, why aye, why aye man
Why aye man, why aye, why aye man
Nae more work on maggie's farm
Hadaway down the autobahn
Mine's a portacabin bed
Or a bunk in a nissen hut instead
There's plenty deutschmarks here to earn
And german tarts are wunderschoen
German beer is chemical-free
Germany's alreet with me
Sometimes I miss my river tyne
But you're my pretty fraulein
Tonight we'll drink the old town dry
Keep wor spirit levels high
Why aye man, why aye, why aye man
Why aye man, why aye, why aye man
Congrats, Germany, for kicking the nuclear habit...
You're my pretty Fräulein....
Why, aye like this song...nice groovy kick. 
I love that sexy album cover.
I love that sexy album cover.
mandolin wrote:
that would be interesting to hear! this song is a 9, especially after the last one!
...i bet mark knopfler and robbie robertson could collaborate wonderfully...
that would be interesting to hear! this song is a 9, especially after the last one!
martinc wrote:
Did he play exactly 60 minutes again?
Saw him here in Ottawa last year. Great show and they knocked this one out of the park.
Did he play exactly 60 minutes again?
Knopfler on the run down the Autobahn...!
Times are tuff in Geordieland!
Times are tuff in Geordieland!
sounds like 'play on'...got soccer on me brain heute
Papernapkin wrote:
Well said. I totally agree.
You would.
Well said. I totally agree.
You would.
Saw him here in Ottawa last year. Great show and they knocked this one out of the park.
Ha'way the lads!
fredriley wrote:
wow. this is interesting stuff to read. Now you got me digging around wikipedia reading up on Geordies
adib wrote:
Not for me, mate - Newky Brown gives me a god-awful hangover every time. Nice bit of modern folk here, and a sad reminder of Thatcher's 80s when unemployment was high and many UK workers had to go abroad to find work, particularly to the pre-unification Germany. For those outside the UK who've not heard of Geordies and their very peculiar dialect (reputedly descended from Norse, I've heard, though don't quote me) see the Wikipedia entry. Glad to hear that Mark isn't trying too hard with a Geordie accent, as it's a hard one to pick up, though it's become familiar to UK TV viewers on account of the voiceover guy on Big Brother. Canny tune, like - 7 from the Nottingham jury. Why aye all right, and haddaway 'n shite Thatcher.
Mine's a bottle of dog!
Not for me, mate - Newky Brown gives me a god-awful hangover every time. Nice bit of modern folk here, and a sad reminder of Thatcher's 80s when unemployment was high and many UK workers had to go abroad to find work, particularly to the pre-unification Germany. For those outside the UK who've not heard of Geordies and their very peculiar dialect (reputedly descended from Norse, I've heard, though don't quote me) see the Wikipedia entry. Glad to hear that Mark isn't trying too hard with a Geordie accent, as it's a hard one to pick up, though it's become familiar to UK TV viewers on account of the voiceover guy on Big Brother. Canny tune, like - 7 from the Nottingham jury. Why aye all right, and haddaway 'n shite Thatcher.
wow. this is interesting stuff to read. Now you got me digging around wikipedia reading up on Geordies
Pazzat wrote:
YES
I try really hard, and I admire his guitar playing, but there's always something about Knopfler's voice that just leaves me cold. I like plenty of singers with idiosyncratic voices that harsh critics could label as bad: Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Howard Devoto, Richard Thompson, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, Colin Meloy from the Decemberists, so I'm not after purity. Am I alone in this?
YES
Good song to hit the road...All of Mark Knopfler is by the way
Pazzat wrote:
Well said. I totally agree.
I try really hard, and I admire his guitar playing, but there's always something about Knopfler's voice that just leaves me cold. I like plenty of singers with idiosyncratic voices that harsh critics could label as bad: Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Howard Devoto, Richard Thompson, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, Colin Meloy from the Decemberists, so I'm not after purity. Am I alone in this?
Well said. I totally agree.
adib wrote:
Not for me, mate - Newky Brown gives me a god-awful hangover every time. Nice bit of modern folk here, and a sad reminder of Thatcher's 80s when unemployment was high and many UK workers had to go abroad to find work, particularly to the pre-unification Germany. For those outside the UK who've not heard of Geordies and their very peculiar dialect (reputedly descended from Norse, I've heard, though don't quote me) see the Wikipedia entry. Glad to hear that Mark isn't trying too hard with a Geordie accent, as it's a hard one to pick up, though it's become familiar to UK TV viewers on account of the voiceover guy on Big Brother. Canny tune, like - 7 from the Nottingham jury. Why aye all right, and haddaway 'n shite Thatcher.
Mine's a bottle of dog!
Not for me, mate - Newky Brown gives me a god-awful hangover every time. Nice bit of modern folk here, and a sad reminder of Thatcher's 80s when unemployment was high and many UK workers had to go abroad to find work, particularly to the pre-unification Germany. For those outside the UK who've not heard of Geordies and their very peculiar dialect (reputedly descended from Norse, I've heard, though don't quote me) see the Wikipedia entry. Glad to hear that Mark isn't trying too hard with a Geordie accent, as it's a hard one to pick up, though it's become familiar to UK TV viewers on account of the voiceover guy on Big Brother. Canny tune, like - 7 from the Nottingham jury. Why aye all right, and haddaway 'n shite Thatcher.
"Why Aye Outta Murda Ya!"
Moe Howard - 3 Stooges
Fantabulous 
First time I've heard this song, I reckon it would go OFF with a didge. Or maybe Yothu Yindi should cover it.
Pazzat wrote:
I try really hard, and I admire his guitar playing, but there's always something about Knopfler's voice that just leaves me cold. I like plenty of singers with idiosyncratic voices that harsh critics could label as bad: Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Howard Devoto, Richard Thompson, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, Colin Meloy from the Decemberists, so I'm not after purity. Am I alone in this?
Quite possibly!
Give us a job. I could do that.
I try really hard, and I admire his guitar playing, but there's always something about Knopfler's voice that just leaves me cold. I like plenty of singers with idiosyncratic voices that harsh critics could label as bad: Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Howard Devoto, Richard Thompson, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, Colin Meloy from the Decemberists, so I'm not after purity. Am I alone in this?
mandolin wrote:
Good catch!
...i bet mark knopfler and robbie robertson could collaborate wonderfully...
Nice. Good catch!
...i bet mark knopfler and robbie robertson could collaborate wonderfully...
Mine's a bottle of dog!
Is that Jimmy Nail singing along?
This entire CD is excellent.
This one sound a bit Gordon Lightfoot inspired to anyone else?
Not that that's ever a bad thing!
I luv this..and I can't help but have a soft spot for this and Mark 
We have the same Geordie roots
I know he was born in Scotland, but he grew up in Newcastle-upon-Tyne
We have the same Geordie roots
Love this guitar? Why, aye man!
TreborG2 wrote:
all I know.. is I've heard this song quiet a few times.. and it never struck a cord with me until this evening.. er.. early am... when I heard him sing "german beer has no additives" or something to that effect..
the next time it comes on I'm going to try to remember to listen more closely...
:D
Enjoy some german beer while you're at it..couldn't get much better
Your Right mark knopfler is and amazing singer/songwriter I think you\'d agree just gonna say get his album sailing to philadelphia if you havent its just ace, Give the big man respect lol 
I doubt that even Mrs. Knopfler hears this song as often as we do. 
Originally Posted by MsfStl:
Knopfler just has that distinctive sound; like a great French red wine, a bit of distinctive earthiness to it. I'll buy this bottle!
nice bouquet ;)
yum 
Knopfler just has that distinctive sound; like a great French red wine, a bit of distinctive earthiness to it. I\'ll buy this bottle!
FYI this was the theme song for a BBC tv series
"Auf Wiedersehn Pet", brought back to life after
about 20 years from its original versions on ITV.
The title comes from the fact that in the
original series they were Geordie builders going
to work in Germany.
According to the BBC there should be another series.
Originally Posted by Heathen:
Its not Scottish man!! Its Geordie. Mark Knopfler is a Geordie like me (from the North East of England) This is an amazin' song... lyrically anyways. Its soo true.. most people move away from the North East due to lack of work... but we all miss it in someway.
Why Aye man... giz a canny bag-a Tudor!!
:D
:D Ahhhh... like the smell of spring rain- Mark Knopfler has such a distinctive sound! I had not heard this before- thanks Bill!
I\'ll be saving my pennies to acquire this latest bit of music.
Dire Straits were a fantastic band- and this piece reminds me ALOT of their early works....
This song was boring the first time I heard it, now I have heard it one to many times.... Why! AYE! 
all I know.. is I\'ve heard this song quiet a few times.. and it never struck a cord with me until this evening.. er.. early am... when I heard him sing \"german beer has no additives\" or something to that effect..
the next time it comes on I\'m going to try to remember to listen more closely...
:D
Originally Posted by fdtate:
Mark Knopfler is a real guitar god. I've been a fan since "Sultans of Swing." Play something off the Local Hero soundtrack sometime.
Good movie as well. What the hell ever happened to Bill Forsyth?
Originally Posted by meatload:
If it's not Sco'ish, it's crap! Why aye, man!
Its not Scottish man!! Its Geordie. Mark Knopfler is a Geordie like me (from the North East of England) This is an amazin' song... lyrically anyways. Its soo true.. most people move away from the North East due to lack of work... but we all miss it in someway.
Why Aye man... giz a canny bag-a Tudor!!
:D
Mark Knopfler is a real guitar god. I\'ve been a fan since \"Sultans of Swing.\" Play something off the Local Hero soundtrack sometime.
If it\'s not Sco\'ish, it\'s crap! Why aye, man!
Originally Posted by zaknafein:
German beer is chemical free? :) Excellent.
Yes, that's true - but I like the original Budweiser (not the American brand) much more.
German beer is chemical free? :) Excellent.
Closer still. Since the dawn of the first hangover, yeast has been around making alcohol. The Reinheitsgebot, when first created, didn't include yeast because they didn't know it was needed to make alcohol. Actually we didn't know it existed until Pasteur discovered it in the mid 1800's and it's importance to making beer, mead, wine. Wonderful little creatures.
Good to know. Cool stuff, that yeast.