Dire Straits: 'Brothers In Arms' Quiz

Answer: 1985

The 1980s were the heyday for the band, whose first, self-titled, album came out in 1978. The biggest hit from that album was 'Sultans of Swing', which became a hit in 1979. The 'Brothers in Arms' album was supported by a long-lasting world-wide tour, lasting from April 1985 until April 1986.

Answer: So Far Away

'Here I am again in this mean old town; and you're so far away from me' are the opening lines of the song, which has Mark bemoaning his bad luck at being separated from her. Since he refers to her being 'in the sun, while he's in the rain, she might just be on holiday in Spain. Being stuck in a rainy UK is enough to make anyone feel bad.

Answer: MTV

Not only do the lyrics of the 1985 single 'Money for Nothing' mention the music channel MTV, the song's video was the first one to appear on the MTV Europe channel when it launched two years later. The song is about two men discussing how music videos appear to be a good way to earn a lot of money for very little effort.

The song featured guest vocals from Sting, who also received a co-writer credit.

Answer: Walk of Life

'Walk of Life' was written by Mark Knopfler and was about a busker named Johnny who was trying to make a living by performing "down in the tunnels" - something that dozens of musicians attempt to do every day on London's 'Tube' network. The song was the band's second single to get to number two in the UK charts after 'Private Investigations' from their 1982 album 'Love Over Gold'. The other incorrect options also came from that earlier album.

Answer: Satin beaus and belles

Knopfler sounds quite bitter in the lyrics to this song, describing himself as 'looking so bereaved and so bereft'. The song is about the end of a relationship, although the reference to deals being struck between 'satin beaus and belles' could denote something less savoury.

'Buttons and Bows' was sung by Dinah Shore, 'Leather and Lace' by Stevie Nicks and Leonard Cohen sang about a 'Famous Blue Raincoat'.

Answer: Why Worry

I have read that Mark Knopfler wrote the song with the Everly Brothers in mind. Whether that is true or not, the duo certainly recorded it on their album 'Born Yesterday', from 1985 and performed it with Mark playing guitar.

'Lady Writer' appeared on the band's second album, 'Communiqué', while 'Tunnel of Love' and 'Expresso Love' were on the album 'Making Movies'.

Answer: Ride Across the River

Mark Knopfler created and co-produced this song on the "Brothers in Arms" album. This song has a different sound and feel, using a more Latino-style beat. The lyrics begin: 'I'm a soldier of freedom in the army of man; We are
the chosen, we're the partisan'.

Answer: Strong

In an interview with Bill Flanagan, Mark Knopfler explained that the song was an "experiment in character and playwriting". He was trying to portray a man who has never been at peace with himself. Like many of the songs on the album, the lyrics deal with the consequences of war. In this instance, the song references a history of torture, with the 'man' being a war criminal.

Answer: One World

This song has a rather different feel from the rest of the album, with a 'bluesy' sound, as referenced in the lyrics. If nothing else, it showcases Knopfler's expertise on the guitar.

The other three titles all appeared on the band's final album, from 1991, which was called 'On Every Street'.

Answer: Falklands War

'Brothers in Arms' is essentially about a fallen soldier being comforted by the support of his colleagues as he dies on the battlefield, far away from home. Although included on the 1985 album of the same name, the song was originally written by Mark Knopfler in 1982, the same year that the UK and Argentina fought the Falklands War. The song was re-released in 2007 (the 25th anniversary of the Falklands War) to raise money for veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.