THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

829-Dire Straits-Sultans of Swing.

1978-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 5.17.The best of ‘Pub Rock,’ in every sense.

It is said that inspiration for the song came from Mark Knopfler witnessing a Jazz Band playing in a corner of a practically deserted pub in Deptford, South London. At the end of their performance the lead singer announced that they were the ‘Sultans of Swing,’ and Knopfler found the contrast between the groups dowdy appearance, and surroundings, and their grandiose name amusing.Mak Knopfler was born on August 12th, 1949, in Glasgow, Scotland. He formed Dire Straits (see also best songs 298) in Deptford, London, in 1977, with his brother David, John Illsley, and Pick Withers.They are one of the world’s best selling bands, with sales in excess of 100 million, their Album ‘Brothers In Arms’ was the best selling Album of 1985.

‘Sultans of Swing’ was released as the bands debut single, and was written by Mark Knopfler who took a lot of inspiration for his songs from things he saw around him, he has said that he found that harder to do when he became famous.The ‘Guitar George,’ and ‘Harry,’ who are mentioned in the lyrics, are George Young, and Harry Vander, who were guitarists in the Australian band ‘The Easybeats’ in the 1960’s (see also best songs 939.)

‘And then the man he steps right up to the microphone, and says at last just as the time bell rings,’Goodnight,now it’s time to go home.”