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Mark Knopfler — Sailing to Philadelphia
Album: Sailing to Philadelphia
Avg rating:
7.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2276









Released: 2000
Length: 5:19
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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I am Jeremiah Dixon
I am a Geordie boy
A glass of wine with you, sir
And the ladies I'll enjoy
All Durham and Northumberland
Is measured up by my own hand
It was my fate from birth
To make my mark upon the earth...

He calls me Charlie Mason
A stargazer am I
It seems that I was born
To chart the evening sky
They'd cut me out for baking bread
But I had other dreams instead
This baker's boy from the west country
Would join the Royal Society...

We are sailing to Philadelphia
A world away from the coaly Tyne
Sailing to Philadelphia
To draw the line
The Mason-Dixon line

Now you're a good surveyor, Dixon
But I swear you'll make me mad
The West will kill us both
You gullible Geordie lad
You talk of liberty
How can America be free
A Geordie and a baker's boy
In the forest of the Iroquois...

Now hold your head up, Mason
See America lies there
The morning tide has raised
The capes of Delaware
Come up and feel the sun
A new morning is begun
Another day will make it clear
Why your stars should guide us here...

We are sailing to Philadelphia
A world away from the coaly Tyne
Sailing to Philadelphia
To draw the line
The Mason-Dixon line
Comments (332)add comment
 TheKing2 wrote:

Missing in the credits is the mentioning of wonderful voice of Canadian  James Taylor.



From Boston, not Canada. Close enough I guess. Driving distance.
Posted 4 months ago by bimmerfan739    [ Reply ]
 Steely_D wrote:

Listening to Knopfler is a good enough groove, but when Taylor starts singing, the entire good folky gentle reassuring qualities of the 70s come rushing back, making me miss the old me so hard it gets a bit overwhelming, knowing we'll never ever go back there.



Yeah, but never say never...
Posted 4 months ago by bimmerfan739    [ Reply ]
 skuzzfud wrote:

There are not enough songs about surveyors. It's a plumb job.



Ha Good one!
Posted 4 months ago by bimmerfan739    [ Reply ]
Listening to Knopfler is a good enough groove, but when Taylor starts singing, the entire good folky gentle reassuring qualities of the 70s come rushing back, making me miss the old me so hard it gets a bit overwhelming, knowing we'll never ever go back there.
Posted 1 year ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
 andrew2112 wrote:


Thanks, I just bought the novel.  Looking forward to checking it out.


I picked up a copy in the bookshop. Then I put it down again as it weighed about 4 kg.
Posted 1 year ago by ElCamoteLoco    [ Reply ]
 olivertwist wrote:

I need to check out that novel. Thanks for the reminder. {#Cheers}
 
This album is as good as anything Mark Knopfler ever did with Dire Straits, IMO.


Thanks, I just bought the novel.  Looking forward to checking it out.
Posted 1 year ago by andrew2112    [ Reply ]
How frickin' good was THAT.  MK and JT making magic. 
Posted 1 year ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
Ain't there no version with Willy Nelson, I'm wondering?
Posted 1 year ago by Pitjes    [ Reply ]
 mgtom wrote:

Everything I love about MK all wrapped up in one great song.




Obviously you are not referring to Milton Keynes...
Posted 1 year ago by terryd    [ Reply ]
 bam23 wrote:

Offhand, I cannot think of a similar modern example of a musical composition based on a complex and entrancing novel. Those with any interest in a novel that combines history, science, and their interplay through various cultural lenses should find the Pynchon novel Mason and Dixon, on which this song is loosely based, interesting. If not compelling. I have read it 3 times and may do it again if time permits. That is not the only reason I find this to be a really good piece of songwriting, but context always adds to the experience.



Haha, I just bought it!
Posted 1 year ago by andrew2112    [ Reply ]
Posted 1 year ago by Lemonhead    [ Reply ]
 copymonkey wrote:


James Taylor is not Canadian.


Bostonian, like me. He's more famous.
Posted 1 year ago by bimmerfan739    [ Reply ]
 jukes1 wrote:

What an odd but nice duet. We could use some James Taylor occasionally on RP.



Yes!
Posted 1 year ago by bimmerfan739    [ Reply ]
 copymonkey wrote:


James Taylor is not Canadian.


But i wish he was
Posted 1 year ago by Sbed    [ Reply ]
This song is superb at so many levels
Posted 2 years ago by Hey_Porter    [ Reply ]
 TheKing2 wrote:

Missing in the credits is the mentioning of wonderful voice of Canadian  James Taylor.



James Taylor is not Canadian.
Posted 2 years ago by copymonkey    [ Reply ]
Everything I love about MK all wrapped up in one great song.
Posted 2 years ago by mgtom    [ Reply ]
Missing in the credits is the mentioning of wonderful voice of Canadian  James Taylor.
Posted 2 years ago by TheKing2    [ Reply ]
This is such a wonderful, unique song about a rather important piece of American history. Read about it here. https://historycooperative.org...
Posted 2 years ago by KeithBrofsky    [ Reply ]
Knopfler's guitar & James Taylor's voice....Superb.  Thank you RP...
Posted 2 years ago by MKoMOne    [ Reply ]
 nomnol wrote:

I'm hearing a bit of James Taylor in this. That's a good thing, no? At least the harmony sounds like James.



Yes, it is James.
Posted 3 years ago by 3Chords    [ Reply ]
 nomnol wrote:

I'm hearing a bit of James Taylor in this. That's a good thing, no? At least the harmony sounds like James.



That's because it is James Taylor.
Posted 3 years ago by daveysprocket    [ Reply ]
I'm hearing a bit of James Taylor in this. That's a good thing, no? At least the harmony sounds like James.
Posted 3 years ago by nomnol    [ Reply ]
 somboed wrote:


He's the best and surrounds himself with other greats. This is one of the main reasons I come to RP - consistent quality and surprises.


And what a storyteller he is!
Posted 3 years ago by Godwottery    [ Reply ]
 olivertwist wrote:

I need to check out that novel. Thanks for the reminder. {#Cheers}
 
This album is as good as anything Mark Knopfler ever did with Dire Straits, IMO.
 
Second that.  Pynchon's Mason & Dixon is one of his best, and indeed, one of the best historical fiction novels I've ever read.
Posted 3 years ago by moto848    [ Reply ]
I love the song but I am not sure about one historical aspect. The term "Geordie" would not have been around back then. Many attribute it to George Stephenson who as well as his railway exploits also invented a minors safety lamp similar to Humphry Davy. However, unlike Davy he patented his, so most of the world called them Davy lamps. All except the Northumbrian minors who were loyal to their home town hero and called them "Georgies" 
Posted 4 years ago by Kelvinclifford    [ Reply ]
A few years ago, I often visited the Philly area from the UK and would have this song playing on the headphones while flying down the East Coast.  Brings back great memories with a superb song.

Also, only just realised it is James Taylor as the second voice - d'oh!
Posted 4 years ago by wychwoods    [ Reply ]
Well said. I'm from just south of Philly (Wilmington, DE, Joe Biden country) and while Philadelphia has its depressing parts, it's also got some serious charm and fascinating national history, warm, heartfelt people and fabulous food... all that can't be denied. The East coast in general is old enough to appear a bit ragged on the edges. So be it. We're a country that ignores infrastructure in lieu of fighter jets. Ah, but I digress. Bottom line is the song is such a beautiful, unique and fascinating look at our history. I think its a masterpiece by two artists I admire very much.   h8rhater wrote:

Besides... it's not fair to judge an entire city by it's sports fans.
 

Posted 4 years ago by KeithBrofsky    [ Reply ]
 I'm a Chartered Land Surveyor and I think this is the first time I've ever heard a song about surveyors.
Posted 4 years ago by alouvoss    [ Reply ]
I have a T-shirt that says "Engineers: Solving problems you never knew you had." Songs like this makes me think I need a twin shirt that says: "Engineers: Creating problems you never knew you had."
Posted 4 years ago by forthbrdge    [ Reply ]
Here's a call for something from Mud Slide Slim!  

Old JT much better than the 1980s stuff. 
Posted 4 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
There are not enough songs about surveyors. It's a plumb job.
Posted 4 years ago by skuzzfud    [ Reply ]
One of my MK favorites.
Posted 4 years ago by mgtom    [ Reply ]
What an odd but nice duet. We could use some James Taylor occasionally on RP.
Posted 5 years ago by jukes1    [ Reply ]
Such a  nice song... On my top list, when doing night traveling...
Posted 5 years ago by fam.ager929    [ Reply ]
 UltraNurd wrote:
mikedill wrote:
Listen to the lyrics. The song is about Mason and Dixon sailing across the Atlantic to draw their famous line. Though Philly may be depressing now, it probably wasn't back in the 1700s.
It was sort of our national capital until D.C. was built, not to mention the location of most of the Continental, Confederation, and Constitutional Congresses. Plus, Quakers rock!!
 
Besides... it's not fair to judge an entire city by it's sports fans.
Posted 5 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
 MotorSkills wrote:
 An awful lot of MK?
 
As MY friends used to say: Are you bragging...or complaining? :-)
Posted 5 years ago by Bultaco    [ Reply ]
Knopfler himself is a good Geordie lad.
Posted 5 years ago by jchap5    [ Reply ]
I love this song so very, very much that my fun-bumps currently have fun-bumps of their own while this is playing. Two peerless performers, performing together. Thank you, Bill and co, for playing this xx.
Posted 5 years ago by SpinyNorma    [ Reply ]
 bam23 wrote:
Offhand, I cannot think of a similar modern example of a musical composition based on a complex and entrancing novel. Those with any interest in a novel that combines history, science, and their interplay through various cultural lenses should find the Pynchon novel Mason and Dixon, on which this song is loosely based, interesting. If not compelling. I have read it 3 times and may do it again if time permits. That is not the only reason I find this to be a really good piece of songwriting, but context always adds to the experience.

 
I need to check out that novel. Thanks for the reminder. {#Cheers}
 
This album is as good as anything Mark Knopfler ever did with Dire Straits, IMO.
Posted 6 years ago by olivertwist    [ Reply ]
Offhand, I cannot think of a similar modern example of a musical composition based on a complex and entrancing novel. Those with any interest in a novel that combines history, science, and their interplay through various cultural lenses should find the Pynchon novel Mason and Dixon, on which this song is loosely based, interesting. If not compelling. I have read it 3 times and may do it again if time permits. That is not the only reason I find this to be a really good piece of songwriting, but context always adds to the experience.
Posted 6 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
"Able assistance from James Taylor," yes, but also able assistance from the elusive Thomas Pynchon.
Posted 6 years ago by Chi_Editrix    [ Reply ]
What?  WHAT!??!  JT juxtaposed against MK?  Now how is it I've missed this particular version?  Nicely done.  Thanks RP. 

Highlow
American Net'Zen
Posted 6 years ago by Highlowsel    [ Reply ]
Equally beautiful live version  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTvc-bEP35I
 
Posted 7 years ago by Pjesnik    [ Reply ]
 daveesh wrote:
does this count as yacht rock? 

 
I'd be fine with it.  Thanks for the additional mind-candy to apply this song.
Posted 7 years ago by FourFortyEight    [ Reply ]
does this count as yacht rock? 
Posted 7 years ago by daveesh    [ Reply ]
 slawjam wrote:
What a treasure Mark Knopfler is.

 
indeed {#Good-vibes}
Posted 7 years ago by ShamanManu    [ Reply ]
What a treasure Mark Knopfler is.
Posted 7 years ago by slawjam    [ Reply ]
Just plain good.
Posted 7 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
this gives me chills-so beautiful!
Posted 7 years ago by jmkate    [ Reply ]
Classic song... Required listening for all up and coming songwriters. 


Posted 10 years ago by zepher    [ Reply ]
what a great song. Love Knopfler's voice and love James Taylor. <sigh> heaven </sigh>
Posted 10 years ago by tputkey    [ Reply ]
 MotorSkills wrote:
There seems to be an awful lot of Mark Knopfler on this station. What's up?

 

He's the best and surrounds himself with other greats. This is one of the main reasons I come to RP - consistent quality and surprises.
Posted 10 years ago by somboed    [ Reply ]
 MotorSkills wrote:
There seems to be an awful lot of Mark Knopfler on this station. What's up?

 
I don't get tired of hearing Mark and his sweet guitar.  Big bonus with James Taylor on this one.
Posted 10 years ago by Keef    [ Reply ]
 MotorSkills wrote:
There seems to be an awful lot of Mark Knopfler on this station. What's up?
 
What's up is that his music is wonderful.
Posted 10 years ago by stevendejong    [ Reply ]
There seems to be an awful lot of Mark Knopfler on this station. What's up?
Posted 10 years ago by MotorSkills    [ Reply ]
Love songs that tell a story, one based on a somewhat obscure bit of colonial-era historical trivia no less!
Posted 10 years ago by ProjectGemini07    [ Reply ]
 ingrizek wrote:
second on that. great stories, on a par with The Boss

 
Leaving the Boss lightyears behind!
Posted 10 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
Wonderful song sung by 2 great guys. 10 out of 10 from me.
Posted 11 years ago by midnightoil    [ Reply ]
second on that. great stories, on a par with The Boss
Posted 11 years ago by ingrizek    [ Reply ]
MK does such great storytelling...
Posted 11 years ago by bseib    [ Reply ]

This is a calm, laid back ballad but contains the sense of the excitement one gets on the deck of ship heading to new places.

Nice complementarity between the co-vocalists.


Posted 11 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
Good Music
Posted 11 years ago by saidtaybi    [ Reply ]
That's Charlie work! 

WonderLizard wrote:
I hear it's always sunny in Philedelphia.

In Philly they boo the Easter Bunny.
 

Posted 11 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
BOR-RING
Posted 12 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
 boober wrote:
I hear it's always sunny in Philedelphia. 

In Philly they boo the Easter Bunny.
Posted 12 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
Never particularly been a Knopfler fan but this track pleases me in inexplicable ways. Perhaps it's JT's sweet tone juxtaposed with MK's Geordie burr. Somehow it all works.
Posted 12 years ago by GuiltyFeat    [ Reply ]
"I was a highwayman. Along the coach roads I did ride."
Posted 12 years ago by GarageDragon    [ Reply ]
 clydes wrote:

Yes, they have. You were listening to it :-)
 
Thanks clydes I thought it was a duet ... great sound they produce together.


Posted 12 years ago by Toke    [ Reply ]
I would give this a big ZERO if I could.   JT on RP?  Yuk!!!!!
Posted 12 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
 Toke wrote:
As a suggestion would this track not make a gret duet with James Taylor... or have they already cut one ??
 
Yes, they have. You were listening to it :-)
Posted 12 years ago by clydes    [ Reply ]
As a suggestion would this track not make a gret duet with James Taylor... or have they already cut one ??
Posted 13 years ago by Toke    [ Reply ]
 jwkoda wrote:
JT's vocals on this track make Knopler's voice sound so limited.
 
Anal tentivity is a problem for many.

IMHO Knopfler's conversational voice transcends JT's tonal range.  Pavarotti could sing the MK part and the song would be far worse.  Technical ability is such a small part of an emotional connection.
Posted 13 years ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
Always Fantastic.....forever....
Posted 13 years ago by pasquali    [ Reply ]
JT's vocals on this track make Knopler's voice sound so limited.
Posted 13 years ago by jwkoda    [ Reply ]
Fantastic music and a history lesson for us Old World people - what is there not to like? 10.

Posted 13 years ago by Darkmatter    [ Reply ]
Ahh so soothing after that nervous piece of crap by David Byrne and Brian Eno....
Posted 13 years ago by Sjaaks    [ Reply ]
 Pieter wrote:
Could be a bit more challenging.
 
About as thrilling as James Taylor. (But don't get me wrong, MK has done some great stuff.)

Posted 13 years ago by FlatCat    [ Reply ]
tipper wrote: I really dont understand this love affair with Mark Knopfler. Yes he can play. Okay, it's a pleasant enough guitar sound for an album maybe, but the song writing is distinctly average.

 sirdroseph wrote:

You obviously have not listened to the album Brothers in Arms in its entirety.{#No}
 

Or Love over Gold....Telegraph Road is one of my favs
Posted 13 years ago by sandpebble    [ Reply ]
 tipper wrote:
I really dont understand this love affair with Mark Knopfler. Yes he can play. Okay, it's a pleasant enough guitar sound for an album maybe, but the song writing is distinctly average.
 
You obviously have not listened to the album Brothers in Arms in its entirety.{#No}
Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:

Why should a song be "challenging"? He's telling a story, not trying to give the listener grief. If "challenging" were a good thing in music then Stockhausen would be top of the pops.
 

Good riposte!
Posted 14 years ago by spindrift    [ Reply ]
Sweet tune!{#Yes}
Posted 14 years ago by Ubaldo    [ Reply ]
 calypsus_1 wrote:

Mark Knopfler by ~Akeyzerr
Angel Toporchev

Mark Knopfler Live in Sofia,
Kill to Get Crimson Tour.


 
Nice!

Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
I love it when lyrics are used for a different theme than just plain old love songs.  That, combined with the nice laid back feel of this song makes me vote for excellent! {#Yes}
Posted 14 years ago by Sirena815    [ Reply ]

Mark Knopfler by ~Akeyzerr
Angel Toporchev

Mark Knopfler Live in Sofia,
Kill to Get Crimson Tour.




Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
Such a "sweet" method of story telling. Music has always been a media for
history and M.K. does it as well as anyone.
Posted 14 years ago by That_SOB    [ Reply ]
I really dont understand this love affair with Mark Knopfler. Yes he can play. Okay, it's a pleasant enough guitar sound for an album maybe, but the song writing is distinctly average.
Posted 14 years ago by tipper    [ Reply ]
Great Thomas Pynchon Novel... Mason & Dixon
Posted 14 years ago by PatsyMat    [ Reply ]
He did an encore when he played here. 4 songs, one of which I think was Telegraph Road. I was happy!
Posted 14 years ago by martinc    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:

PS
Question: does anybody know why Knopfler never returns to stage for a few extra songs
(sorry, don't know how this is called in English), once the concert is over?
Seems to be quite arrogant! Saw him 3 times - he NEVER did! Not even in Moscow,
where the crowd was soooo hungry for more! RIDICULOUS!

 

You mean an encore i think?

Saw him 4 times (1 in Rotterdam, 3 in Amsterdam), once a "private" concert of about 200 attendants... But every time he gave an encore of 2 and once 3 songs... So that's weird....

He's not arrogant i think, he's just really silent and peaceful... I love his style, though i have to agree, a couple more thank you's wouldn't be too much now and again... {#Yes}

As for this song: 7 —-> 8

Posted 14 years ago by Sjaaks    [ Reply ]
 Pieter wrote:
Could be a bit more challenging.
 
Why should a song be "challenging"? He's telling a story, not trying to give the listener grief. If "challenging" were a good thing in music then Stockhausen would be top of the pops.


Posted 14 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Right up there with the " Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald" and as I am writing this on it comes........ perfect!
Posted 14 years ago by Eric_Denison    [ Reply ]
this is an iconic song....like most of Mr Knopler's work - the man's a genius
Posted 14 years ago by SueStubbs    [ Reply ]
 boober wrote:
I hear it's always sunny in Philedelphia.
My son was GREEN MAN for Halloween.Hilarious.
 

I live (on) "green" every day...!

Posted 15 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
 AdyMiles wrote:
boring background music - not too bad for low level in a restaurant
 

What is wrong in Wolverhampton? Since you're no longer in the "PL" your world
seems to be upside down!

Restaurant-music? Boring?

You must be wild!

Certainly an 8 - without question!

PS
Question: does anybody know why Knopfler never returns to stage for a few extra songs
(sorry, don't know how this is called in English), once the concert is over?
Seems to be quite arrogant! Saw him 3 times - he NEVER did! Not even in Moscow,
where the crowd was soooo hungry for more! RIDICULOUS!

Posted 15 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
I hear it's always sunny in Philedelphia.
My son was GREEN MAN for Halloween.Hilarious.
Posted 15 years ago by boober    [ Reply ]
boring background music - not too bad for low level in a restaurant
Posted 15 years ago by AdyMiles    [ Reply ]
This whole album deserves at least an 8..
Posted 15 years ago by Vinni_NL    [ Reply ]
I am jeremiah dixon
jeremiah dixon
I am a geordie boy
Posted 15 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
Does anyone listen to the words?
How many popular songs convey this kind of historical story telling?
Man.
Posted 15 years ago by gjeeg    [ Reply ]
hey Bill! What a nice rotation this morning! Sitting in the late summer sun and hear all this incredible tunes! Thank you RP!!
Posted 15 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
 Jungle_Jim wrote:
That guitar solo was so predictable I knew what note he was going to do next. Punk never happened for old Mark did it.
 
Really, are you a musician/guitar player? If you already had this solo in your mind you should be. I think you are right punk never happened for Mark. I am not disappointed and have enjoyed his post Dire Straits projects
Posted 15 years ago by martinc    [ Reply ]

Sailing?  bad choice of cover photo Mark.   Really nice song though.


Posted 15 years ago by markoirl    [ Reply ]
mr. james taylor vocals, no comment *7*
Posted 15 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
That guitar solo was so predictable I knew what note he was going to do next. Punk never happened for old Mark did it.
Posted 15 years ago by Jungle_Jim    [ Reply ]
Yes, see his last album. calypsus_1 wrote:


Mark Knopfler Showing his magic on an acoustic guitar:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_7feGF9TA8


 


Posted 15 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]


Mark Knopfler Showing his magic on an acoustic guitar

Posted 15 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
Could be a bit more challenging.
Posted 15 years ago by Pieter    [ Reply ]
It's got that soothing dentist office sound.
Posted 15 years ago by Papernapkin    [ Reply ]
Tremendous Artist and a Top Notch CD from start to finish - wait till the transition to the wreck of the Edmun.......
Posted 15 years ago by gregr79    [ Reply ]
At times it sounds like Mark and James Taylor together.............. In JT's studio {#Frown}
Posted 15 years ago by mrdak    [ Reply ]
Has a certain "Kumbaya, my Lord" feel to it...
Posted 15 years ago by bbryan    [ Reply ]
 matz wrote:
well... my wife always understands "AMAZING DICKS IN LINE..."

;-) Great Song really... 
 
Thanks. No amount of mental floss will remove this image whenever I hear this one now.
Posted 15 years ago by Frater_Kork    [ Reply ]

I thought this was james taylor. I have my volume on low...I was all "holy crap, is Bill actually playing james taylor? Sweet!"



Posted 15 years ago by Mandible    [ Reply ]
 bobcat1963 wrote:
gaap

ik val in slaap
 
not a big fan of it either {#Sleep}
Posted 15 years ago by spraehbuer    [ Reply ]
Insipid
Posted 15 years ago by annersjen    [ Reply ]

Good enough.... but needs a minor key change and a tempo shift or bit of arrangment to liven it up.
(Like I've ever written a song....)


Posted 15 years ago by gjeeg    [ Reply ]
well... my wife always understands "AMAZING DICKS IN LINE..."

;-) Great Song really... 
Posted 15 years ago by matz    [ Reply ]
 highwindows wrote:
Oh dear Mark. This is muzak isn't it?
 

Couldn't be further from it......................
Posted 15 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
gaap

ik val in slaap
Posted 15 years ago by bobcat1963    [ Reply ]