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Mark Knopfler — El Macho
Album: Sailing to Philadelphia
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1609








Released: 2000
Length: 5:19
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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Your date has gone home
Now you're left on your own sweet own
Your tough - talkin' friend
Split on you in the bitter end
And you look like a fine thing Jerry
Yeh you look like a fine thing Jerry

They say you're a star
That's what the boys all say you are
I don't see much TV
So you don't mean shit to me
But you look like a fine thing Jerry
Yeh you look like a fine thing Jerry

They got a name for people like you
Yeh they do
And they got a name for people like me too
El Macho, El Macho

Now they want you to sing
Don't get shy or anything
The boys are all here
Gonna buy you another beer
'Cos you look like a fine thing Jerry
Yeh you look like a fine thing Jerry
El Macho, El Macho
Comments (105)add comment
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Posted 4 months ago by levelupreal15    [ Reply ]
Best album cover !
Posted 5 months ago by klhoste    [ Reply ]
(++rating)

Posted 5 months ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
 marysclark wrote:
Rupert Murdoch smooth talking Jerry Hall ... hahahha
 
This is the only explanation of the lyrics that makes any sense to me. I think you are bang on.
 
Edit:
 
I guess the fact that this album was released sixteen years before Jerry Hall married Rupert Murdoch might disqualify your interpretation. I still choose to believe it is correct.
Posted 7 months ago by cosmiclint    [ Reply ]
My favorite song on RP from Mark.  Just love the mellow vibe it has.  And the flugelhorn (by Mike Haynes I believe) is brilliant.
Posted 10 months ago by Jayesea    [ Reply ]
 the_jake wrote:

Not sure if this is the Jerry referred to in the lyrics of this song.
Does any know?

These are the actual lyrics?? What are you talking about?
Posted 1 year ago by tm    [ Reply ]
He has so many.  Thi like Privateer are underestimated!
Posted 1 year ago by rbrdy8    [ Reply ]
Rupert Murdoch smooth talking Jerry Hall ... hahahha
Posted 1 year ago by marysclark    [ Reply ]
https://images.app.goo.gl/4n66X7NhPN53RY6TA
Posted 1 year ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
EXCELLENT!!  Thanx RP!   
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
My favorite MK solo album.
Posted 2 years ago by TimeWaster    [ Reply ]
 MJMJ wrote:
They say you're a star
That's what the boys all say you are
I don't see much TV
So you don't mean shit to me
But you look like a fine thing Jerry
Yeh you look like a fine thing Jerry

js


Not sure if this is the Jerry referred to in the lyrics of this song.
Does any know?
Posted 3 years ago by the_jake    [ Reply ]
 SpencerAR wrote:
PRODUCER: Okay, so the name of the album will be "Sailing to Philadelphia".  Give me ideas for what should be on the cover.

MARKETING: How about an airplane?

PRODUCER: Brilliant!
 

For an Englishman, it is perfect.
Posted 3 years ago by secretsauce    [ Reply ]
 SpencerAR wrote:
PRODUCER: Okay, so the name of the album will be "Sailing to Philadelphia".  Give me ideas for what should be on the cover.

MARKETING: How about an airplane?

PRODUCER: Brilliant!
 
He might have tried to sail to Philly...
Posted 4 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
This is such a different tune for Knopfler, great mix on this album.
Posted 4 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
PRODUCER: Okay, so the name of the album will be "Sailing to Philadelphia".  Give me ideas for what should be on the cover.

MARKETING: How about an airplane?

PRODUCER: Brilliant!
Posted 4 years ago by SpencerAR    [ Reply ]
didn't he used to play the guitar?
Posted 4 years ago by LaurieinTucson    [ Reply ]
"They say you're a star
That's what the boys all say you are
I don't see much TV
So you don't mean shit to me
But you look like a fine thing, Jerry
Yea you look like a fine thing, Jerry"

Is Mark comparing himself with Jerry Seinfeld?
Posted 4 years ago by victory806    [ Reply ]
Knopfler is king. his music timeless.
Posted 5 years ago by Karhu    [ Reply ]
Music for the elderly...Knopfler has had his days.
Posted 5 years ago by klaasstap    [ Reply ]
 PeterMC3 wrote:
Mark Knofler, David Byrne, Brian Eno, David Bowie - what other name would you add to this list...

 
my own{#Biggrin}
Posted 9 years ago by mkrueck    [ Reply ]
Mark Knofler, David Byrne, Brian Eno, David Bowie - what other name would you add to this list...
Posted 9 years ago by PeterMC3    [ Reply ]
 LizK wrote:
Cooool.

 
....... very 
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
  May 2013, the same transition. Wonder if Calexico was the next sing back in '09 too.


alux wrote:
BB King to Knopfler:  smooth to even smoother.  

 

Posted 11 years ago by paradiser    [ Reply ]
 Tippster wrote:
Flugelhorn - always sounds more mellow than a trumpet.





 
That takes me back. I played flugel horn for my high school band, and being the only player I got more solo parts than when I was in the trumpet section. It does have a lovely smooth yet robust sound, halfway between the strident rasp of the trumpet and the super-smoothness of a cornet. Easy to play for a trumpet player, too, as it's got the same fingering.
Posted 11 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Flugelhorn - always sounds more mellow than a trumpet.




Posted 12 years ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
Cooool.
Posted 12 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
 Otomi wrote:

I'm listening to the CD right now. I remembered this discussion and clicked in to clear things up. The liner notes say that it's Mike Haynes on flugel horn. I guess they decided to go for a more subtle sound than a trumpet would have delivered. (Wayne Jackson plays trumpet on The Last Laugh, the preceding song on this album.) Prairie Wedding, with Gillian Welch and David Rawlings singing backup and Paul Franklin on pedal steel, just came up. It all sounds really good to me.
 
That's a real horn?  Is Haynes some sort of robot?  I guess it does sound a bit organic near the end, but the rest of the time he sounds like a Casio! {#Eek}
Posted 12 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
 boober wrote:
They spent a lot of money on that album cover.
 

They sure did...Boeing's are very expensive.
Posted 12 years ago by Rockit    [ Reply ]
They spent a lot of money on that album cover.
Posted 12 years ago by boober    [ Reply ]
Almost everything Mark has done gets at least a seven (7).
Posted 12 years ago by Umberdog    [ Reply ]
They say you're a star
That's what the boys all say you are
I don't see much TV
So you don't mean shit to me
But you look like a fine thing Jerry
Yeh you look like a fine thing Jerry

js

Posted 13 years ago by MJMJ    [ Reply ]
 davin wrote:
sounds like a pretty cheap synth played by an expensive musician. reminds me a lot of leonard cohen, reminds me of david lynch movies even more.
 
I knew someone must have made the comparison already. Leonard Cohen - just what I was thinking.
Posted 13 years ago by Elliot    [ Reply ]
This entire LP is a 10+ imo. Love MK.
Posted 13 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]
 Otomi wrote:
...The liner notes say that it's Mike Haynes on flugel horn. I guess they decided to go for a more subtle sound than a trumpet would have delivered...
It takes a lot of restraint (and maybe some studio post processing) to produce such a dynamically flat legato. Pretty masterful. If the result sounds like a synth, but you're not quite sure, I think these folks have done their job quite well. The atmospheric created gives this piece just the right comic seriousness.

Posted 13 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:
It's Wayne Jackson on trumpet.
 
I'm listening to the CD right now. I remembered this discussion and clicked in to clear things up. The liner notes say that it's Mike Haynes on flugel horn. I guess they decided to go for a more subtle sound than a trumpet would have delivered. (Wayne Jackson plays trumpet on The Last Laugh, the preceding song on this album.) Prairie Wedding, with Gillian Welch and David Rawlings singing backup and Paul Franklin on pedal steel, just came up. It all sounds really good to me.
Posted 13 years ago by Otomi    [ Reply ]
 jwb wrote:

I'm pretty sure that's just a synth.

 
It's Wayne Jackson on trumpet.

Posted 13 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
In my opinion most of the Dire Straits records had the same synth flavor here and there (exept the first two ones). On the other hand I think this is a great song and fine mixed, so the trumpet does not bother me this much.
Posted 13 years ago by Rolphee    [ Reply ]
 zair99 wrote:

Yes, but a trumpety synth!
 
Yes, but it would be even better if it were a real trumpet or a cornet.
Posted 14 years ago by ghoffman    [ Reply ]
{#Clap}
Posted 14 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
 jwb wrote:

I'm pretty sure that's just a synth.
 
Yes, but a trumpety synth!
Posted 15 years ago by zair99    [ Reply ]


Mark Knopfler - "Father And Son" Live A Night In London (1996)


Posted 15 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
BB King to Knopfler:  smooth to even smoother.  
Posted 15 years ago by alux    [ Reply ]
I still like Mark Knopflers Music!
Posted 15 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
 stkman wrote:
Knopfler just doesn't do anythng halfass, I love this with trumpet great song
 
I'm pretty sure that's just a synth.

Posted 15 years ago by jwb    [ Reply ]
{#Rolleyes}   Oh!  I get it!  Macho.  This song is anything but macho.  Little joke there, eh, Mark?  Heheh.  

Posted 15 years ago by cochlear    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:
 .......smoother than mercury on glass........
  Could not be stated more perfectly!


Posted 15 years ago by tom-kenna    [ Reply ]
Surefire cure for stress: Listen to Mark Knopfler sing anything
Posted 15 years ago by annersjen    [ Reply ]
Knopfler just doesn't do anythng halfass, I love this with trumpet great song
Posted 15 years ago by stkman    [ Reply ]
Same old Knopfler - smoother than mercury on glass, and that's smooth. 7 from the Nottingham jury.
Posted 15 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Posted 16 years ago by dereksailor    [ Reply ]
ziggytrix wrote:
Just my opinion, but if he'd used a real trumpet here, even one played by a second year high school band, it would have been a perfectly enjoyable song. As it is, the horrid brass synth (the rest of the synths sound fine IMO) drags down the whole thing for me.
I have an issue with that, too. He could afford the best session trumpeter money can buy. Sadly, Joni Mitchell's newest album is guilty of the same thing. Synth bassoon, horns and strings (the latter is least offensive)...but a REAL sax player. I just don't get it.
Posted 16 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
Bosonator wrote:
Lots of flak about the fake horns, but what if that's the way it's supposed to sound?
Just my opinion, but if he'd used a real trumpet here, even one played by a second year high school band, it would have been a perfectly enjoyable song. As it is, the horrid brass synth (the rest of the synths sound fine IMO) drags down the whole thing for me.
Posted 17 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
mbrailer wrote:
Whenever I hear "El Macho" I can't help but wonder what happens to the guy El Macho is singing to -- the hapless TV star who's apparently trapped in this bar by El Macho and his thugs. Does he get away safely? Does he end up naked in a Dumpster somewhere? Or is it (shudder) something even worse? It's a rare pop song that lets me use my own imagination, so that's why I particularly admire this song.
Good post. I'd never really listened to the words before, but I looked after reading your post. I wonder too about the untold story. And the fake horns are cheesy, but I'm sure that's intentional. It's the cheesy Casio organ sound you might hear in a cheesy bar where El Macho hangs out. That said, they still grate on me. Fortunately, Bill always has the anti-cheese horns of Calexico ready to remedy the situation.
Posted 17 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
sounds like a pretty cheap synth played by an expensive musician. reminds me a lot of leonard cohen, reminds me of david lynch movies even more.
Posted 17 years ago by davin    [ Reply ]
too much mark knopfler and dire straits.
Posted 17 years ago by krg123    [ Reply ]
Bosonator wrote:
Lots of flak about the fake horns, but what if that's the way it's supposed to sound?
At least he laid off the boring guitar solo. To me, better than his usual but then, I don't like his usual.
Posted 17 years ago by mindless    [ Reply ]
commercial radio just friggin' sucks. why on earth have I never heard of this song before? FM radio is dead. and now it looks like the same fate is bearing down on internet radio. @#$%*()^%$ record companies.... may the reap all that they deserve
Posted 17 years ago by gofishbish    [ Reply ]
Lots of flak about the fake horns, but what if that's the way it's supposed to sound? Don't get me wrong... synthesized instruments *are* generally overly and badly used, but sometimes it's just the effect that the song needs (and I'd say that's the case here).
Posted 17 years ago by Bosonator    [ Reply ]
Yeah, fake horns...but, great grooooove...
Posted 17 years ago by eman    [ Reply ]
physicsgenius wrote:
I am always happy to be provided with an opportunity to rate a Mark Knopfler song to 1.
PhizzleGen, you rock, man! You're wrong and I'd walk a mile to defend your right to be That wrong. Rock on PG!
Posted 17 years ago by tnt_thomas    [ Reply ]
An outstanding song for the bedroom!
Posted 17 years ago by MissIncendium    [ Reply ]
Don't worry, PG's not really hateful, just a tad misguided and prone to sloppy hyperbole. And now, every time Bill plays Kopfler, the image of PG having to listen to him yet again makes it all the more fun rgrace wrote:
I hate to think of somone being locked into such a hateful, small world as this guy....
Posted 17 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
el yawno. . .
Posted 17 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
nice fake horns. offers steve a altoid. for the breath. dot.
Posted 17 years ago by Dotman    [ Reply ]
El Yesso!!!!
Posted 18 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
Anything goes well with the ending of the Hits thing. But Knopfler is a touch of class.
Posted 18 years ago by Old_Pool_Skunk    [ Reply ]
Wow, I never realized how well this song goes with "Hits of Sunshine" until Bill played them together.
Posted 18 years ago by Geecheeboy    [ Reply ]
I bought this CD after hearing it here - most excellent
Posted 18 years ago by Hettapuddleduck    [ Reply ]
just what i needed after work today - chilled served somethings
Posted 18 years ago by swelements    [ Reply ]
now, that's a cheap keyboard.
Posted 18 years ago by nick_valensi    [ Reply ]
Dotman wrote:
weeee. fake horns. nice touch. dot.
weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Posted 18 years ago by Bizzarefall    [ Reply ]
Distinctive voice and guitar playing, obviously, though this is one of the lesser cuts on this CD, in my opinion. Have *Ragpicker Dream* CD in the Focus right now, and *Shangri-La* is solid CD, too. *Golden Heart* CD has some good moments, though it's rather subdued. Any Dire Straits, or MK CD is great to fire up after not hearing the sound for a couple of months. For some reason, *Fade to Black* on the *On Every Street* Straits CD is one of my favorites.
Posted 18 years ago by easy073    [ Reply ]
not a knopfler fan (ok, i hate most of his stuff). but this blends in nicely with the sonic youth tune, hits of sunshine just before. strikingly similar melody lines.
Posted 18 years ago by rexi    [ Reply ]
funkaholic wrote:
Typical Knopfler. Not that that's bad, mind you. But does this guy ever rock?
Let me do you a favor. Go on Amazon, get a used version of 'Live From the BBC' or "On the Night".I got 'em for two bucks each. Listen. Full volume, top down, exceeding the local speed limit, on the way to the beach, golf course, etc. He does indeed ROCK.IMHO.
Posted 18 years ago by drtjdel    [ Reply ]
physicsgenius wrote:
I am always happy to be provided with an opportunity to rate a Mark Knopfler song to 1.
Harry Belafonte he' isn't.
Posted 18 years ago by drtjdel    [ Reply ]
physicsgenius wrote:
I am always happy to be provided with an opportunity to rate a Mark Knopfler song to 1.
I hate to think of somone being locked into such a hateful, small world as this guy....
Posted 18 years ago by rgrace    [ Reply ]
froggy wrote:
I read Pynchon's novel Mason & Dixon about the same time I got this album. The song "Sailing to Philadelphia" is a perfect distillation of a novel that is about a ga-jillion pages long. Speedway at Nazareth is absolutely hypnotic. As a side note, it must be a thrill for physics(dumbass)genius to be despised by peoples of so many countries.
Yes, physics(dumbass)genius is either that, or a brilliant marketing plan! Ha Ha.
Posted 18 years ago by kanadan    [ Reply ]
bluelight wrote:
this is a great track off an outstanding album. "Sailing to Philadelphia" is like a thirteen course meal at a four star restaurant. The musical flavors interact well with each other. Starts out slow and smooth with the title track, builds nicely without rushing. "El macho" and "Baloney again" have great guitar & organ work with the up tempo "do america" added in the middle courses. The dessert course has to be "speedway at nazareth". not to be missed.
I read Pynchon's novel Mason & Dixon about the same time I got this album. The song "Sailing to Philadelphia" is a perfect distillation of a novel that is about a ga-jillion pages long. Speedway at Nazareth is absolutely hypnotic. As a side note, it must be a thrill for physics(dumbass)genius to be despised by peoples of so many countries.
Posted 19 years ago by froggy    [ Reply ]
Being subtle at his songcraft doesn't mean Mark Knopfler has to be this dull. Listenable but with a slow pulse.
Posted 19 years ago by plutodazed    [ Reply ]
Quien es mas macho? Fernando Lamas o Ricardo Montoban? Nice easy tune, this is.
Posted 19 years ago by kazuma    [ Reply ]
Whenever I hear "El Macho" I can't help but wonder what happens to the guy El Macho is singing to -- the hapless TV star who's apparently trapped in this bar by El Macho and his thugs. Does he get away safely? Does he end up naked in a Dumpster somewhere? Or is it (shudder) something even worse? It's a rare pop song that lets me use my own imagination, so that's why I particularly admire this song.
Posted 19 years ago by mbrailer    [ Reply ]
physicsgenius wrote:
I am always happy to be provided with an opportunity to rate a Mark Knopfler song to 1.
If physicsgenius is happy, we're happy! :) All happiness!!!!
Posted 19 years ago by pyxxel    [ Reply ]
I am always happy to be provided with an opportunity to rate a Mark Knopfler song to 1.
Posted 19 years ago by physicsgenius    [ Reply ]
yogaboat wrote:
I'm digging the mellow rock groove Mark Knopfler exhibits on both this cd and Ragpicker's Dream. Love the guy!
If you like these....Try his new "Shangri-La" record. You'll love it.
Posted 19 years ago by Headhunter    [ Reply ]
bluelight wrote:
this is a great track off an outstanding album. "Sailing to Philadelphia" is like a thirteen course meal at a four star restaurant. The musical flavors interact well with each other. Starts out slow and smooth with the title track, builds nicely without rushing. "El macho" and "Baloney again" have great guitar & organ work with the up tempo "do america" added in the middle courses. The dessert course has to be "speedway at nazareth". not to be missed.
Yep -- Good Eats!
Posted 19 years ago by radiojunkie    [ Reply ]
I'm digging the mellow rock groove Mark Knopfler exhibits on both this cd and Ragpicker's Dream. Love the guy!
Posted 19 years ago by yogaboat    [ Reply ]
funkaholic wrote:
Elevator music. Doesn't this guy ROCK anymore?
You rock, funkaholic. Don't ever let them take that away from you.
Posted 19 years ago by namesbenny    [ Reply ]
Where was the guitar solo? A Knopfler tune without a guitar solo? And if he played one and I missed it, well, that doesn't say much about the solo. I will admit I'm working, but I usually come out of any depth of concentration to enjoy a few Knopfler licks.
Posted 20 years ago by GregX59    [ Reply ]
Oh, no! Ya gotta give props to Mr, K. That's an 8.
Posted 20 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
this is a great track off an outstanding album. "Sailing to Philadelphia" is like a thirteen course meal at a four star restaurant. The musical flavors interact well with each other. Starts out slow and smooth with the title track, builds nicely without rushing. "El macho" and "Baloney again" have great guitar & organ work with the up tempo "do america" added in the middle courses. The dessert course has to be "speedway at nazareth". not to be missed.
Posted 20 years ago by bluelight    [ Reply ]
Dotman wrote:
weeee. fake horns. nice touch. dot.
Yeah, I thought that too. What's up with that? Did he want to make it all himself and didn't want to learn trumpet? Sounds cheesy, even though the song is fine. EDIT: AMGing reveals that both a trumpet and flugelhorn appear on the album. I guess it does sound a tad flugelly. But that doesn't mean I have to like it -- it's still kind of an affected sound, eh?
Posted 20 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
Hey, what kinda record is this?! Trainmantim doesn't remember listening to it and Spliff doesn't remember buying it!
Posted 20 years ago by Johray63    [ Reply ]
Just took a road trip to Texas and this CD stayed in the player most of the time. I don't remember even buying it. Made the trip
Posted 20 years ago by Spliff    [ Reply ]
Any idea who this song is about? Jerry who?
Posted 20 years ago by CruzanBits    [ Reply ]
Elevator music. Doesn't this guy ROCK anymore?
Posted 20 years ago by funkaholic    [ Reply ]
trainmantim wrote:
Sounds like so many other artists -- 15 minutes from now I won't remember it at all, but it doesn't suck. :-!
Name five, make a case, then we'll talk. :?
Posted 20 years ago by rgj13    [ Reply ]
Typical Knopfler. Not that that's bad, mind you. But does this guy ever rock?
Posted 20 years ago by funkaholic    [ Reply ]
vorkosigan wrote:
Knopfler is, as usual, wonderful. :) Still, this one didn't hit me right away. Might take a few more listens. J
It is sounding better to me. This will "age" nicely. Drink responsibly.
Posted 21 years ago by mperry    [ Reply ]
Knopfler is, as usual, wonderful. :) Still, this one didn\'t hit me right away. Might take a few more listens. J
Posted 21 years ago by vorkosigan    [ Reply ]
weeee. fake horns. nice touch. dot.
Posted 21 years ago by Dotman    [ Reply ]
This is more like it-----great for a rainy afternoon :roll:
Posted 21 years ago by prairieskye    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by trainmantim: Sounds like so many other artists -- 15 minutes from now I won't remember it at all, but it doesn't suck. :-!
Mark Knopfler has a very distinctive voice and guitar style. You must not have a very good memory. Gingko Biloba helps.
Posted 22 years ago by Leslie    [ Reply ]