Meaning of 'What It Is'

by Mark Knopfler

Interpretation

The song lyrics "What It Is" by Mark Knopfler are about a city where life is pulsating and people are searching for love and security. It describes how people pour out of the pubs, stumbling and intoxicated, walking through the streets with a certain tension in the air.

People are looking for someone to fall into their arms and longing for affection and closeness. The lyrics represent this longing for human connection by saying: "Everybody's looking for somebody's arms to fall into".

It also describes the coldness of winter resting on the graves and monuments, while the taverns in the city are warm. People curse the government and try to distract themselves with hot food. This can be interpreted as a portrayal of the harsh reality of life, where people try to forget their problems and lose themselves in moments of pleasure.

The lyrics also contain a description of the nighttime scene, where the lights in the town hall and castle are extinguished and the moon shines on the sleeping and intoxicated people. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for the transience of life and the loneliness that is sometimes felt amidst the hustle and bustle.

The importance of the past is also emphasized, as a Scottish bagpiper stands alone on the wall and the Highland drums begin to roll. This evokes memories and feelings in the soul of the singer and conveys a certain nostalgia.

The lyrics end with a mention of a trail of light, a burning candle, and a lonely musician still writing songs late into the night. This could indicate that despite all the difficulties and loneliness, there is still hope and creativity.

Overall, the song lyrics "What It Is" describe the search for love and security amidst the hectic life of a city, the coldness of winter, and the transience of life.