Fun Reaction! The story behind the song: Mark was in a large store in NY, and on one whole wall of that store there were TVs tuned to MTV (Music Television); he overheard the workers making derisive (perhaps jealous) comments about the performers in the videos and how easy those guys had it compared to their own blue-collar jobs (moving TVs, microwaves and refrigerators etc.). Mark grabbed a pen and paper, and wrote their remarks down verbatim right there, and those comments became the lyrics of the song. Given that they (Dire Straits) are musicians themselves, singing the lyrics in an MTV video, it's quite good natured, self-parodic and cheeky! Moreover, it's fitting because in contrast to some the 'glam rock' of the time, Dire Straits was 'pub rock'. As to the 'offensive f' word at issue: [1] That was the word used by the blue collar workers themselves in the store about the guys in the MTV videos; [2] it was very common parlance at that time, and in addition to a number of other meanings, it was also used to suggest 'poser' or 'pretty boy' (the glam rock of the time, 'with the earrings and the makeup' who were seen to have sold out to corporate media) rather than to homosexuals (gay guys wouldn't be concerned about getting 'chicks' for free, would they?); [3] And notably, when the band plays this track live, in the first person if you will, they leave out that word. Context is everything!
Yea, just the other day here on YT I stumbled on an interview where Mark talks about that memorable moment in the NYC store ... interesting to hear his thoughts on it and how it inspired the song ...
@@SaeedReacts. Most of Mark's song's have interesting stories behind them! I see that you have done reactions to four of their most well-known tracks, and you seem to appreciate their talent, so may I suggest a few more to check out? "Brothers in Arms" is spine-chilling (I would suggest watching both the official video for the lyrics, and then that you treat yourself to a live performance, such as from "On The Night" Live). "Once Upon a Time in the West" from the Alchemy live concert is very unique, but a great showcase of Mark's abilities and a real groove. Finally, "Lady Writer" is a lot of fun as well. I will always tune in for a Dire Straits reaction! Have great day.
you are the first person I have seen to immediately get what the song was about, especially the vulgar word part. Prolly because you worked at factory jobs and shift work...that kind of language was and is still common in such a setting. I will add one thing to think about. That kind of advice is common from an older worker to a younger worker just starting out in work life, and is meant to help the younger one not to get stuck in a drudgery job. Great song, good reaction
great to hear someone in the modern age listening to lyrics in context rather than zooming in on a phrase. not condoning the words but we all have minds to think and reason
I try not to judge "older" art with modern standards. It always keeps changing anyway. I really enjoyed this song and now i have learned how it came about and just love how they incorporated that in this song.
yes it was a different time but the music was great even if the years are a little vague now. I would recommend a listen to Little Feat's live version of "Spanish Moon" off the Waiting For Columbus album) even if you don't react to it. your ears will thank you - great band featuring the late Lowell George
Very cool!! I was lucky enough to see them do this song in Orange County, CA. with Sting on stage doin his vocal parts of this song. It was the opening song - after that song Sting was gone. P.S. Hope your recent vacation was wonderful.
haha - i remember watching this on MTV-! wow back in the day- MTV rocked back then ! lol - loving that your checking out oldies but goodies ! thats all we had ! lol - but it was great ! thx for your reactions ! love it ! keep on being you and loving your journey - im having a saaed night ! lol
#DireStraits #MoneyForNothing #SaeedReacts Fun fun fun..lol...MTV so iconic to the time of free music videos...what a blast from the past..song released June 1985..and won video of the year in 1986..then in August 1987 was the first video to be aired on MTV Europe...in the U.S. the first video played was by Buggles..a 1979 hit..Video Killed The Radio Star (which you will remember PTX did during their Sing Off competition)... Love Terry Williams on drums and Sting adding his falsetto in the background lyrics... See ya later 👍😉... 🌿🌿🌿
👯👯👯 .. love it .. I am surprised that you didn't mention Sting (.. from The Police..) lending his vocals to the song. " .... I want my ... I want my MTV ..."
Dire Straits and Sting (The Police) are both North East England lads and was a great move to get Sting to add his vocals.... Check out "Tunnel of Love" revolving around the Spanish City amusement park in Whitley Bay near Mark's home.... Everyone went there as a kid......... Great reaction along with your Rush ones which turned me onto the channel to begin with 👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks for being here. I reacted to Tunnel of Love (alchemy live) For some reason at first it was blocked for viewers from North America, but i believe it should be available worldwide now.
It might just be my interpretation but I always thought "those" lines felt more like a response to something someone else was saying to the song's narrator and he's like, "Yeah, you're calling him a f** but he's got his own airplane and is a millionaire"
Hi Saeed, I doubt you will see this very belated comment but I as I was checking to see if you’d reacted to any more of Dire Straits & Mark Knopfler, I see you chose to react to this original animated, recorded version of Money for Nothing put out by the Record Company. As solo songwriter for all DS 6 albums Mark did say he thought this particular one was amusing, but his general consensus about the ‘official’ recorded videos is that fans & ‘tourists’ will have the best experience if they watch the ‘real’, undubbed LIVE concert versions that have additional content and oodles more atmosphere. I totally agree. Anyhoo, you might like to know there are many great LIVE versions of Money for Nothing but here is the iconic one performed at the unforgettable LIVE Aid concert in 1985. I❤MK Dire Straits ft Sting - Money For Nothing - Live Aid 1985 ua-cam.com/video/JcqhvPNiJzo/v-deo.htmlsi=l2DJYJWSplv4HXFm
@@SaeedReacts. Thanx for your response Saeed. One thing to remember with Mark’s brilliant storytelling lyrics is how he uses his incredibly empathetic voice. He stated in an old video that it’s not always himself singing the words, he is often singing in the voice of the character/protagonist in the song. It’s great that you enjoy listening to lyrics, and MK has written some of the very best out there, also ditto for his approx 26 year, 10 x solo album career with the another mega accomplished band of musicians. He also composed the soundtracks for 9 x movies. Look forward to more DS & MK reactions from you. Here are a couple of links to the best Brothers in Arms videos. I can’t help it, I really ❤️ MK 😂. Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms Live (on the Night, 1993)HD ua-cam.com/video/q2rx3IAEISA/v-deo.htmlsi=io9yqeuipXKSxzZG Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms - LIVE Wembley 1988 - Audio HQ Remasterize! ua-cam.com/video/dZXlQp0aKPU/v-deo.htmlsi=G6vFrTua4gY1sV5f
The higher pitched vocals on this track were provided by Sting.
Fun Reaction! The story behind the song: Mark was in a large store in NY, and on one whole wall of that store there were TVs tuned to MTV (Music Television); he overheard the workers making derisive (perhaps jealous) comments about the performers in the videos and how easy those guys had it compared to their own blue-collar jobs (moving TVs, microwaves and refrigerators etc.). Mark grabbed a pen and paper, and wrote their remarks down verbatim right there, and those comments became the lyrics of the song.
Given that they (Dire Straits) are musicians themselves, singing the lyrics in an MTV video, it's quite good natured, self-parodic and cheeky! Moreover, it's fitting because in contrast to some the 'glam rock' of the time, Dire Straits was 'pub rock'. As to the 'offensive f' word at issue: [1] That was the word used by the blue collar workers themselves in the store about the guys in the MTV videos; [2] it was very common parlance at that time, and in addition to a number of other meanings, it was also used to suggest 'poser' or 'pretty boy' (the glam rock of the time, 'with the earrings and the makeup' who were seen to have sold out to corporate media) rather than to homosexuals (gay guys wouldn't be concerned about getting 'chicks' for free, would they?); [3] And notably, when the band plays this track live, in the first person if you will, they leave out that word. Context is everything!
Yea, just the other day here on YT I stumbled on an interview where Mark talks about that memorable moment in the NYC store ... interesting to hear his thoughts on it and how it inspired the song ...
Now thats a story! Thanks for sharing that!
@@SaeedReacts. Most of Mark's song's have interesting stories behind them! I see that you have done reactions to four of their most well-known tracks, and you seem to appreciate their talent, so may I suggest a few more to check out? "Brothers in Arms" is spine-chilling (I would suggest watching both the official video for the lyrics, and then that you treat yourself to a live performance, such as from "On The Night" Live). "Once Upon a Time in the West" from the Alchemy live concert is very unique, but a great showcase of Mark's abilities and a real groove. Finally, "Lady Writer" is a lot of fun as well. I will always tune in for a Dire Straits reaction! Have great day.
you are the first person I have seen to immediately get what the song was about, especially the vulgar word part.
Prolly because you worked at factory jobs and shift work...that kind of language was and is still common in such a setting.
I will add one thing to think about. That kind of advice is common from an older worker to a younger worker just starting
out in work life, and is meant to help the younger one not to get stuck in a drudgery job. Great song, good reaction
Thanks for adding that insight. That is very interesting. Cause they would have that perspective and benefit of hindsight. Thats good!
Top notch 80s music!! Great musicians, with a song that's super cool. Just badass.
great to hear someone in the modern age listening to lyrics in context rather than zooming in on a phrase. not condoning the words but we all have minds to think and reason
I try not to judge "older" art with modern standards. It always keeps changing anyway.
I really enjoyed this song and now i have learned how it came about and just love how they incorporated that in this song.
yes it was a different time but the music was great even if the years are a little vague now. I would recommend a listen to Little Feat's live version of "Spanish Moon" off the Waiting For Columbus album) even if you don't react to it. your ears will thank you - great band featuring the late Lowell George
Great song! Great songwriter!
Sting on backing vocals. Great tune. Great reaction as usual.
Such a great song! Thanks for watching.
So right in context bravo.
always a fun song! loved your input
Great song. Thanks for watching.
You nailed the context! As always, Saeed... great review.
We are in our 60s, and Dire Straits is often on loop!
Great song! Thanks for watching.
Very cool!!
I was lucky enough to see them do this song in Orange County, CA. with Sting on stage doin his vocal parts of this song. It was the opening song - after that song Sting was gone.
P.S. Hope your recent vacation was wonderful.
Awesome song. Cool you got to see it live.
Had a great time with the family!
Thanks for watching!
haha - i remember watching this on MTV-! wow back in the day- MTV rocked back then ! lol - loving that your checking out oldies but goodies ! thats all we had ! lol - but it was great ! thx for your reactions ! love it ! keep on being you and loving your journey - im having a saaed night ! lol
Im glad i still caught a bit of the days of MTV when they still played music. Good times.
Thanks for watching!
Still one of the greatest riffs every written
Such an iconic track 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻 Can't help but tap the feet to this track
Glad i finally discovered it 😅😄
#DireStraits
#MoneyForNothing
#SaeedReacts
Fun fun fun..lol...MTV so iconic to the time of free music videos...what a blast from the past..song released June 1985..and won video of the year in 1986..then in August 1987 was the first video to be aired on MTV Europe...in the U.S. the first video played was by Buggles..a 1979 hit..Video Killed The Radio Star (which you will remember PTX did during their Sing Off competition)...
Love Terry Williams on drums and Sting adding his falsetto in the background lyrics...
See ya later 👍😉...
🌿🌿🌿
Thanks for sharing some info about that!
👯👯👯 .. love it .. I am surprised that you didn't mention Sting (.. from The Police..) lending his vocals to the song. " .... I want my ... I want my MTV ..."
Totally missed that 😅
Dire Straits and Sting (The Police) are both North East England lads and was a great move to get Sting to add his vocals.... Check out "Tunnel of Love" revolving around the Spanish City amusement park in Whitley Bay near Mark's home.... Everyone went there as a kid......... Great reaction along with your Rush ones which turned me onto the channel to begin with 👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks for being here. I reacted to Tunnel of Love (alchemy live)
For some reason at first it was blocked for viewers from North America, but i believe it should be available worldwide now.
Dire straits had such good production if you get it on lossy or physical. Omfg.
Sting's line "Don't Stand So Close to Me" was changed to "I want my MTV".
This was based on a conversation overheard by Mark Knopfler in an appliance store.
Oh really? Awesome he just took that and made a song about it 😃
If that isn't the best intro to any song ever I don't know what is 🥺🤷🏻♂️
Great! I haven’t heard them in decades.
It might just be my interpretation but I always thought "those" lines felt more like a response to something someone else was saying to the song's narrator and he's like, "Yeah, you're calling him a f** but he's got his own airplane and is a millionaire"
Today you're taking me on a walk down memory lane! Awesome! 🙂
Thanks for taking the trip with me 😃
❤
❤️
great theme by maestro dire straits 🎸🤘
This was the first song on UK MTV.takeing the Mick out of MTV lol. Ironic 😅
Haha, awesome 😄
Hi Saeed, I doubt you will see this very belated comment but I as I was checking to see if you’d reacted to any more of Dire Straits & Mark Knopfler, I see you chose to react to this original animated, recorded version of Money for Nothing put out by the Record Company. As solo songwriter for all DS 6 albums Mark did say he thought this particular one was amusing, but his general consensus about the ‘official’ recorded videos is that fans & ‘tourists’ will have the best experience if they watch the ‘real’, undubbed LIVE concert versions that have additional content and oodles more atmosphere. I totally agree.
Anyhoo, you might like to know there are many great LIVE versions of Money for Nothing but here is the iconic one performed at the unforgettable LIVE Aid concert in 1985. I❤MK
Dire Straits ft Sting - Money For Nothing - Live Aid 1985
ua-cam.com/video/JcqhvPNiJzo/v-deo.htmlsi=l2DJYJWSplv4HXFm
I did see your comment and appreciate you taking the time to share this!
@@SaeedReacts. Thanx for your response Saeed. One thing to remember with Mark’s brilliant storytelling lyrics is how he uses his incredibly empathetic voice. He stated in an old video that it’s not always himself singing the words, he is often singing in the voice of the character/protagonist in the song. It’s great that you enjoy listening to lyrics, and MK has written some of the very best out there, also ditto for his approx 26 year, 10 x solo album career with the another mega accomplished band of musicians. He also composed the soundtracks for 9 x movies. Look forward to more DS & MK reactions from you. Here are a couple of links to the best Brothers in Arms videos. I can’t help it, I really ❤️ MK 😂.
Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms Live (on the Night, 1993)HD
ua-cam.com/video/q2rx3IAEISA/v-deo.htmlsi=io9yqeuipXKSxzZG
Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms - LIVE Wembley 1988 - Audio HQ Remasterize!
ua-cam.com/video/dZXlQp0aKPU/v-deo.htmlsi=G6vFrTua4gY1sV5f