Down To The Waterline
Dire Straits · Live At The Bbc [1998]
Sweet surrender on the quayside
You remember we used to run and hide
In the shadow of the cargoes I take you one time
And we're counting all the numbers down to the waterline
Near misses on the dogleap stairways
French kisses in the darkened doorways
A foghorn blowing out wild and cold
A policeman shines a light upon my shoulder
Up comes a coaster fast and silent in the night
Over my shoulder all you can see are the pilot lights
No money in our jackets and our jeans are torn
Your hands are cold but your lips are warm
She can see him on the jetty where they used to go
She can feel him in the places where the sailors go
When she's walking by the river and the railway line
She can still hear him whisper
Let's go down to the waterline
You remember we used to run and hide
In the shadow of the cargoes I take you one time
And we're counting all the numbers down to the waterline
Near misses on the dogleap stairways
French kisses in the darkened doorways
A foghorn blowing out wild and cold
A policeman shines a light upon my shoulder
Up comes a coaster fast and silent in the night
Over my shoulder all you can see are the pilot lights
No money in our jackets and our jeans are torn
Your hands are cold but your lips are warm
She can see him on the jetty where they used to go
She can feel him in the places where the sailors go
When she's walking by the river and the railway line
She can still hear him whisper
Let's go down to the waterline
Down To The Waterline
Recorded live at the BBC in 1998, "Down To The Waterline" stands as a poignant final statement from Dire Straits, marking the band's return to the studio after a long hiatus. The track features the band's signature acoustic guitar work and Mark Knopfler's distinctive vocal delivery, capturing the essence of their classic rock sound while reflecting on themes of mortality and the passage of time. As part of the "Live At The Bbc [1998]" collection, the recording serves as a nostalgic tribute to the group's enduring legacy, showcasing their ability to deliver powerful, emotive performances that resonate with fans across generations.