News

Album: Communiqué (1979)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The subject of this Mark Knopfler composition is by no means obvious - the reference to a man climbing onto his horse could be misconstrued - it is actually about a motorcyclist who is killed in a road accident. Knopfler worked as a reporter on the Yorkshire Evening Post for a while, although this was apparently not inspired by a story he covered. It is not that dissimilar from Elton John's "Song For Guy," which is a tribute to a record company messenger who was likewise killed in a road crash, and was recorded the previous year. "News" runs to 4 minutes 14 seconds. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments: 2

  • Mark Phillips from East SussexAt one gig Mark says this is a song for John, and I assumed that to mean John Lennon... but little in the song conforms to what occurred at John's shooting?
    Perhaps Mark had a friend called John killed on his motorcycle?
    Mark's songs and accounts are usually very factual.
  • Paul from Marysville, WaI always wondered if this song was about the same motorcyclist whose death inspired EJ's "Song for Guy."
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dennis DeYoung

Dennis DeYoungSongwriter Interviews

Dennis DeYoung explains why "Mr. Roboto" is the defining Styx song, and what the "gathering of angels" represents in "Come Sail Away."

Ron and Russell Mael of Sparks

Ron and Russell Mael of SparksSongwriter Interviews

The men of Sparks on their album Hippopotamus, and how Morrissey handled it when they suggested he lighten up.

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?Song Writing

A big list of musical marriages and family relations ranging from the simple to the truly dysfunctional.

Did They Really Sing In That Movie?

Did They Really Sing In That Movie?Fact or Fiction

Bradley Cooper, Michael J. Fox, Rami Malek, Reese Witherspoon, Gwyneth Paltrow and George Clooney: Which actors really sang in their movies?

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. SmithSongwriter Interviews

Smith breaks down some of his worship tracks as well as his mainstream hits, including "I Will Be Here For You" and "A Place In This World."

Oliver Leiber

Oliver LeiberSongwriter Interviews

Oliver Leiber talks about writing and producing hits for Paula Abdul, and explains his complicated relationship with his father, the songwriter Jerry Leiber.