Lady Writer

Album: Communiqué (1979)
Charted: 51 45
Play Video
  • Lady writer on the TV
    Talk about the Virgin Mary
    Reminded me of you
    Expectations left to come up to, yeah

    Lady writer on the TV
    Yeah, she had another quality
    The way you used to look
    And I know you never read a book

    Just the way that her hair fell down around her face
    Then I recall my fall from grace
    Another time, another place

    Lady writer on the TV
    She had all the brains and the beauty
    The picture does not fit
    You talked to me when you felt like it

    Just the way that her hair fell down around her face
    Then I recall my fall from grace
    Another time, another place

    Yes and your rich old man
    You know, he'd call her a dead ringer
    You got the same command
    Plus you mother was a jazz singer

    Just the way that her hair fell down around her face
    Then I recall my fall from grace, oh yeah
    Another time, another place

    Lady writer on the TV (lady writer on the TV)
    She knew all about a history
    You couldn't hardly write your name
    I think I want you just the same as the-

    Lady writer on the TV (lady writer on the TV)
    Talking about the Virgin Mary (lady writer)
    Yeah, you know I'm talking about you and me (lady writer on the TV)
    And the lady writer on the TV

    Lady writer on the TV (lady writer on the TV)
    Talking about the Virgin Mary (lady writer)
    Yeah you know I'm talking about you and me (lady writer on the TV)
    And the lady writer on the TV

    (Lady writer on the TV)
    (Lady writer)
    (Lady writer on the TV)
    (Lady writer on the TV)
    (Lady writer)
    (Lady writer on the TV)
    (Lady writer on the TV)
    (Lady writer) Writer/s: Mark Knopfler
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 6

  • Mr Les Broadbent from Shepparton, Victioria, AustraliaI always loved the sound and rhythm of this song - though often puzzled of what the lyrics might be about.
    For a while I thought the line was "Lady right there on the TV" which might have seemed a little more natural.
  • Joe from Grants Pass, OrAin't exactly like "Tangled Up In Blue", but it was never intended to be... Love it !!!
  • Jasper from Nieuwegein, NetherlandsThe real music critics hated this song at first... They said it was too much like "Sultans of Swing", and it was not original...
  • Barry from New York, NcDire Straits had a great sound on their first two LPs, which can be heard in full on LADY WRITER. By the time of their third album and the departure of David Knophler, the sound started to change a bit.
  • Paul from Northampton, United KingdomI remember seeing the Marina Warner interview in question and discussing it with others on the college course I was on. I have a feeling it was Melvyn Bragg doing the interviewing. We were all impressed by the Ms Warner's combination of razor sharp intellect and fantastic looks, the latter of which did nothing to diminish her academic and feminist credibility (why should it?). A few months later, the song came out and I immediately recognised what it was about. Needless to say, I bought it. One of Knopfler's best, and that's saying something.
  • Jim from Long Beach, CaI love this song. Great lyrics,very Dylanesque..Thanks Dire Straits
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Kiss

KissFact or Fiction

Kiss is the subject of many outlandish rumors - some of which happen to be true. See if you can spot the fakes.

Loudon Wainwright III

Loudon Wainwright IIISongwriter Interviews

"Dead Skunk" became a stinker for Loudon when he felt pressure to make another hit - his latest songs deal with mortality, his son Rufus, and picking up poop.

Grunge Bands Quiz

Grunge Bands QuizMusic Quiz

If the name Citizen Dick means anything to you, there's a chance you'll get some of these right.

Gary LeVox

Gary LeVoxSongwriter Interviews

On "Life Is A Highway," his burgeoning solo career, and the Rascal Flatts song he most connects with.

Justin Timberlake

Justin TimberlakeFact or Fiction

Was Justin the first to be Punk'd by Ashton Kutcher? Did Britney really blame him for her meltdown? Did his bandmates think he was gay?