Lady Writer by Dire Straits

Album: Communiqué (1979)

Charted: 51 45

License This Song

lyrics

artistfacts

songimage

Songfacts®:

According to the 1984 biography of the band, "Lady Writer" was inspired by Marina Warner, who songwriter Mark Knopfler saw on a TV program, hence the opening line "Lady Writer on the TV..." In 1976, Warner, a highly educated polyglot, published a scholarly book about the cult of the Virgin Mary. For some reason her appearance struck a chord with Knopfler, bringing back painful memories of a love that was no more. There's real venom in the song, and it is evident that any resemblance the talented Miss Warner bore to his former lover was strictly physical.
"Lady Writer" was released on the Vertigo label; it was the band's second single, and runs to 3 minutes 45 seconds. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

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

More Songfacts:

Watching The WheelsJohn Lennon

In the late '70s, John Lennon slowed his roll, becoming a househusband who baked bread and took care of his young son Sean. This inspired his song "Watching The Wheels," where he discovers the benefits of taking it easy.

Last NightGood Charlotte

Good Charlotte's video for "Last Night" reconstructs the TV show "Family Double Dare," complete with host Marc Summers.

I'll WaitVan Halen

Michael McDonald co-wrote the Van Halen song "I'll Wait."

StrongerKanye West

A 2011 Gold's Gym poll found "Stronger" by Kanye West the best song to work out to. Second place was the Rocky theme.

The Rubberband ManThe Spinners

"The Rubberband Man" is a "short, fat guy" with rhythm and grace. Spinners producer Thom Bell wrote it to boost the self-esteem of his rotund son.

My GenerationThe Who

Pete Townshend wrote the lyrics for "My Generation" by The Who during a train ride from London to Southampton on his 20th birthday when he was thinking about "trying to find a place in society."