On Every Street Lyrics

Lyric discussion by Henningway 

Cover art for On Every Street lyrics by Dire Straits

Knopfler has a well known style of writing lyrics - he often speaks metaphorically and does not put the meaning in front of the listener's eyes.

I recall him having been parted with his girl friend/wife at the time the song was written. I don't know the circumstances but clearly feel that this song is about this. Other songs on the album describe this matter either, e.g. "Fade to Black".

I once was in the same position: a beloved girl just told me she now was with another man (who I knew was just interested in her lying horizontally! ;)). This song gave me a lot of comfort. Every word was as if I had written it!